DCNR Seeking Online Public Input On Pennsylvania’s Public & Private Forests

On June 29, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn invited public input in an online survey helping DCNR chart the future course for forestlands in Pennsylvania.  

“As the department moves forward in developing a new strategic plan, those who  appreciate, work in or recreate in Pennsylvania’s  forests have a remarkable opportunity to shape the future management and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s forest resources,” Dunn said. ”I encourage all to become a part of this state’s rich forest planning heritage by completing the survey.”  

Beginning July 1 and continuing through August 31, the survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.  

Stakeholders, outdoors enthusiasts and others who visit and enjoy approximately 17 million acres of forestlands in Pennsylvania will be asked to weigh in on perceived individual forest use, and personal values placed on forests. . 

DCNR is in the process of writing a new strategic plan, designed to set its mission and overarching goals. It guides how the department provides leadership in forest management and conservation on both public and private lands in urban and rural areas.

Reflected in the public survey are questions designed to shape how DCNR: 

-- Considers opinions and attitudes of citizens about forests and the agency’s work;

-- Steers its mission, goals, objectives and the methods used to achieve them;

-- Weighs attitudes and opinions on

     -- Forest restoration, watershed protection, plants, wildlife and biodiversity;

      -- Working forests and the resources that come from them such as oil, gas and timber;

     -- Recreational activities such as hiking, biking and motorized;

     -- Climate change;

     -- Forest education, outreach, and understanding of forest management practice and wood products; and

     -- Value of trees and forest products.

Click Here to take the survey.

In 2018, DCNR held a series of public meetings in each of the 20 State Forest Districts to gather public input on each individual State Forest District Resource Management Plans.  Read more here.

  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.

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Receives Independent Sustainable Forest Certification For State Forest System

-- DCNR To Hold 20 Meetings Seeking Public Input On State Forest Districts Across PA

-- PA Environmental Defense Foundation Defends Lawsuit Saying DCNR’s Forest Plan Mission To Sell Gas Resources Not Consistent With Environmental Rights Amendment

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Launches New Protect Our Parks And Forests Website

-- Analysis: Conservative Republicans Want To Freeze Funding For Local Parks, Trails, Farm Conservation, Mine Reclamation, Recycling

[Posted: June 29, 2020]  PA Environment Digest