DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Meets Jan. 26 With New Director Of Outdoor Recreation, Broadband, 2022 Priorities

The DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting January 26 on a variety of topics.

New Director Of Outdoor Recreation

Nathan Reigner, Ph.D. joins his first CNRAC meeting as the State's first Director of Outdoor Recreation.  Nathan will discuss his initial thoughts on elevating and supporting outdoor recreation efforts across the Commonwealth through equitable access, investments, conservation, collaboration, and business development.

Broadband

Mike Walsh, DCNR Deputy Secretary for Administration, will discuss DCNR’s involvement with the State’s comprehensive efforts to invest in and improve broadband access in Pennsylvania.

Update On PA Wilds Training Flights

CNRAC joined many other organizations in reviewing the draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on the Duke Low MOA by the Maryland Air National Guard.  

The Environmental Assessment proposes modifying the airspace over parts of north central Pennsylvania for training. 

The proposal lowers the existing Duke Military Operating Area (MOA) from 8,000 feet to 100 feet above ground level; the primary Pennsylvania counties impacted would be Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Tioga.  

CNRAC's letter requested more public involvement opportunities and the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement. 

Other Items

These other items appear on the agenda--

-- DCNR Secretary Dunn’s Report/Priorities for 2022

-- Changes to State Forest Camping Fees

-- DCNR Legislative Reports

-- CNRAC Work Group Reports

-- Public Comments

Public Comment

There will be two opportunities for public comment at the meeting.  If you are interested in presenting comments, please advise by email to kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, so we can add you as an active participant.  

You can provide comments at the beginning of the meeting or at the end of the meeting.  You may also provide comments or questions after the meeting by emailing the same address or through the Council's webpage.

To Join The Meeting

The January 26 Council meeting will be held via WebEx from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.  Click Here to register to attend.

Future Meeting Topics

Part of CNRAC’s role is to help inform the public and interested stakeholders about issues and opportunities affecting our natural and recreational resources. As they plan out their topics of discussion in 2022, they are looking for your input.

Click Here to take a one-question survey of topics of interest to you. 

For more information, visit DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council webpage.  To be added to the Council's email update list, send your information to: kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com.  

[Posted: January 19, 2022]  PA Environment Digest