(The Center Square) – The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources has issued its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
The plan is revisited every five years in order to guide the department’s work throughout the commonwealth.
Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces was unveiled at the second annual Outdoors for All Day at Culliton Park in Lancaster.
“This plan is about making a place for everyone in the outdoors in Pennsylvania,” said Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “Input from thousands of Pennsylvanians – including recreation providers, outdoor enthusiasts, and the general public – was critical in shaping the exciting next phase of outdoor recreation in our state.”
The Conservation Department says the plans aims are “promoting community and economic development, advancing health and wellness, supporting access and inclusion, addressing infrastructure and maintenance, and advancing sustainability and climate resilience.”
The plan enables the department to receive funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Permanent funding came through the Great American Outdoors Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in 2020. Cuts made by Congress at Trump’s direction via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act divert $387 million from several public land projects.
In the past, Pennsylvania has received $216 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund toward over 1,600 recreation and public lands projects.
“Launching the new statewide outdoor recreation plan on Outdoors for All Day directly aligns with DCNR’s mission to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment,” said Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Director Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith of the Conservation Department.
In 2024, about 8,000 people responded to departmental surveys to inform the new plan. A draft of the plan was made available to the public last winter. Previous outreach led the agency to focus on the benefits of mental health as well as creating equitable outdoor spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Among those spaces is Culliton Park, which received a $300,000 grant in 2021 toward green infrastructure including rain gardens and tree planting.
“We are so grateful to be a part of this celebration, as it aligns perfectly with our work to alleviate barriers to outdoor experiences for underserved communities,” said Keisha Scovens, executive director of Let’s Go 1-2-3, organizer of the Lancaster event. “It is a joy to see people involved with nature, taking part in recreation, and understanding all that the outdoors has to offer, in a fun, engaging way.”
The state has put emphasis on tourism and recreation as sources of revenue. Pennsylvania is home to 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of forestland, and more than 7,000 campsites.
Last week in Potter County, Gov. Josh Shapiro highlighted the $19 billion outdoor recreation adds to the economy.
“Outdoor recreation offers so much more than fun and fitness – it unites communities and supports economic prosperity that improves quality of life across Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that all Pennsylvanians feel welcome and valued as part of our outdoor recreation community.”
