Public Invited to Weigh in on Statewide Complete Outside 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 this time 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 Outside Recreation Plan (2025-2029), which can assist to information future recreation investments, insurance policies, and services.

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

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

Along with a scientifically carried out 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 desirous to share their opinions about out of doors recreation.

The Pennsylvania Outside Recreation Survey is obtainable in English and Spanish and is totally confidential.

The deadline to finish the survey is Might 22.

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

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

“Please ensure that your voice is heard by taking the survey and make sure you share with others,” DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz mentioned. “We particularly need 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 via the creation of the Workplace of Outside Recreation and $112 million in state park and forest infrastructure investments.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 funds proposal consists of one other robust funding within the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s pure sources, with $8.5 million new funding to construct trails and $5 million to develop the Pennsylvania Outside Corps program.

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

Different widespread 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 services they might most wish to see elevated.

Research present larger entry to out of doors recreation services, significantly close-to-home strolling and biking alternatives:

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

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

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