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Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
December 12, 2024
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Resource Newsletter Survey
We value your opinion! As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the Resource newsletter, we invite you to participate in a short survey. Your insights will help us tailor future content to better suit your interests and needs.
The survey should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Thank you!
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Braving the Flames: The Stories of Two Women Wildland Firefighters
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry is responsible for protecting the Commonwealth’s 17 million acres of public and private wildlands from damage by wildfire.
Since 1973, Pennsylvania wildland firefighters have assisted with wildfire suppression efforts and other natural disasters throughout the nation. The firefighters who tackle these blazes are resilient, skilled, and unwavering in their commitment, and they demonstrate that courage knows no gender. Here are two stories of remarkable women who make a significant impact in the fight against wildfires. Learn more…
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Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Grows to $19 Billion
Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry saw significant growth last year, contributing $19 billion to the state's economy — a 10 percent increase from 2022 — and representing 2 percent of the Commonwealth's gross domestic product. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the industry now supports over 168,000 jobs that provide $9 billion in wages and salaries to Pennsylvanians, up from 164,000 jobs in 2022.
“My Administration is committed to supporting and growing the outdoor recreation industry, which strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and enhances the quality of life for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike," said Governor Josh Shapiro. “By investing in outdoor recreation, we're not just creating economic opportunity but also celebrating the natural beauty that makes Pennsylvania so unique. We will continue working to make the Commonwealth a national leader, where millions of visitors and residents can go to spend time outside with the people they love."
Since day one, Governor Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy and communities. These efforts are driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs across the Commonwealth. Learn more…
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DCNR Releases Data from Statewide Survey, Lion Poll on Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shared the results of public surveys that will inform and guide the creation of the agency's upcoming 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). One of the key findings — out of more than 8,000 responses — revealed Pennsylvanians' strong connection between outdoor recreation and mental well-being.
“The insights from these surveys are vital for shaping our next statewide plan and addressing the evolving needs of our communities," said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We deeply appreciate the thousands of Pennsylvanians who contributed their perspectives, helping us design more people-focused initiatives for the future."
The findings are the result of surveys aimed at collecting comprehensive, objective feedback for the agency, including a Penn State Lion Poll from a web-panel survey of more than 1,000 adult Pennsylvanians, a public survey, and a recreation providers survey. Key survey highlights include:
- Mental Health Benefits: 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care.
- Top Activities: Walking, running, scenic driving, picnicking, hiking, and visiting historic sites are the most popular outdoor pursuits.
- Bipartisan Support for Funding: Respondents overwhelmingly agree that increasing permanent funding for parks and recreation should be a priority.
- Modernization Needs: Nearly half (46 percent) believe local recreation areas need upgrades.
- Economic Impact: 33 percent plan trips around outdoor recreation, with over half supporting local businesses during outings.
- Barriers: Health limitations are a primary obstacle for older adults and households earning under $75,000 annually.
- Equity Concerns: While most respondents feel welcomed in outdoor spaces, communities of color reported feeling less welcome at higher rates.
- Recreation Provider Challenges: 55 percent of providers identified funding as the top hurdle in hiring, while 66 percent suggested reducing grant match requirements would help secure state funding.
SCORP enables Pennsylvania to remain eligible for federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has provided over $216 million since 1965 to fund projects including: parks and historic sites; forest, river, and wildlife habitat conservation; and access to recreation, hunting, and fishing. Learn more…
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More Than $372,000 in Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants Awarded to Help Protect Pennsylvania’s Natural Environment
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the award of more than $372,000 to 11 projects dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania's native biodiversity.
Administered by DCNR, the Wild Resource Conservation Program works to safeguard the Commonwealth's non-game animals, native plants, and their habitats. Grants are awarded in three categories: species surveys, conservation, and management.
“The Shapiro Administration is proud to support these vital projects, which align with our mission to preserve Pennsylvania's wildlife for future generations," said Secretary Dunn. “Protecting our vulnerable species from climate change, human development, and other threats is a priority, and the Wild Resource Conservation Program plays a key role in achieving this goal."
The 2024 grant round includes projects aimed at growing and surveying Pennsylvania's fungal diversity to assessing natural habitats for stream restoration and improving threatened and endangered wildlife, flora, and fauna. Learn more…
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Shapiro Administration Invests $10 Million in Trails Across Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Williamsport to celebrate a $649,900 grant to Lycoming County that supports Phase 1 of the development of the Susquehanna River Walk Extension and spotlight the Shapiro Administration's significant investment in trails across Pennsylvania.
“When we invest in trails, we are really investing in communities – in the health of the people who live nearby, in their connections to neighboring towns, and in the businesses who provide services to the people who use and visit them," Secretary Dunn said.
Statewide, the investments total more than $10 million to support 36 trail projects.
