Public Invited to Weigh in on Statewide Complete Out of doors Recreation Plan (SCORP) – Cyber Tech

Press launch shared by PA Media, www.media.pa.gov, 4/24/2024. 

Division of Conservation and Pure Sources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn at the moment inspired Pennsylvanians to share their out of doors pursuits and actions in a 10-minute, on-line survey that may help with growing the state’s subsequent out of doors recreation plan.

DCNR is working with specialists throughout the state to develop the subsequent Statewide Complete Out of doors Recreation Plan (2025-2029), which is able to assist to information future recreation investments, insurance policies, and amenities.

“5 years after the present Pennsylvania Out of doors Recreation Plan was written, recreation pursuits and tendencies could also be completely different,” Dunn mentioned. “We’d wish to know whether or not strolling continues to be Pennsylvanians favourite out of doors exercise? Do individuals nonetheless need trails and on-road bike lanes? These questions will likely be part of the inspiration for out of doors recreation going ahead and we respect enter from the general public.”

Public suggestions is a vital part to constructing the targets of the plan.

Along with a scientifically performed survey earlier this yr by Penn State and a survey of recreation suppliers at present being carried out, a normal on-line survey is now open for Pennsylvanians eager to share their opinions about out of doors recreation.

The Pennsylvania Out of doors Recreation Survey is offered in English and Spanish and is totally confidential.

The deadline to finish the survey is Could 22.

After suggestions from all three surveys is analyzed, a draft plan will likely be written in early fall; and will likely be obtainable for assessment and touch upon DCNR’s web site and at nonetheless to be scheduled public suggestions periods.

Suggestions periods will permit the general public, suppliers, and stakeholders to present their enter earlier than a remaining doc is introduced to the Nationwide Park Service in early 2025.

“Please make certain your voice is heard by taking the survey and make sure to share with others,” DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz mentioned. “We particularly wish to hear from new people and communities to assist us construct on the elevated curiosity in out of doors recreation and spending time in nature.”

A brand new plan each 5 years retains Pennsylvania eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation funding.

The Shapiro Administration has demonstrated its dedication to out of doors recreation by way of the creation of the Workplace of Out of doors Recreation and $112 million in state park and forest infrastructure investments.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 finances proposal contains one other robust funding within the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s pure assets, with $8.5 million new funding to construct trails and $5 million to increase the Pennsylvania Out of doors Corps program.

The 2020-2024 Statewide Out of doors Recreation Plan (PDF) identifies strolling for pleasure or health as the preferred out of doors recreation exercise in Pennsylvania.

Different in style actions embrace sightseeing, driving for pleasure, nature watching, swimming, picnicking, and bicycling.

Previous survey respondents listed bike lanes, canine parks, rental cabins, and wildlife viewing areas because the amenities they might most wish to see elevated.

Research present better entry to out of doors recreation amenities, notably close-to-home strolling and biking alternatives:

• Makes our communities higher locations to reside
• Can help in enhancing psychological well being and social wellbeing
• Improve tourism potential, which might enhance financial alternatives.

Go to DCNR’s web site to be taught extra concerning the out of doors recreation plan and course of​.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, DCNR, 717-877-6315