Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
September 24, 2025
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Pennsylvania is Growing the Outdoor Economy – and Helping Businesses Thrive |
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Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy is on the rise — and thanks to bold leadership, strategic investment, and collaboration across sectors, a new Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania is poised to deliver real results for small businesses, workers, and communities across the Commonwealth.
Governor Josh Shapiro recently laid out concrete steps to grow the outdoor recreation economy to support the state’s $19 billion outdoor industry, which now boosts more than 168,000 jobs statewide. His message was clear: outdoor recreation is not just a lifestyle in Pennsylvania — it’s an economic engine.
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| Shapiro Administration Announces Plans for Sunday Hunting in State Parks and Forests, Phased Approach for 2025-26 Season on Public Lands |
Phased approach prioritizes safety, protects non-hunting visitors, and allows staff to adjust operations for a smooth rollout.
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| New Toolkit Available to Help Older Pennsylvanians Connect with the Outdoors and Improve Their Health |
Developed by the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Aging, and Health, the toolkit gives caregivers, long-term care facilities, and community organizations practical strategies — including indoor nature guides, low-cost adaptations, and research on 10 proven physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation.
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| DCNR Releases First-Ever Comprehensive Trail Data Resource for Pennsylvania State Parks |
New digital trail information covers more than 1,700 miles across Pennsylvania state parks, creating a more robust resource park visitors, land managers, and developers.
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There are thousands of trails in Pennsylvania state parks and forests to explore!
Before heading out, make sure to follow these tips to help keep you safe:
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- Stop by the state park or forest office for a free map and talk with staff about the best trails for you. Maps can also be downloaded on our website.
- Find out how the trail is rated for difficulty and be realistic about your endurance.
- Wear properly fitting footwear with good grip and socks to avoid injuries or blisters.
- Know when the major hunting seasons begin and end and be sure to wear bright orange when hiking in areas open to hunting.
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Bring more water than you think you will need — it’s very easy to get dehydrated.
- If hiking alone, let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
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Connect with nature and learn about the forest with a Walk in Penn’s Woods!
Enjoy a guided walk on Sunday, October 5 to learn more about Pennsylvania’s forests and gain easy access to expert forestry, wildlife, and natural resources professionals.
Find even more walks not on DCNR lands, listed by county on the Walk in Penn’s Woods website.
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A crew of DCNR firefighters served a two-week deployment at the Lee, Yellowjacket, and Derby fires in Colorado.
These out-of-state assignments provide critical support to partner agencies while building valuable experience for our crews. That experience strengthens our readiness back home, where DCNR responds to an average of 1,000 wildfires each year.
DCNR would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire crew for their efforts.
Photo courtesy of Crew Boss John Hecker.
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Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr
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