Shapiro Administration Accomplishments: DCNR Makes Significant Strides In Strengthening Conservation And Climate Resilience Across Pennsylvania

On January 15, the Shapiro Administration said the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has made significant progress in sustainably managing and enhancing Pennsylvania’s public lands. 

In the last two years, the Commonwealth has reinforced its position as a national leader in conservation and climate resilience, ensuring Pennsylvania’s public lands are preserved and thriving for future generations.

“We are committed to managing Pennsylvania’s natural resources with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring that our public lands remain vibrant and accessible for both current and future generations,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This work is about much more than conservation — it’s about stewardship that strengthens communities and enhances our quality of life.” 

Key sustainability achievements since the Shapiro Administration took office include:

-- Chesapeake Bay Water Quality: The bay received its best environmental rating in over two decades, thanks to innovative conservation practices and strong partnerships that enhance water quality and recreational opportunities.

-- Stream Buffer Planting: Completed the largest-ever stream buffer planting at Big Elk Creek State Park, improving water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.

-- Old-Growth Forest Protection: Added eight forests to the National Old-Growth Forest Network, boosting carbon sequestration and improving air and water quality.

-- Plugging Abandoned Wells: Plugged 95 abandoned oil and gas wells on state forest lands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

-- Renewable Energy Expansion: Increased solar capacity across 30 installations, including at Presque Isle and Prince Gallitzin state parks, with a total of 2,906 kW of solar energy.

-- Kittatinny Ridge Sentinel Landscape Designation: Achieved designation for the Kittatinny Ridge, preserving critical natural habitats and bolstering climate resilience.

-- Preservation of the Pennsylvania Wilds: Successfully campaigned for the cancellation of a Low Military Operations Area, preserving the integrity of the iconic Pennsylvania Wilds region.

“The collective impact of these efforts demonstrates how the Shapiro Administration is delivering measurable benefits to Pennsylvanians — promoting environmental health, safeguarding public lands, and responsibly using taxpayer dollars,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh. “Our work is inspired by Pennsylvania’s rich conservation legacy and is crucial in helping the public understand the value of sustainability in today’s world.”

DCNR also prioritized workforce development and community engagement, investing $5 million in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, which equips young Pennsylvanians with job training and environmental stewardship skills.

DCNR’s achievements in sustainability and conservation have also earned well-deserved recognition:

-- DCNR received the Leadership Award from the Forest Stewardship Council for its 25-year legacy of sustainable forest management, a testament to its dedication to responsible stewardship.

-- Through innovative initiatives like the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA), DCNR has achieved significant energy savings, reducing both taxpayer costs and the department’s overall carbon footprint. 

DCNR manages Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland, with sustainability at the core of its stewardship. 

From protecting 86,000 miles of rivers and streams to maintain 12,000-plus miles of trails and over 6,100 local parks, DCNR is ensuring these vital resources are preserved for future generations. 

Through grants, technical expertise, and innovative planning, the department is advancing sustainability practices that protect biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce environmental impact. 

As DCNR celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the department is committed to a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship through its own sustainable buildings, fleet operations, land management, and business practices.

Click Here for a copy of the announcement.

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.

Resource Links:

-- Gov. Shapiro Highlights Environmental Protection, Climate Change, Clean Energy, Public Lands, Recreation Accomplishments In First 2 Years  [PaEN]

-- DEP Did Over 107,000 Inspections, Found 35,237 Violations, Responded To 410 Emergencies In 2024 To Protect PA's Environment, Public Safety  [PaEN]

Related Articles:

-- 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]

-- PA Environmental Defense Foundation Files Court Action Challenging Use Of ATVs For Recreation In Northcentral PA State Forests Resulting In 2,000+ Miles Of Illegal ATV Trails [PaEN]

[Posted: January 15, 2025]  PA Environment Digest