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# Protect PA Parks & Forests Foundation

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://protectourparksandforests.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## News

- [News](https://protectourparksandforests.org/news/) - What's going on that’s affecting PA parks and forests? We have all that information for you! Check it out!
- [Pennsylvanians Support Trails (Still!)](https://protectourparksandforests.org/pennsylvanians-support-trails-still/)
- [HIT! Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation boom persists](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-pennsylvanias-outdoor-recreation-boom-persists/) - While outdoor recreation sites provide physical and mental health benefits to Pennsylvanians, the businesses related to the industry are making significant contributions to the health of the state’s economy, according to recent federal data. Industries related to outdoor recreation in manufacturing, retail, and tourism -employed over 150,000 people and added $14 billion to the gross
- [State Parks and Forests Face $1 Billion Maintenance Funding Shortfall](https://protectourparksandforests.org/state-parks-and-forests-face-1-billion-maintenance-funding-shortfall/) - Pennsylvania's state parks and state forests contain 3,000 miles of roadways, 4,800 buildings, 860 vehicular bridges, 1,470 miles of hiking trails, 131 dams, 70 sewage treatment plants, 180 boat ramps, 56 swimming beaches, and more than 30,000 picnic tables. But finding money to maintain, fix and improve park and forest infrastructure and operations has not
- [$1 Billion Needed for Infrastructure, Maintenance at PA Parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/1-billion-needed-for-infrastructure-maintenance-at-pa-parks/) - Deferred maintenance on Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests comes with a costly price tag of $1 billion and no clear way to pay for it, according to a new report. “The Legacy of Pennsylvania Parks and Forests: The Future Is in Our Hands,” a 48-page report from the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, concludes that
- [State Parks and Forest Advocates Calling for Action](https://protectourparksandforests.org/state-parks-and-forest-advocates-calling-for-action/) - State parks and forests need more funding to stay afloat. While parks are helping add to the state's tourism economy, their losing staff, funding and materials. A birds eye view of Codorus State Park in Southern York County shows you just how beautiful the land is. It may be bare with people now, but in
- [Commitment to State Parks is Important](https://protectourparksandforests.org/commitment-to-state-parks-is-important/) - Pennsylvania’s state parks again are the subject of welcome attention, just as they were in the summer of 2017, when a long-overdue, first-in-25 years public review of the basic mission of the parks system was launched. But while the examination that was begun about a year and a half ago sought to identify problems and
- [How Much Nature Is Enough?](https://protectourparksandforests.org/how-much-nature-is-enough/) - Researchers have now quantified the ideal amount of time needed to reap the health benefits of the great outdoors. Check it out!
- [Deferred Repairs, Budget Cuts Threaten Keystone & Other State Parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/deferred-repairs-budget-cuts-threaten-keystone-other-state-parks/) - If the Pennsylvania state budget were a dollar, the budget for the entire state park and forest system would be about half a penny.
- [Report: Lake Nockamixon State Park Needs $24 Million to Fix Hazardous Conditions](https://protectourparksandforests.org/report-lake-nockamixon-state-park-needs-24-million-to-fix-hazardous-conditions/) - A PPFF report said years of underfunding and understaffing have left many state parks in disrepair and, in some cases, unsafe for recreation. Read more!
- [New report says state parks funding has not kept pace with inflation](https://protectourparksandforests.org/new-report-says-state-parks-funding-has-not-kept-pace-with-inflation/) - A quarter century ago, the price tag for repair projects was around $100 million dollars. Now it’s five times that. It notes while park infrastructure is getting older and more dilapidated, state funding has grown proportionally smaller. New report says state parks funding has not kept place with inflation. WITF, 10/2/2019.
- [Nolde Forest Needs Nearly $1 Million](https://protectourparksandforests.org/nolde-forest-needs-nearly-1-million/) - A tour of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center revealed a toilet in need of a door, a washed-out bridge, and the too-small Parking Area. Read more!
- [French Creek Needs Millions in Infrastructure Repairs](https://protectourparksandforests.org/french-creek-needs-millions-in-infrastructure-repairs/) - French Creek State Park is no stranger to challenges. The park sits on 7,773 acres of land and is used by an average of 835,588 visitors. Read more today!
- [Local Parks' Needs Priced at $19 Million](https://protectourparksandforests.org/local-parks-needs-priced-at-19-million/) - McConnells Mill and Moraine State parks are in need of over $19 million in infrastructure improvements. Read more today!
- [Foundation, Staffers Highlight Pymatuning State Park Needs](https://protectourparksandforests.org/foundation-staffers-highlight-pymatuning-state-park-needs/) - Millions visit Pymatuning State Park, but the lakeside attraction is not immune to the effects of disuse, disrepair and disinvestment. Read More today!
- [HIT! State parks deserve attention](https://protectourparksandforests.org/state-parks-deserve-attention/) - This is an excellent time for state lawmakers to be more proactive on behalf of state parks and their respective facilities. Read more today!
