PA Healthy Lands Week Sept. 26-Oct. 4: Bedford County Volunteers Will Turn Their Passion Into Action With Stewardship Activities All Week

Pennsylvania is home to extraordinary natural, cultural, and historic resources — and these places thrive only when people step forward to care for them. 

Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week (September 26–October 4, 2026) highlights how residents and visitors can get involved. 

This year, Bedford County takes center stage with a special event on September 24 at Shawnee State Park Amphitheater (near campground entrance), 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg starting at 10:30 a.m.

“Healthy Lands Week is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). “Stewardship and volunteerism protect the environment, improve our well‑being, and strengthen both community pride and the local economy. People enjoy countless recreational opportunities in our state parks and forests. Next week, we’re inviting everyone to turn their passion into action by volunteering and giving something back.”

Jen Marsh, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, says Bedford County is an ideal place to highlight stewardship-- “Bedford County has embraced outdoor recreation as an economic engine. 

“We’re investing in new trail connections, expanding access to parks and historic sites, and elevating outdoor recreation as a driver of economic growth. But these assets thrive only when volunteers help to maintain them. Stewardship benefits the entire community.”

“Outdoor recreation is one of Pennsylvania’s greatest attractions,” said Brandon Hoover, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Specialist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources DCNR). “It connects people to local economies, ecologies, and to each other by attracting trail users, anglers, paddlers, and heritage tourists … and it’s a gateway to deeper appreciation for conservation.” 

Healthy Lands Week is a key goal in the PA Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to support the volunteers who protect and improve Pennsylvania’s public lands.

Jim McCorkle, Park Manager at Shawnee State Park, is eager to welcome volunteers. “We have several fun projects lined up to restore trails, clean up litter, improve habitats, and care for the park.”

Karli Naugle, District Forester for Buchanan State Forest, sees a connection between past and present. “Several projects involve restoring sites built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 100 years ago. The roads, bridges, trails, and picnic shelters they built still benefit us generations later.”

Tina Molski, former Chairperson of the PPFF Board and recently retired Director of Operations for REI’s Northeast Distribution Center in Bedford County, appreciates just how special our outdoor resources are: "Now that I’m retired, I’m excited to enjoy them, and to help care for them, so they remain a source of adventure and pride for generations to come.”

Mike Teeter, a current REI employee and the PPFF Vice-Chairman, agrees. “Pennsylvania has so much to offer outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It’s great to be part of something that helps promote us as a destination.”

Visit the Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week website to learn about volunteer events around Pennsylvania.

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation supports 125 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities, and donations through its 45+ chapters. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR To Update Mineral Extraction Policy On Lands It Owns In Response To Interest In Extracting Minerals, Other Than Oil & Gas  [PaEN] 

-- PA Healthy Lands Week Sept. 26-Oct. 4: Bedford County Volunteers Will Turn Their Passion Into Action With Stewardship Activities All Week  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Grants: North Pocono Trail Opens; ATV/Snowmobile Grants; Gettysburg Inner Loop; Nov. 5 Applicant Webinar 

-- PA Environmental Council Now Accepting Applications For PA Water Trail Mini-Grants; Applicant Webinar Oct. 5  [PaEN] 

-- Outdoor Business Alliance Of PA: Sept. 28 Webinar On Engaging With Your Tourism Promotion Agency + Chamber Of Commerce, Noon to 1:00 p.m.

NewsClips:

-- Morning Call: PA Fall Foliage Forecast 2026: When Will Leaves Change In Lehigh Valley?

-- TribLive: Leaf Colors ‘Leaning Toward The Better Side’ As Fall Viewing Season Arrives

-- PennLive: When Will Peak Season For Fall Foliage Arrive?

-- Observer-Reporter: Montour, Panhandle Touted As Key Segments Of Great American Rail Trail

-- Reading Eagle: Reading Moves Ahead With $4.5 Million Hillside Splash Park

-- TribLive: Accessible, Paved Trail Opens At Settlers Cabin Park In Allegheny County

-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Latest Highlights From Fall Raptor Migration; Upcoming Experiences On The Mountain 

[Posted: September 23, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

DCNR To Update Mineral Extraction Policy On Lands It Owns In Response To Interest In Extracting Minerals, Other Than Oil & Gas

On September 23, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said it is developing a new mineral extraction policy for DCNR lands intended to address future types of extraction, but it will not be changing how oil and gas is managed on State Forest land.

Nicole Faraguna, DCNR Policy Director, told the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council-- “The [existing] policy is intended for DCNR to evaluate and manage our oil gas and mineral extraction on DCNR lands.

“Our management of oil and gas development really isn't changing as a part of this [new] policy.”

“And it also upholds the moratorium as long as that moratorium is in place and does not allow for new oil and gas leases.”

