DCNR: Grid-Scale Solar Energy Installations Are Not Permitted On Any DCNR Lands Or On Lands That Have Received DCNR Grant Funds

On April 23, the satirical publication The Keystone Ledger published a story widely distributed on Facebook about a completely fictional 6,400 acre grid-scale solar energy facility supposedly to be built in Sproul State Forest somewhere in Clinton and Centre counties.

The post said "Harrisburg" gave its approval to the project calling it a "minimal change in land use."

The fact that it was fictional was not disclosed unless you clicked on comments.

Judging from those comments, more than a few people were sucked in by the made-up project.

Because the post did not mention what the REAL policies of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are, here's a quick refresher.

DCNR spokesperson Wesley Robinson pointed PA Environment Digest to DCNR's Solar Energy webpage for the real story.

"Grid-scale solar installations are not permitted on DCNR lands, nor on lands that have received DCNR grant funds."

Solar Guidelines For Property Owners

The department does support advancing grid-scale solar on other properties while minimizing negative environmental impacts through informed planning and decision-making processes. 

DCNR has developed guidance for landowners, developers, planners, and local officials for the siting and construction of grid-scale solar projects.

The guidance outlines 10 considerations for siting best practices and eight for sustainable design. These include:

-- Prioritize the conservation and protection of mature forests, recreational lands, plant and wildlife habitat, and vital ecosystems

-- Prioritize siting on already disturbed lands

-- Co-locate near existing energy infrastructure

-- Avoid and minimize erosion and sedimentation

-- Actively protect and restore wildlife habitat to include and support native species

-- Include decommissioning that restores the land to the same condition as it was before

Solar Energy In State Parks & Forests

DCNR is building solar panels to power buildings, facilities, and even whole state parks and forest areas when possible. 

The agency looks for the best places to put solar panels. Some factors are:

-- Facilities already being renovated or built

-- Solar energy can meet the power needs

-- Sunlight is available

-- Site conditions are good

-- Across state parks and forests, there are now 38 solar panel systems with a total capacity of 4,548 kW DC. 

100% Renewable By 2030

By 2030, DCNR plans to get 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. Some will come from solar power produced on DCNR park and forest land. 

The department also participates in the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PA PULSE) initiative. The rest is from other renewable sources.

Visit DCNR's Solar Energy for the real story.

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.  Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.

[Posted: April 27, 2026]  PA Environment Digest