- [MISS! PA legislature making few cuts, no promises to tap hefty reserves as state faces massive budget shortfall](https://protectourparksandforests.org/miss-pa-legislature-making-few-cuts-no-promises-to-tap-hefty-reserves-as-state-faces-massive-budget-shortfall/) - The coronavirus outbreak in PA could cost the state $4 billion, and Tom Wolf has cut spending by laying off employees and halting paychecks.
- [HIT! Pa. must provide a bigger funding stream to preserve its parks, forests for future generations](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-pa-must-provide-a-bigger-funding-stream-to-preserve-its-parks-forests-for-future-generations/) - The value of state parks and forests is clear, but we’re depleting & squandering them. PA needs to provide funding. Read more about the value of PA parks.
- [State parks and forests are the safest places to be during a pandemic](https://protectourparksandforests.org/state-parks-and-forests-are-the-safest-places-to-be-during-a-pandemic/) - Pennsylvania’s parks and forests provide a safe place for people to go during the pandemic. They also provide other benefits. Read more!
- [At French Creek State Park, they're trying to keep Civilian Conservation Corps history](https://protectourparksandforests.org/at-french-creek-state-park-theyre-trying-to-keep-civilian-conservation-corps-history/) - There's a name for the paint color of cabins you find in French Creek State Park. It's called CCC brown, as in Civilian Conservation Corps. Read More!
- [Pandemic underscores how public parks shape public health](https://protectourparksandforests.org/pandemic-underscores-how-public-parks-shape-public-health/) - The CDC now lists visiting parks and recreational facilities as a way to protect yourself and others from covid-19. Read more!
- [Growing Greener Coalition: Tremendous Backlog Of Environmental Infrastructure Needs Demand Much Higher Levels Of Investment By State](https://protectourparksandforests.org/growing-greener-coalition-tremendous-backlog-of-environmental-infrastructure-needs-demand-much-higher-levels-of-investment-by-state/) - There is a tremendous backlog of environmental infrastructure needs requiring the state’s attention & demanding higher levels of investment. Read more!
- [America Outdoors: Consumers Are Flocking to These 5 Activities](https://protectourparksandforests.org/america-outdoors-consumers-are-flocking-to-these-5-activities/) - Consumers are looking for activities to help them stay occupied and healthy as COVID-19 necessitates social distancing. Read More!
- [MISS! New legislation would allow state parks to charge admissions and parking fees](https://protectourparksandforests.org/miss-new-legislation-would-allow-state-parks-to-charge-admissions-and-parking-fees/) - Every few years someone brings up the "great idea" to charge a fee to use a Pennsylvania state park. "After all, everybody else does it." Read More!
- [Federal report warns of financial havoc from climate change](https://protectourparksandforests.org/federal-report-warns-of-financial-havoc-from-climate-change/) - A report ordered by federal regulators overseeing the nation’s commodities markets shows that climate change threatens U.S. financial markets. Read More!
- [HIT! Making state parks cost money would cause more harm than good](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-making-state-parks-cost-money-would-cause-more-harm-than-good/) - Pennsylvania is one of only eight states that offer free entrance for everyone to state parks. Read more on how charging an entrance fee would harm parks.
- [Pandemic pushes travelers to take to the road in RVs](https://protectourparksandforests.org/pandemic-pushes-travelers-to-take-to-the-road-in-rvs/) - The coronavirus pandemic sparked a boom in the RV industry as travelers concerned about flying pack their families into RVs. Read more!
- [HIT! New poll highlights importance of environment for PA voters](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-new-poll-highlights-importance-of-environment-for-pa-voters/) - Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly support open spaces, parks and the outdoors, according to a new poll. Check it out!
- [Visits to Pennsylvania’s parks increased by 7 million.](https://protectourparksandforests.org/visits-to-pennsylvanias-parks-increased-by-7-million/) - The coronavirus-escape surge into state and local parks continued into fall, bucking the trend of the usual big post-Labor Day decline, an analysis of data from Pennsylvania show. Last weekend, Scott Kroll, 29, of Warminster, and his fiancée, Taylor Blair, decided to camp at Cherry Springs State Park in remote Potter County, Pa. to enjoy
- [Dramatic Increase In Visitors Caused Strains On Already Understaffed, Underfunded State Parks, Forests And Facilities At DCNR](https://protectourparksandforests.org/dramatic-increase-in-visitors-caused-strains-on-already-understaffed-underfunded-state-parks-forests-and-facilities-at-dcnr/) - On January 27, the Directors of DCNR’s Bureaus of State Parks and Forestry provided the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council with an overview of how the dramatic increase in visitors seeking refuge from the COVID pandemic caused significant strains on already understaffed state parks and forests and facilities needing $1 billion worth of maintenance.
- [HIT! Parks and Forests are economic driver in rural PA](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-parks-and-forests-are-economic-driver-in-rural-pa/) - Pennsylvania’s state parks and forestlands draw more than people. They draw jobs. Lots of jobs. Just ask employees of the Berlin-based Darr Construction Co. Or, perhaps, workers with Leiblod Inc. in Pottsville, or K&K Plumbing Co. in Johnstown, or Keystone Lime Co. in Fort Hill. Together, they produced a new maintenance building and ranger station
