Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis told the Senate and House Appropriations Committees this week, that in spite of an over all $4 million cut in his budget and having to use some existing Growing Greener Program dollars to cover administrative costs, “we will not close any parks, lay off any full-time staff, or eliminate any full-time positions.”

He also described several new initiatives over the next year—Small Inns/Lodges

DCNR will finish two feasibility studies for small overnight lodges or inns at two State Parks—S.B. Elliott in Clearfield County and Erie Bluffs, in Erie County. “We believe that a small-scale inn or lodge could be a logical progression in the range of overnight options currently being offered (in State Parks),” said DiBerardinis.

Expand PA Wilds

DCNR and other agencies began an initiative last year to promote a 13-county region in Northcentral Pennsylvania with special signage and other activities. It will broaden that effort this year by designing a welcome center, doing an inventory of recreation assets and form a coalition of groups to work on acid mine drainage problems on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. (See the related story in this Digest about the West Branch Task Force Symposium.)

Wind Power

DCNR is developing site selection criteria and a better understanding the needs of commercial wind power facilities that could come to State Forests. DiBerardinis said he would not consider commercial facilities in State Parks.

Regional Partnerships

DCNR plans on developing more regional partnerships, like the TreeVitalize in the Southeast, to address regional conservation issues.

Land Conservation

DCNR will continue to work closely with local governments, non-profit groups and private landowners to support land conservation initiatives with its financial resources and technical assistance.

DCNR also highlighted its activities in dealing with the issue of deer management in State Parks and Forests. The Secretary said two important facts will drive DCNR’s policy in the future—what is the current size of the herd and what is the appropriate size of the herd. His agency is working on both issues in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in a recent deer survey and other actions.

The Secretary opened his remarks with a strong message urging the General Assembly to adopt Gov. Rendell’s Growing Greener II initiative.

“Most of us agree - Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate alike - there are pressing needs that get more urgent each passing day,” said Secretary DiBerardinis. “The Governor remains strongly committed to his original Growing Greener II proposal, which, if passed, could bring millions more dollars to DCNR to help with infrastructure improvements, critical land protection and community conservation and recreation initiatives. I am hopeful we can come to an agreement on a proposal that works for our citizens and our environment.”

Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, commented that to the extent the Growing Greener II proposal has new fees attached to it, its chances “diminish.” But, added negotiations on the issue will continue.

DCNR now has available its blueprint for future plans called, “Shaping a Sustainable Future: DCNR’s Blueprint for Action.”

Also available from DCNR is a Q&A on the 2005-06 Budget Request.

A copy of Secretary DiBerardinis’ budget testimony is attached to this webpage.

3/4/2005