DCNR Cancels ALL Organized Events, Programs, Volunteer Days In ALL State Parks, Forests Thru April 30

On March 13, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it has canceled ALL organized events, programs and volunteer days at ALL State Parks and State Forests in the state through April 30 due to coronavirus concerns.

DCNR has closed its State Parks in Delaware and Montgomery counties pursuant to the Governor’s March 12 & 13 announcement of coronavirus closures.  Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County and Evansburg, Fort Washington, and Norristown Farm Park in Montgomery County are closed to visitors for 14 days.

This cancellation of events applies to all public educational programs, special events such as races and festivals, and teacher and other trainings. This includes programming by Friends groups and the PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

Overnight accommodations such as tent camping, cabins, and camping cottages will remain open during the event cancellations.

With the exception of the closed state parks in Delaware and Montgomery counties, fishing will continue to be allowed at Pennsylvania state parks and forests. The Fish and Boat Commission will continue to stock trout, and fishing on mentored youth days and opening days will be permitted.

“As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, we want to assure our visitors that their health and safety is a primary concern,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We are taking extra precaution by canceling group activities in an effort to minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19, while still allowing visitors access to the recreation and beautiful outdoor places, including fishing during the upcoming trout season, that can help their physical and mental health.”

If you have questions, contact your State Park or State Forest.

For more information on the coronavirus and to keep up-to-date, visit the Department of Health’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage, Follow them on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook. 

Click Here for this week’s PA Coronavirus NewsClips.

  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.

[Posted: March 13, 2020]  PA Environment Digest