On March 31, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said it has placed over 700 of its 958 State Parks and Forests seasonal wage employees on leave without pay in response to Gov. Wolf’s call to reduce state government costs.
DCNR is currently operating with all of its facilities closed through April 30, but lands and trails remain open to the public.
Salaried employees who are able are teleworking.
State Parks
These are the changes in State Park staffing--
-- Maintenance/Support Staff: 632 employees such as maintenance, custodial, environmental educators, lifeguards, and administrative support employees are being placed on or will remain on leave without pay.
-- Interns/Annuitants: 7 employees such as interns, annuitants and food service workers were separated.
-- Law Enforcement/Critical Support: 85 employees who are law enforcement (rangers) and other critical support staff (such as sewage treatment plant operators) will remain at work.
Forestry
These are the changes in staffing affecting State Forests--
-- Resource Managers: 77 wage employees including resource managers, maintenance, equipment operators, and administrative support will remain on leave without pay.
-- Wildfire Support: 157 wage employees will remain or are being brought back to work to assist during the spring wildfire season. March through April is the busiest wildfire season in Pennsylvania. These staff are trained to prepare equipment and respond to and put out wildfires across the state.
Employees in a leave without pay status remain employees and can return to their positions when they are needed.
Natural Areas Critical
DCNR noted access to nature and the outdoors is more critical than ever for our well-being in these unprecedented times. Outdoor recreation is encouraged close to home, such as in your yard or neighborhood.
Keep Social Distance/Leave No Trace
State parks and forests are experiencing record attendance this spring. Social distancing must be practiced outdoors, including avoiding busy/crowded areas. Visitors also are encouraged to carry out everything they bring with them.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
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[Posted: March 31, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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