The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn are encouraging Pennsylvanians to share their outdoor interests and activities in a 10-minute, online survey that will assist with developing the state’s next outdoor recreation plan.

DCNR is working with experts across the state to develop the next Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (2025-2029), which will help to guide future recreation investments, policies and facilities.

“Five years after the current Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan was written, recreation interests and trends may be different,” Dunn said. “We’d like to know whether walking is still Pennsylvanians favorite outdoor activity? Do people still want trails and on-road bike lanes? These questions will be a part of the foundation for outdoor recreation going forward and we appreciate input from the public.”

Public feedback is an important component to building the goals of the plan. In addition to a scientifically conducted survey earlier this year by Penn State and a survey of recreation providers currently being performed, a general online survey is now open for Pennsylvanians wanting to share their opinions about outdoor recreation.

The survey is available in English and Spanish and is completely confidential. The deadline to complete the survey is May 22.

After feedback from all three surveys is analyzed, a draft plan will be written in early fall and will be available for review and comment on DCNR’s website and at still to be scheduled public feedback sessions. 

Feedback sessions will allow the public, providers and interested stakeholders to give their input before a final document is presented to the National Park Service in early 2025.

“Please make sure your voice is heard by taking the survey and be sure to share with others,” DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz said. “We especially want to hear from new individuals and communities to help us build on the increased interest in outdoor recreation and spending time in nature.”

A new plan every five years keeps Pennsylvania eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation funding.

The Shapiro Administration has demonstrated its commitment to outdoor recreation through the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and $112 million in state park and forest infrastructure investments. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal includes another strong investment in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s natural resources, with $8.5 million new funding to build trails and $5 million to expand the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps program.

The 2020-2024 statewide outdoor recreation plan identifies walking for pleasure or fitness as the most popular outdoor recreation activity in Pennsylvania. Other popular activities include sightseeing, driving for pleasure, nature watching, swimming, picnicking and bicycling.

Past survey respondents listed bike lanes, dog parks, rental cabins and wildlife viewing areas as the facilities they would most like to see increased.

Studies show greater access to outdoor recreation facilities, particularly close-to-home walking and biking opportunities, makes our communities better places to live; can assist in improving mental health and social wellbeing; and also increase tourism potential, which can increase economic opportunities.

Visit DCNR’s website to learn more about the outdoor recreation plan and process.

***

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.