DCNR Releases Public Feedback on the Future of Pennsylvania’s State Parks

Harrisburg, PA — Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the release of a preliminary report gleaned from results of an extensive two-year survey seeking public input on the future of Pennsylvania’s state parks. More than 10,000 respondents offered recommendations how the commonwealth can improve the visitor experience.

“Commenting on everything from pets in campgrounds to trails and beaches, thousands commented on what they like, dislike and hope to see someday in their state parks,” Dunn said. “This information shaped recommendations that will help in the creation of a strategic plan to ensure the Pennsylvania state park system remains as relevant and valuable to future generations as it has been to current and past generations.”

Presented in DCNR’s Penn’s Parks for All Preliminary Report (PDF) is a summary of results from the various surveys, along with proposed recommendations to guide the management of Pennsylvania state parks for the next 25 years.

In response to today’s release of the preliminary report, the department’s website now features downloadable information detailing survey findings and includes a public comment tool to address recommendations suggested as a result of this input.

Recommendations in DCNR’s “Penn’s Parks for All” report address: improvement of outdoor recreation opportunities; expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities; protection of resources from recreation impacts; offering of more “active adventure activities;” expansion of overnight accommodations; protection of parks’ natural and cultural resources;  parks’ financial support; and improved services and facilities.

“As part of an effort to stimulate and encourage public input in this effort, I am requesting all park and park complex managers to schedule public informational meetings before mid-December of this year for Friends Groups, stakeholders, park visitors and the public,” said DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks Director John Hallas. “This will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the preliminary report and how to provide comment through the bureau’s website.”

Public comment on these survey responses and resultant recommendations will be accepted online and in writing until December 31, 2019.  For online participation, visit the DCNR website.  Address written comments to: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of State Parks’ Planning Section, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551.

Seeking additional information, scheduled stakeholder meetings will be held at state parks throughout the state this fall and early next year. A final report is planned in summer 2020.

It has been 25 years since DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks underwent its last strategic planning effort — StateParks 2000. That effort guided state park improvements that included the  modernization of facilities; expanded environmental education programs; and designated natural areas in to better protect sensitive or special natural resources.

Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks total almost 300,000 acres. Together with DCNR’s state forest system, they are one of the largest expanses of public lands in the eastern United States.

For state park information, visit the DCNR website.