pa-state-parks

DCNR to host ‘first day’ hikes at Pa. state parks to boost health, foster connection to public lands

BY: - December 20, 2022

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced this week that it will host nearly 60 guided hikes in 34 state parks and three forest districts on New Year’s Day as part of the nationwide “First Day Hike” effort to promote a “healthy start in the new year.”

Wolf admin announces location for three new state parks

BY: - September 27, 2022

The Wolf administration announced in July that there would be three additions to the commonwealth’s state park system, bringing the total number of state parks from 121 to 124, but at the time, details about the locations of the parks were not yet public. 

Pa. will add 3 new parks to state park system, Wolf admin. says

BY: - July 13, 2022

Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement in a Tweet on Tuesday that the commonwealth will make its first addition to the commonwealth’s state park system since 2005, bringing the total number of state parks in Pennsylvania to 124. 

Capital-Star Q+A: Nathan Reigner, Pa.’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation

BY: - April 17, 2022

To learn more about him, the role, and the future of outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania, the Capital-Star joined Reigner on a hike in Weiser State Forest in northeastern Dauphin County.

State park entrance fees across the nation. How does Pa. stack up? | The Numbers Racket

BY: - March 14, 2022

And while Pennsylvania’s state parks are free to visitors, did you know that just nine states have completely fee-free state parks?

‘We’re almost at a crisis point’: DCNR reiterates $1.4B in infrastructure needs at state parks, forests

BY: - February 14, 2022

With budget talks set to begin in the House Tuesday, Norbeck is hopeful that DCNR’s continued calls for action will be heard, citing a “convergence of understanding” gleaned from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DCNR seeks applicants for new public input council

BY: - December 9, 2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said in a statement Thursday that it is seeking applicants for its new Next Gen Council, an advisory group that would “inform the agency’s work, advance diversity, equity and inclusion and create lasting change and necessary conditions to ensure all Pennsylvanians feel welcome on public lands.”

New contract provisions aim to help Pa. parks reduce plastic waste | Five for the Weekend

BY: - November 6, 2021

The new provisions will prevent the use of plastic bags, straws and cutlery at state park concession stands, calling for them to be replaced with "compostable, paper, wood, or plant fiber alternatives, according to a statement from DCNR.

The need for fees? DCNR says ‘no’ to visitor fees for infrastructure repair costs

BY: - October 12, 2021

The visit comes a week after Dunn made a stop at Shikellamy State Park in Northumberland and Union counties, which needs $56 million in repairs. All told, Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks need a total of $1.4 billion in infrastructure repairs and upgrades, but DCNR doesn’t have the money to pay for them. 

Pa. parks need $1.4B for infrastructure repairs, improvements, DCNR says

BY: - October 8, 2021

Speaking from Shikellamy State Park, which needs some $56 million in upgrades, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said Friday that many parks in the aging system “are increasingly facing operating challenges because of infrastructure needs.”

State parks to host volunteers, in-person programs beginning in April

BY: - March 26, 2021

Beginning on April 4, the same day that Wolf said restaurants can host 75 percent capacity and resume bar service, DCNR will welcome visitors back to its visitors centers, offices and other events and program facilities at 75 percent capacity. 

DCNR sends out-of-state park visitors without a negative COVID test packing

BY: - November 25, 2020

The requirement was announced last week by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.