These investments underscore Governor Josh Shapiro's commitment to expanding recreational opportunities, conserving natural spaces, and strengthening the Commonwealth's communities — all while driving regional economic growth through projects that enrich cultural, civic, recreational, and historic places throughout Pennsylvania. This not only improves the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also creates dynamic spaces that help to attract visitors to the Commonwealth. Learn more...
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Point State Park to Upgrade Amenities, Walkways, Lighting and More Ahead of NFL Draft and America 250 Celebrations in Pittsburgh
Point State Park in Pittsburgh will undergo significant upgrades to prepare for major events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation's 250th anniversary.
The $3.4 million project will include:
- Repairs to walkways and hardscapes
- Utility repairs
- Upgrades to fountain lighting
- Repairs, improvements, and lighting upgrades on the City Side Lawn, flag bastion, and parking lot
- Refreshing of landscaping throughout the park
- Fountain light fixture and controller replacements
- Fountain leak repairs
“These important upgrades to Point State Park's infrastructure are critical to ensuring it remains one of Pennsylvania's most visited places and a staple of Pittsburgh's culture," said State Parks Director John Hallas. “We appreciate the public's patience as we work to enhance this beautiful park in preparation for the 250th anniversary of our nation, the 2026 NFL Draft, and other major events that Point will host in the future. We're confident that once these upgrades are complete, Point State Park will be better than ever before.
DCNR plans to open construction bids in early 2025, with work scheduled from May 2025 through Spring 2026. Updates will be available on DCNR's website or through the park office. Learn more…
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Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Speeds Up Environmental Review Times, ATV Permitting, and More – Making State Government More Efficient
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced significant reductions in processing times across key environmental review areas, demonstrating the Shapiro Administration's commitment to streamlining state government operations for Pennsylvanians in the last two years.
This year, the Bureau of Forestry made notable improvements in processing times:
- Environmental Reviews for Rare or Threatened Species: The Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) environmental review applications are now processed in an average of 10 days, a 67 percent reduction from the 30-day average previously. These reviews are crucial for assessing potential impacts on sensitive ecological features before development projects can proceed, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations.
- Northcentral Regional ATV Trail Permits: Processing times for Northcentral Regional ATV Trail (NRAT) Connector permits have been reduced to an average of three days, down from 14 days — a nearly 80 percent improvement. The NRAT system has generated $23.5 million in revenue over its first three years, boosting tourism in the region.
- Ginseng Certification: The Ecological Services Division has reduced the processing time for ginseng certifications to one day, down from five days. Ginseng harvesting is highly regulated, with strict seasonal and ecological guidelines to protect the species.
The department is also cataloging and prioritizing transactions that can easily be converted from paper to electronic processes to improve efficiency and better serve the public.
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Voting Begins for Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year
The winning river's nominating organization will receive a $10,000 DCNR grant to fund year-long celebrations, including paddling events and community activities. A commemorative poster will also be created to honor the 2025 River of the Year.
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New Manager Announced for Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Corey Shannon to serve as the manager for Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County.
Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in in sport and recreation administration from Temple University. He began his career with the department in June 2021 as a park manager trainee, gaining valuable field experience at Neshaminy, Ridley Creek, and Nockamixon state parks and in the western region state parks office.
Shannon officially began overseeing operations of the 500-acre park in May. Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves the site of George Washington's dramatic boat crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution and is a National Historic Landmark.
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The holiday season is here! No matter how you choose to celebrate, everyone can choose sustainability this season.
Wrapping paper, gift bags, tape, and tags often get tossed after their first use. Here are some ways to help make your gift wrapping and gift giving more eco-friendly:
- Wrap it up -- Use newspaper, magazines, scrap fabric, reusable bags, or even your child’s drawings to wrap gifts. Get creative! String, twine, or yarn can be used to hold everything together. You can find templates to make gift bags, gift boxes, and more out of pretty much anything you have lying around.
- Save the scraps -- Save scraps of string, yarn, gift bags, and wrapping paper you receive to use next year. Use small bits of trimmings left over from your Christmas tree or other greenery as accents on your gifts or decor.
- Reuse your cards -- Save your holiday cards to be reused or repurposed. Cut the back off a card to use it as a post card or create a custom shaped gift tag. Envelopes are another great source of craft paper for name cards, etc. Some charities also accept donations of used holiday cards.
- Look for sustainable options -- Can’t let go of your patterned wrapping paper? There are some recyclable and compostable wrapping paper and ribbons available.
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Held January 1, 2025, in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, First Day Hikes are guided, free hikes that are part of a national effort to promote both healthy lifestyles and getting people outdoors year-round.
Additional information is available at DCNR’s calendar of events for the following state parks and forests offering First Day Hikes:
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| The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would like to wish you a happy holiday season.
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