“This [new] policy really is intended to address future types of extraction, establishing protocols, procedures, criteria for other potential forms of extraction, which we're already receiving inquiries about, including limestone and rare earth materials.”

“We want to make sure we have clear precedence and clarified procedures and best management practices, which we already have in place again for oil and gas development that's already occurring on DCNR lands.”

“It ensures a senior level evaluation before the Secretary’s final review and consideration; 

“It upholds, of course, our science paced and data driven approach to decision making; 

“It ensures a higher level of transparency and a fair playing field; and 

“Esures that DCNR's trustee responsibilities [under the Environmental Rights Amendment] and mission are central in any future extraction decisions we make.”

“We will continue to prioritize our ecological, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.”

“We are always deploying strategies that minimize and seek to avoid and minimize impacts on DCNR lands. And we do require mitigation actions to ensure that lands are restored as necessary.”

“And for new forms of extraction, we would not allow for surface disturbance, except in those rare cases where it may be for safety standards or to reduce broader cumulative impacts to the resource.”

“When we think about extraction on DCNR lands, there has to be a strong public benefit that outweighs any impacts and ensures the sustainable management of the lands over time.”

“Public benefit can mean supporting economic growth and jobs, energy security and affordability, but DCNR is looking beyond that.”

“We are looking in terms of how this extraction can lower our carbon footprint, can support local and domestic industries, and how we can keep these industries to a higher level of standards when it comes to sustainability.”

“We will evaluate cumulative impacts, understanding what the potential impact on the resource is and whether that activity will result in additional impacts over time.”

“DCNR will assess extraction activities based on the following criteria, social, environmental, economic, climate and carbon, industry standards, restoration and environmental justice.”

Faraguna said-- “I will be sharing a final draft with CNRAC members for review and feedback in the next week or two before we actually finalize the policy.”

[Visit DCNR’s Natural Gas Management webpage to learn more about how natural gas development is managed on State Forest lands.  

[Click Here for shale gas infrastructure on State Forest land.]

Visit DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council webpage for more information on the Council.  Questions should be directed to cnrac-admin@growconservation.com. 

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.

(Photos: Documented shale gas development impacts in Tioga State Forest by Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group-- top- Tioga State Forest well pads; bottom-- Baldwin Run Road 24/7 shale gas highway; Recently cleared pipeline right-of-way between Baldwin Run and Norris Brook.)

Resource Links - State Forest Land Shale Gas Development:

-- DCNR House Budget Hearing: House Republicans Proposed More Shale Drilling In State Forest Land, Under State Parks; Gas Drilling Has Caused The Loss Of 30,000 Acres Of Core State Forest Land So Far  [PaEN] 

-- Guest Comments: How Is PA General Energy Allowed To Destroy Natural Forest Values To Which I Am Entitled To Enjoy With Its Shale Gas Well Pad And Access Road Project In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County? - By Cynthia Bower, Resident  [PaEN]

-- Guest Comments: Jacoby & Cove Mountains In Loyalsock State Forest Will Be Degraded For Generations By PA General Energy's 'Saluda' Shale Gas Access Road, Staging Area Project In Lycoming County -  By Barbara Jarmoska, Resident  [PaEN]

-- Guest Comments: PA General Energy Shale Gas Road, Well Pads Project Would Close Access To State Forest Land, Threaten Already Threatened Forest Bird Species In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County -- By Bruce Buckle, President, Lycoming Audubon Society  [PaEN]

-- PA Trout Unlimited, Keystone Trails Assn., Responsible Drilling Alliance Request DEP To Hold Hearing On Permit For PA General Energy 3.9 Mile Shale Gas Access Road/Staging Area In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County [PaEN]

-- Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group Update: Industrial Shale Gas Development In Tioga State Forest Prioritizes Industry Profit Over Constitutional Mandate To Preserve, Protect State Forest Lands  [PaEN]

-- Member Of Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group Briefs DCNR Advisory Council On Siting Of Shale Gas Well Pad On State Forest Land To Accommodate Taking Gas From Private Land In Tioga County  [PaEN] 

-- Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group Asks DCNR To Protect State Forest Land From Seneca Shale Gas Drilling Well Pad, Comply With PA Supreme Court Decision, Protect Recreation, Wildlife [PaEN] 

-- PA Environmental Defense Foundation Files Court Motion To Prevent Unconstitutional Spending Of DCNR Oil & Gas Revenues For Nonconservation Purposes  [PaEN] 

-- PA Supreme Court: Accounting Required For Environmental Rights Amendment Trust Fund Money From State Forest Oil & Gas Drilling [PaEN] 

-- PA Environmental Defense Foundation Asks The PA Supreme Court To Overturn Lower Court Ruling Challenging DCNR's State Forest Plan Allowing Gas Drilling [PaEN] 

