DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Council Meets March 22 On Proposed Budget, Heritage Areas

DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on March 22 to hear an overview of Gov. Shapiro's proposed FY 2023-24 state budget and a presentation on Pennsylvania's Heritage Areas.

During his March 7 budget address, Gov. Shapiro said,  “As we invest in public health, safety, and wellness, we should also be supporting our state parks – the places Pennsylvanians go, from Presque Isle to Pine Grove, to spend time with their families, relax, and enjoy our beautiful Commonwealth."

His first proposed Commonwealth budget for the 2023/24 Fiscal Year includes $621.5 million for DCNR across all funding sources, a total increase of 5.9%.  Included in the proposed budget is $112 million from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to maintain and improve infrastructure in parks and forests, the single largest investment in decades.  

In addition, the budget proposes $2.8 million to support operating needs for the management and safety of our public lands through 21 new positions, including staff for a new Office of Outdoor Recreation to connect DCNR with the private industries and communities seeking to leverage outdoor recreation for economic development.  

DCNR Deputy Secretary of Administration Mike Walsh will provide a snapshot of these and other budget details.

For over 30 years, Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas have been creating cross-sector partnerships that enhance a region’s “sense of place” and strengthen regional economies. These partnerships create vibrant livable communities that attract private investment and house the products and places that drive Pennsylvania’s tourism industry. 

The 12 Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas operate in 57 of 67 counties throughout the Commonwealth. DCNR’s Heritage Areas Program coordinator David Maher will present an overview of the program and its impact on communities' growth and development.

Public Comments

There will be two opportunities for public comment at the meeting.  If you are interested in presenting comments, please advise by email to kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com  no later than 5 p.m. on March 21.  

You can provide comments at the beginning of the meeting or at the end of the meeting.  

You may also provide comments or questions after the meeting by emailing the same address or through the Council's webpage.

Join The Meeting

The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00 a.m.  The meeting will also be available online via Microsoft Teams.  Click Here to register.

For more information, visit DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council webpage.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas 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.

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Posts FY 2023-24 Budget Proposal Documents

-- DCNR Seeking Volunteer Trail Stewards In Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County For March 26 Trail Workday  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Blog: DCNR Building A Network Of Rural Electric Vehicle Charging Stations In State Parks, Forests 

-- March 17 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Wildfire Danger Maps

-- WESA: Contest Asks PA Kids To Create Art About Tick Bite Prevention

-- Pike County Tick Borne Diseases Task Force Holds Safe Steps Children's Art Contest [PaEN]

[Posted: March 17, 2023]  PA Environment Digest