Protect our Parks & Forests

For our health, our economy and our future

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The Problem

Details of a billion dollar need

In 2017, with the support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, PPFF undertook a comprehensive study of the maintenance needs in our state parks and forests. The resulting report (The Legacy of Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests: The Future Is In Our Hands) is an in-depth look at these ongoing and urgent needs.

 

Read the Report

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The Problem

Staff, funding, and materials have fallen increasingly short over the past decade.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages more infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings, trails, nature assets) than most state agencies.

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The Problem

Inconsistent investment in PA state parks results in unprecedented need.

The long-term under- or inconsistent investment in Pennsylvania state parks and forests has resulted in an unprecedented tally of needed investments: from bridges to wastewater treatment facilities, from dams to invasive plant removal, and from roads to trails.

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Join the Movement

Protect Our Parks and Forests for today and our future generations.

There are many actions we can take, as citizens and enthusiasts, and by using this site you can find the resources you need and join events across the state to make your voice heard!

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“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment.”

Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.

Pennsylvania Constitution | Article 1, Section 27 | Natural Resources and the Public Estate
The Problem

Explore the extent of the problems we face and what it means for our communities and residents across our commonwealth.

Natural Resources
Dams & Water
Buildings
Climate
Overnight Stays
Recreation & Trails
Roads & Bridges
Staffing
User Impact
Visitor Services
Water & Sewage
Make a Difference

Consider all the ways you can make a difference in preserving Pennsylvania’s Parks & Forests

Take Action

Resources

Find the resources you need to take action as citizens and enthusiasts.

Events

Join events across the state to make your voice and your concern heard.

Latest News View All

Articles

Deferred Repairs, Budget Cuts Threaten Keystone & Other State Parks

Click here to read this article.

Articles

How Much Nature Is Enough?

Click here to read this article.

Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #ProtectOurParksAndForests on Instagram

  • Get your feet wet in one of the many rivers, streams, and creeks, snaking their way through our state parks and forests. With over 2,142 miles of streams to explore, there’s plenty of room for fishing, kayaking, or tubing! That's why our water ways are #6 of our Seven Wonders. . . . . #ProtectOurParksAndForests #PaParksAndForests #rivers #streams #creeks #ponds #lakes #water #paparks #paforests
  • Stokes and his wife are lucky enough to live very close to a state park and state forest! They love seeing the wildlife come alive each spring. . . . #spring #nature #animals #wildlife #paparks #paforests #protectourparksandforests #PaParksAndForests
  • State park and forest lands ecosystems that require care. Deer over-browsing, fire, and invasive insects have affected habitats in the grasslands and forests. . . . #ProtectOurParksAndForests #PaParksAndForests #paparks #paforest #nature #ecosystem #habitat
  • The 5th wonder of PA parks and forest is the wildlife! On your next visit, you may see some creatures who call state parks and forests their home. Remember to keep a safe distance from any wild animal and observe from afar. . . . . #WildlifeWednesday #paparks #paforests #animals #nature #ProtectOurParksAndForests #PaParksAndForests
  • The outdoors are a perfect place to make lasting memories. Melaney and her children took many visits to PA state parks and forests and her little ones are now nature loving adults! . . . #startthemyoung #childrenareourfuture #naturelover #paparks #paforests #protectourparksandforests