-- PA Supreme Court Again Declares Transfers From DCNR Oil & Gas Fund Unconstitutional Under Environmental Rights Amendment [PaEN]

Related Articles This Week:

-- House Environmental Committee To Hold Oct. 5 Hearing On New DEP Conventional Oil & Gas ‘Mineral Brine’ Permit Allowing Unrestricted, Unlimited Road Dumping Of Contaminated Water  [PaEN] 

-- US EPA Invites Comments On Reissuance Of Expired EXCO Resources (PA) Oil & Gas Waste Injection Well Permit In Bell Twp., Clearfield County; Virtual Hearing Set For Oct. 27 [If Requested]  [PaEN] 

-- CNX Gas Co. Announces Expansion Of 'Radical Transparency' Initiative To Include Disclosure Of Radiation Monitoring Results At Some Facilities; Groups Say Monitoring Is Not Comprehensive Enough  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Environmental Health Project Blog: So You Don’t Want To Live Near Natural Gas Facilities - A Guide To Homebuying In Southwest PA 

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Why Do Pennsylvania Elected Officials Want To Take My Family’s Oil & Gas Rights From Us By Retroactively Changing Laws?  - By Jeff Sloan, Thorne Family Member 

-- Post-Gazette: Home Heating Oil Prices In Western PA Have Ballooned, Diesel Prices Are Highest In 48 Years

-- WTAE: Higher Gas Prices Hit Drivers Where It Hurts In Allegheny County; Drivers Make Tough Financial Decisions

-- TribLive: Westmoreland Transit Authority Gasoline Costs Went From $55,000 to $92,000/Month, Looking For Alternatives 

-- The Citizens’ Voice: ‘Skyrocketing’ Diesel Prices Impacting NE PA Businesses

[Posted: September 23, 2026] PA Environment Digest

US EPA Invites Comments On Reissuance Of Expired EXCO Resources (PA) Oil & Gas Waste Injection Well Permit In Bell Twp., Clearfield County; Virtual Hearing Set For Oct. 27 [If Requested]

On September 23, the US Environmental Protection Agency published notice inviting comments on the reissuance of an expired EXCO Resources (PA) Irvin A-19 oil and gas waste UIC Class IID disposal injection well permit for a facility located in Bell Township, Clearfield County.

The initial EPA permit was originally issued for this well on October 19, 2015 and expires on October 19, 2025.

DEP issued a permit reclassifying the well for disposal of oil and gas waste on July 13, 2005.

The EPA permit would authorize the injection of up to 1,134,000 gallons of oil and gas waste per month or 13,608,000 gallons per year at the well, the same limit the well has currently.

According to annual reports received by EPA, in 2025 this injection well accepted 3,259,830 gallons of oil and gas waste for disposal, including 271,194 gallons of waste after the permit expired.

Tentative Hearing

A virtual hearing will be held October 27-- if requested-- starting at 6:00 p.m.

Requests to hold this public hearing must be received by the EPA via email or telephone by October 20, 2026 to this email: R3_UIC_Mailbox@epa.gov.   

Click Here for information on joining the hearing.  No registration is required.

Public comments are due October 27 and should be sent to: R3_UIC_Mailbox@epa.gov.

Click Here to read the entire EPA notice + other permit-related documents.

Visit the EPA Irvin A-19 Injection Well webpage for more information on the well.

Related Articles This Week:

-- House Environmental Committee To Hold Oct. 5 Hearing On New DEP Conventional Oil & Gas ‘Mineral Brine’ Permit Allowing Unrestricted, Unlimited Road Dumping Of Contaminated Water  [PaEN] 

-- CNX Gas Co. Announces Expansion Of 'Radical Transparency' Initiative To Include Disclosure Of Radiation Monitoring Results At Some Facilities; Groups Say Monitoring Is Not Comprehensive Enough  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Environmental Health Project Blog: So You Don’t Want To Live Near Natural Gas Facilities - A Guide To Homebuying In Southwest PA 

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Why Do Pennsylvania Elected Officials Want To Take My Family’s Oil & Gas Rights From Us By Retroactively Changing Laws?  - By Jeff Sloan, Thorne Family Member 

-- Post-Gazette: Home Heating Oil Prices In Western PA Have Ballooned, Diesel Prices Are Highest In 48 Years

-- WTAE: Higher Gas Prices Hit Drivers Where It Hurts In Allegheny County; Drivers Make Tough Financial Decisions

-- TribLive: Westmoreland Transit Authority Gasoline Costs Went From $55,000 to $92,000/Month, Looking For Alternatives 

-- The Citizens’ Voice: ‘Skyrocketing’ Diesel Prices Impacting NE PA Businesses

[Posted: September 23, 2026] PA Environment Digest