Davis presented a proclamation to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announcing July 20 as Outdoors for All Day, highlighting the Commonwealth’s wealth of public outdoor spaces that make Pennsylvania a place for a Great American Getaway for all Pennsylvanians.
The agency supports hundreds of outdoor-related projects annually, having invested $1.2 billion in 8,800 projects since 1995.
“During the pandemic, the Second Lady and I took the opportunity -- just as many Pennsylvanians did -- to enjoy our Commonwealth’s incredible state parks,” said Lt. Governor Austin Davis. “Now that our family has grown, we can’t wait to take our daughter to some of the places we hiked and show her the wonders of nature. Our state parks are a true blessing, and on Outdoors for All Day, I would encourage every Pennsylvanian -- no matter what you look like or what your physical abilities may be -- to experience all of the benefits the outdoors can provide.”
State parks like Point offer fantastic outdoor experiences that truly make Pennsylvania -- The Great American Getaway.
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting 164,000 jobs, and accounting for 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
“The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources supports local parks, trails and outdoor recreation-related projects across Pennsylvania to increase access and quality experiences in nature,” DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz said. “We are excited to celebrate Outdoors for All Day today and thank the Shapiro-Davis administration for support of public lands at all levels.”
Gov. Shapiro also recently launched The Great American Getaway on an recreational vehicle tour across Pennsylvania, becoming the first sitting Governor to spend the night in a state park with overnights at Lyman Run and Hickory Run.
“Pennsylvania’s outdoors are an integral part of our economy and our ability to create communities that are vibrant and fulfilling for residents and visitors alike,” Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner said. “Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk or spending the day on the trail, we want to make clear that there is something for everyone in the outdoors, including quality jobs that help protect and promote natural spaces.”
Pittsburgh is home to 165 parks spanning 3,600 acres, each featuring its own unique identity shaped by its cultural resources, historic landscape, natural features, and recreational amenities.
The city boasts a top-20 ranked system nationally that has a range of activities that range from passive recreation to approved camping to help promote equitable access.
“One of the things I love about our great city is our fantastic parks,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. “I and many residents enjoy every opportunity to walk, bike or just sit and enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding us. Point State Park is a great example of how green space makes the city a great place to live and play. The work the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does makes it possible for everyone to enjoy quality outdoor recreation experiences.”
The Department works to conserve and maintain Pennsylvania’s public natural resources for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come.
The Department is taking intentional action to ensure Department lands are accessible to all, to provide inclusive and equitable programs and services, and to recruit and retain a diverse workforce in a way that resonates with all Pennsylvanians, regardless of background.
“Our mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment,” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Director Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith said. “We are hopeful that Outdoors for All Day helps all Pennsylvanians to see themselves in the outdoors and to consider exploring a new park or outdoor activity going forward.”
Click Here to see photos from the July 20 event.
Aug. 3 Pittsburgh Event
Alongside the Game Commission, the Department is also hosting an Explore Pennsylvania Outdoors event in partnership from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at Point State Park.
The free festival-style event will highlight various activities including archery, boating, fishing, hunting, scavenger hunting, trapping, biking, nature walks, and more.
Many state parks, public libraries, and nonprofits have loaner equipment, gear libraries, and offer programming around enhancing outdoor experiences for prospective visitors.
Additionally, businesses like outfitters offer rental equipment for people who would like to try outdoor activities but do not have the necessary gear.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, 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.
NewsClip:
-- WPXI: State Leaders, Families Celebrate ‘Outdoors For All’ Day In Pittsburgh [Video]
Related Articles:
-- DCNR Sets July 31 Public Meeting On Final Conceptual Plans For Susquehanna Riverlands State Park In York County [PaEN]
-- July 19 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation [PaEN]
-- DCNR Blog: Playgrounds For All Abilities
-- Fish & Boat Commission Awards $203,527 In Grants To Support Fishing & Boating Education Projects [PaEN]
-- PA Natural Heritage Program Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting New Species Discovered, Growing Impacts Of Invasive Species, State Wildlife Action Plan Update [PaEN]
-- Natural Lands Acts To Preserve 14 Acre Painter Farmstead In Chester County's Hopewell Big Woods [PaEN]
-- State Museum Of PA: July 26 Webinar: Pennsylvania Caves - Time Capsules Of The Past Featuring Rose-Anna Behr, PA Geological Survey [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- WITF: What’s New To Come At Pennsylvania State Parks
-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: State Budget Increases In-Lieu Of Tax Payments To Local Governments, School Districts For Land Owned By DCNR, Game Commission
-- Scranton Times: DCNR Seeking Members For NextGen Council To Advise On Conservation, Recreation
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Explore The Watery Delights Of Pennsylvania’s Seven Tubs In Luzerne County
-- Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown Native Leah Yingling Tackles 100-Mile Courses As Ultrarunner: ‘Great Way To See The World’
-- Scranton Times: Wild Wellness NE PA Aims To Collaborate On Inclusive, Accessible Outdoor Programs
-- Warren Times Editorial: Be Wary Of Growing Government [Big Elk Creek State Park Development]
-- Warren Times: Dozens of Volunteers Work To Restore Habitat In US Forest Service, DCNR, National Deer Assn. Project
-- Inquirer: Five Summer Family-Friendly Hikes Near Philadelphia
-- Ellwood City Ledger - Brian Whipkey: PA Kayaker Collects 100 Tons Of Trash, Including Toilets, From Lakes And Reservoirs
-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Newsletter: Timber Products From Thoughtful Management; Who Lives In Our Woods?; Reflections From The Forest; Upcoming Events
-- PA Wilds Center Launches New Artisan Collaborative To Develop New Product Lines, Grow In-Region Businesses
-- The Derrick: Fish & Boat Commission Magazine Touts Allegheny Valley Conservancy [PDF of article]
-- The Derrick: Allegheny Valley Conservancy To Hold Allegheny River Sojourn Aug. 2 [PDF of article]
-- Lehigh Valley’s Wildlands Conservancy Highlights August Programs, Upcoming Stream Team Volunteer Opportunities; Explorer Day Camp For Kids
-- Post-Gazette: PA’s First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Allegheny County
-- DEP West Nile Virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus County Status Map
[Posted: July 20, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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