- [HIT! PA parks and trails are good for physical, mental health](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-pa-parks-and-trails-are-good-for-physical-mental-health/) - The Reading Eagle gets it! Their 2/1/2021 editorial notes: "One of the few positive results of the changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic is a new or revived appreciation for the parks and trails in Pennsylvania." It cites a recent Lion Poll conducted by Penn State University. The editorial concludes: "Spring is not far off,
- [Go Wild! Meet Pennsylvania's Mid State Trail](https://protectourparksandforests.org/go-wild-meet-pennsylvanias-mid-state-trail/) - Blogger Yard Sale gives her account of the beauty of Pennsylvania's Mid State Trail
- [HIT! The Ultimate Guide to Staying in Yurts and Cabins in Pennsylvania State Parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-the-ultimate-guide-to-staying-in-yurts-and-cabins-in-pennsylvania-state-parks/) - The COVID-19 pandemic brought millions more people to Pennsylvania's state parks and cabins, causing additional stress to already highly used resources. And sometimes it's hard for new folks to negotiate complicated systems. Thanks to Philadelphia magazine for this comprehensive guide to different options for your state park getaway. Puff bar The Ultimate Guide to Staying in
- [HIT! States invest federal funds into state parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-states-invest-federal-funds-into-state-parks/) - Maine. Michigan. California. New Hampshire. Wyoming. The list goes on. THESE states have already invested CARES funding into their cash-strapped and over-crowded state parks. Read more at the Harrisburg Patriot News (June 27, 2021). Pennsylvania? So far, no so good. But it's not too late! (Let's not make this story a MISS!)
- [HIT! Mayors support funding for parks and recreation](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-mayors-support-funding-for-parks-and-recreation/) - More than a dozen PA mayors including Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, signed on to a letter urging Congress to include a $500 million investment in parks and recreation in the infrastructure package now making its way through Congress. They know what you know - access to the
- [Representative Ryan Bizzarro shows House Democratic Policy Committee erosion and infrastructure of Presque Isle](https://protectourparksandforests.org/representative-ryan-bizzarro-shows-house-democratic-policy-committee-erosion-and-infrastructure-of-presque-isle/) - There are problems at Presque Isle State Park, and today Erie State Legislator Ryan Bizzarro and the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources were pointing them out to the House Democratic Policy Committee. Here is more on the issues the state representative is hoping to solve. Representative Ryan Bizzarro said that
- [HIT! Tom Wolf announced plan to improve Pennsylvania's state parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-tom-wolf-announced-plan-to-improve-pennsylvanias-state-parks/) - With the goal of improving Pennsylvania´s state parks, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the plan “Penn’s Parks for All.” The announcement was made along the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dun at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland Countyon on Friday. As reported by penncapital-star.com, the project aims to
- [MISS! Pennsylvania among stingiest states in spending on parks and rec](https://protectourparksandforests.org/miss-pennsylvania-among-stingiest-states-in-spending-on-parks-and-rec/) - This is NOT how we want to be known! We are in the bottom 10 of per resident spending on the parks and recreation amenities that make Pennsylvania a beautiful place to live. All while being in the TOP FIVE in terms of the money each of us spend to do that activities. That's some
- [After More Than A Decade Of Warnings Significant Funding Was Needed, Floods Are Again Devastating Pennsylvania](https://protectourparksandforests.org/after-more-than-a-decade-of-warnings-significant-funding-was-needed-floods-are-again-devastating-pennsylvania/) - Reproduced and linked from David Hess's 9/3/2021 PA Environment Digest: Since 2010, the Growing Greener Coalition, hunting and fishing, farm and local government groups have been urging the General Assembly and the Governors to come together to provide significant funding to protect people from flooding, restore watersheds, support the installation of green infrastructure, improve our
- [PA Parks and Forests Foundation: More funding needed for state parks, forests](https://protectourparksandforests.org/pa-parks-and-forests-foundation-more-funding-needed-for-state-parks-forests/) - The need for spending on maintenance and improvement of Pennsylvania’s state parks is glaring. So noted Marci Mowery, Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF) president, during a visit to RB Winter State Park. She was joined by Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) personnel representing parks and forests. “When we are talking about investing
- [HIT! Civilian Conservation Corps legacy lives on in state parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-civilian-conservation-corps-legacy-lives-on-in-state-parks/) - America’s 20th-century “tree army” brought generations of citizens closer to nature’s wonders while enduring the nation’s greatest economic plight. If the political winds are favorable, new recruits might get the chance to repeat that effort during the current health crisis. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, and the National Wildlife Federation are proposing the creation of
