DCNR Seeks Applicants For NextGen Advisory Council

On July 6, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced DCNR is seeking individuals to serve on its NextGen Advisory Council.

Interested applicants can apply online to serve on the council until August 2.

The Council brings together Pennsylvanians with a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences to share ideas and perspectives that help shape the agency’s work.

“Each year, the NextGen Advisory Council brings forward ideas and perspectives that help guide improvements to outdoor recreation across the Commonwealth,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. 

“We welcome applicants who are curious, who enjoy being outside, and who want to help shape the future of our public lands. You do not need prior conservation experience. Your interest in the outdoors and your ideas are what make this council strong.”

Council members support efforts to ensure more people--  especially younger generations-- can enjoy and connect with Pennsylvania’s public lands, natural resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Council details--

-- Three-year term, with an option to renew

-- Meets quarterly (January, April, July, October) via virtual meetings to reduce travel

-- Members are expected to attend at least 75 percent of meetings

-- Additional optional committee and networking opportunities held in the evenings between meetings

Benefits of serving--

-- Learn about careers related to the outdoors, conservation, and the environment

-- Build leadership and professional skills like writing, presenting, and networking

-- Explore outdoor activities and sports in parks, forests, and trails

-- Work with DCNR staff on projects and initiatives

-- Share your ideas to help improve outdoor access and experiences across Pennsylvania

-- Connect with fellow members who share a passion for nature and recreation

Launched in 2022, the NextGen Advisory Council helps DCNR hear new voices and perspectives that can inform agency programs and operations, while supporting statewide initiatives like Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan and Penn’s Parks for All.

Some recent council contributions include--

-- Sharing ideas to improve public participation guidance for community conservation grants

-- Enhancing Earth Day celebrations with a focus on youth engagement

-- Recommending new strategies and initiatives for DCNR programs

For more details and to apply, visit DCNR’s NextGen Advisory Council webpage or check the Calendar of Events for upcoming programs on public lands.

Click Here for the DCNR 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.  Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.

[Posted: July 7, 2026] PA Environment Digest