Staffing

Pennsylvania now boasts 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forests.

While the use of our state parks and forests has grown over the past three decades, investment in our parks and forest staff has declined.

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In fact, state park staffing is at its lowest levels since 1970, at which time only 77 parks existed.

Fewer staff and higher demand, creates a challenge for restoring and replacing all of the needed infrastructure.

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Visitors to state parks and forests may not realize the specialized technical skills and professional training required to design, construct, operate, maintain, and upgrade all the diverse buildings and infrastructure that constitute our state parks and forests.

All told, there are more than 80 different job titles within the bureaus of state parks and state forests. Without these positions, our public lands would not be as safe, would not be able to accommodate the needs of all users, nor would these lands provide as many ecosystem services as they do.

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121

state parks can be found in Pennsylvania

2.2 mil.

acres of state forests are designated

80

different job titles within the bureaus of state parks and state forests

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The Problem

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

Staffing
Buildings
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User Impact
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