- [HIT!  Pennsylvania Communities Should Invest ARP Funds in Conservation](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-pennsylvania-communities-should-invest-arp-funds-in-conservation/) - Andy Loza, Executive Director of WeConserve PA, a PPFF partner, writes: The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has provided Pennsylvania counties, cities, boroughs, and townships with $6.15 billion in federal funding, with half disbursed among nearly every state municipality this summer and the second half following next year. This funding offers an unprecedented opportunity for local
- [Pennsylvania eyes $500M from feds for environmental program](https://protectourparksandforests.org/pennsylvania-eyes-500m-from-feds-for-environmental-program/) - A state Senate committee in Pennsylvania approved legislation Tuesday to use federal coronavirus relief aid to revive a long-running program designed to help clean up waterways, fix up parks and preserve open space. The bill, approved 10-1, would inject the Growing Greener program with $500 million from the American Rescue Plan Act signed by President
- [Up from the ground comes a bubbling gas: Feds giving PA $400M to plug dangerous orphan wells](https://protectourparksandforests.org/up-from-the-ground-comes-a-bubbling-gas-feds-giving-pa-400m-to-plug-dangerous-orphan-wells/) - “Let’s be quiet for a few seconds,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oil and gas inspector Jonathan Shub, pointing to a large pipe jutting out of the ground amid some trees. Shub and a few visitors had just trudged up a muddy embankment, kicking up leaves and stepping over fallen limbs. Everyone stopped at
- [HIT! Anglers, hunters significantly impact Pennsylvania's economy](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-anglers-hunters-significantly-impact-pennsylvanias-economy/) - Studies have concluded hunters and anglers contribute more than $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy each year. *** A report by the Sportsmen’s Alliance, through Southwick Associates revealed that hunters and sport shooters contributed $149 billion to the national economy, supported nearly 970,000 jobs and created more than $45 billion in wages and income in 2020.
- [MISS! Pennsylvania lawmakers push pro-fossil fuel bills, citing Russia’s war and energy security](https://protectourparksandforests.org/miss-pennsylvania-lawmakers-push-pro-fossil-fuel-bills-citing-russias-war-and-energy-security/) - Lawmakers in the state House are advancing a slate of bills aimed at boosting the natural gas industry under the claim of energy security. Supporters repeatedly brought up the energy situation in Europe caused by Russia’s war with Ukraine, though many of the issues the bills would address have lingered in the legislature for years.
- [DCNR highlights infrastructure needs in state parks and forests](https://protectourparksandforests.org/dcnr-presents-park-infrastructure-plans/) - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary visited Shawnee State Park in Bedford County on Wednesday to discuss how federal pandemic recovery funds could be used to update and repair infrastructure within state parks and forests. When most people visit a state park or forest, they think of camping and hiking, but maybe not
- [Could saving PA's state tree help fix trout fishing troubles?](https://protectourparksandforests.org/could-saving-pas-state-tree-help-fix-trout-fishing-troubles/) - Pennsylvania fishermen like Russ Collins are worried about trees. He lives in Palmyra, Lebanon County, and is the vice president of Trout Unlimited’s southcentral region. He wonders whether a struggling tree species could ultimately endanger one of the top fishing grounds in the country, if not the world. He sees, first-hand, how the iconic hemlock
- [HIT! Poll just echoes public's love of parks](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-poll-just-echoes-publics-love-of-parks/) - The Scranton Times-Tribune editorial board weighed in on April 23, 2022 with a common sense editorial in support of the use of American Rescue Plan funding for infrastructure improvements. "It would be hard to identify a better or more broadly effective use for that money. It not only would improve state property, but improve the
- [Point State Park gets a visit and boost from DCNR secretary](https://protectourparksandforests.org/point-state-park-gets-a-visit-and-boost-from-dcnr-secretary/) - Point State Park is a bastion of historical information, but Cindy Adams Dunn didn’t visit to learn about the past. The head of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources toured Pennsylvania’s only metropark Thursday to talk about the future of state parks and how to pay for it. “In the state park system,
- [HIT! Kate Harper urges support for parks and forests through American Rescue Plan](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-kate-harper-urges-support-for-parks-and-forests-through-american-rescue-plan/) - Kate Harper, former state legislator and PPFF board member, wrote a guest article in The Intelligencer about the need for state lawmakers to invest in our parks and forests. https://www.theintell.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/06/05/guest-opinion-earmark-american-rescue-plan-funds-for-pa-parks/65358729007/ PennLive picked it up as well. https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2022/06/americans-are-united-on-this-they-want-to-protect-state-parks-and-forests-opinion.html It is THAT important. If you have not weighed in with your own opinion to your state legislators,
- [HIT! The chorus grows louder for historic support of recreation and public lands](https://protectourparksandforests.org/hit-the-chorus-grows-louder-for-historic-support-of-recreation-and-public-lands/) - Lancaster Online: It's time for historic investments in Pennsylvania parks, trails and forests Centre Daily Times: Afield: Keeping Pennsylvania's state parks free benefits residents, visitors Lehigh Valley Live: PA shouldn't miss unique opportunity to improve Lehigh Gorge, other state parks Let your voice join those of Steve Stroman, Mark Nale, and Paul Fogal as above

