DCNR’s SCORP survey results show strong connection between outdoor recreation and mental well-being
DCNR’s SCORP survey results show strong connection between outdoor recreation and mental well-being
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently shared the results of public surveys that will inform and guide the creation of the agency’s upcoming 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
One of the key findings — out of more than 8,000 responses — revealed Pennsylvanians’ strong connection between outdoor recreation and mental well-being.
The Pennsylvania Wilds region encompasses more than 2 million acres of public lands, which are protected and set aside for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The region boasts 29 state parks, eight state forests, and is home to the Commonwealth’s only national forest: the Allegheny National Forest. Outdoor recreation is one of the primary draws for residents here who want to live closer to nature and for visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors.
The PA Wilds Center, among other partners, shared the survey and encouraged residents to give their opinions.
The insights from these surveys will help to shape the Commonwealth’s upcoming 2025-2029 Pennsylvania SCORP. Thousands of Pennsylvanians, including those from the Pennsylvania Wilds region, contributed their perspectives and helped design more people-focused initiatives for the future.
Findings from the survey include strong public support for accessible, equitable, and modernized recreation opportunities.
Some of the key findings include the following:
- Mental Health Benefits – 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care.
- Top Activities – Walking, running, scenic driving, picnicking, hiking, and visiting historic sites are the most popular outdoor pursuits.
- Bipartisan Support for Funding – Respondents overwhelmingly agree that increasing permanent funding for parks and recreation should be a priority.
- Modernization Needs – Nearly half (46 percent) believe local recreation areas need upgrades.
- Economic Impact: 33 percent plan trips around outdoor recreation, with over half supporting local businesses during outings.
- Barriers – Health limitations are a primary obstacle for older adults and households earning under $75,000 annually.
- Equity Concerns – While most respondents feel welcomed in outdoor spaces, communities of color reported feeling less welcome at higher rates.
- Recreation Provider Challenges – 55 percent of providers identified funding as the top hurdle in hiring, while 66 percent suggested reducing grant match requirements would help secure state funding.
“It’s no surprise to those who love the Pennsylvania Wilds that outdoor recreation and better mental health go hand in hand,” said Ta Enos, founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. “This survey helps capture the feeling that so many people have when they explore the outdoors, ensuring that it’s recorded as usable data to plan for the future.”
A draft of the 2025-2029 SCORP is open for public comment from February 3 to March 3, 2025. The public will be able to share input through an online form, and DCNR will host five webinars on the plan’s priority areas:
- Promoting Community and Economic Development
- Advancing Health and Wellness
- Supporting Equity and Inclusion
- Addressing Infrastructure and Maintenance
- Progressing on Sustainability and Climate Change
- Securing Federal Funding and Building for the Future
SCORP enables Pennsylvania to remain eligible for federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has provided over $216 million since 1965 to fund projects including: parks and historic sites; forest, river, and wildlife habitat conservation; and access to recreation, hunting, and fishing. The 2020-24 SCORP Plan – Recreation for All – focused on 20 recommendations and 70 action steps for meeting the outdoor recreation needs of all Pennsylvanians.
“Surveys and studies are so powerful as reminders of the many benefits of nature – whether it’s the economic value of businesses that support the outdoor recreation industry or the health benefits of being able to safely access the outdoors,” said Enos. “By drafting SCORP around these survey results and public comments, the Commonwealth will be able to apply for federal funding that enhances outdoor recreation and stewards the places that we love.”
Visit DCNR’s website to learn more about Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan.
ABOUT THE PA WILDS
The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region and its 2+ million acres of public lands as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. The PA Wilds Center’s core programs seek to help businesses leverage the PA Wilds brand and connect with new market opportunities, including: the Wilds Cooperative of PA, a network of more than 575 place-based businesses and organizations, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a retail outlet primarily featuring products sourced from the WCO. For more information on the PA Wilds Center, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. To learn more about the WCO, visit www.WildsCoPA.org. Explore the PA Wilds at www.PAWilds.com. Find regionally made products at www.ShopThePAWilds.com.
Media Contact
Britt Madera | Communications Manager
PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc.
[email protected] | 570-948-1051