## Pages

- [Home](https://protectourparksandforests.org/)
- [Resources](https://protectourparksandforests.org/resources/) - We want to provide you with resources to help protect our parks and forests. Check them out today!
- [Take Action](https://protectourparksandforests.org/take-action/) - Become an advocate, donate or volunteer for our mission. We have several options for you to help us. Check out all the ways to take action with us!
- [Why Invest?](https://protectourparksandforests.org/why-invest/) - Our parks and forests in PA increase tourism, boost the quality of life, provide jobs and improves health.
- [The Problem](https://protectourparksandforests.org/the-problem/) - Explore the extent of the problems we face and what it means for our communities and residents across our commonwealth.
- [Events](https://protectourparksandforests.org/events/) - We plan events throughout the year to support our cause. Checkout upcoming events for Protect Our Parks and Forests.
- [Contact](https://protectourparksandforests.org/contact/) - Have questions for us? Contact Protect Our Parks and Forests with this form today!

## Problems

- [Recreation & Trails](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/recreation-trails/)
- [Dams & Water](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/dams-water/)
- [Natural Resources](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/natural-resources/)
- [Roads & Bridges](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/roads-bridges/)
- [Buildings](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/buildings/)
- [Climate](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/climate/)
- [Water & Sewage](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/water-sewage/)
- [Overnight Stays](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/overnight-stays/)
- [Staffing](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/staffing/)
- [User Impact](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/user-impact/)
- [Visitor Services](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problem/visitor-services/)

## Categories

- [News & Updates](https://protectourparksandforests.org/category/news-updates/)
- [Articles](https://protectourparksandforests.org/category/articles/)
- [Hit or Miss](https://protectourparksandforests.org/category/hit-or-miss/)

## Problem Tags

- [Dams & Water](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/dams-water/)
- [Natural Resources](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/natural-resources/)
- [Roads & Bridges](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/roads-bridges/)
- [Buildings](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/buildings/)
- [Climate](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/climate/)
- [Water & Sewage](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/water-sewage/)
- [Overnight Stays](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/overnight-stays/)
- [Staffing](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/staffing/)
- [User Impact](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/user-impact/)
- [Recreation & Trails](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/recreation-trails/)
- [Visitor Services](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/visitor-services/)
- [Health](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/health/)
- [Budget](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/budget/)
- [invasive species](https://protectourparksandforests.org/problems/invasive-species/)