Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Friday announced he is appointing a 38-year veteran of the state park system to lead the Bureau of State Parks.

David L. Kemmerer, who has risen through the management ranks and has served as assistant bureau director for the past eight years, will oversee Pennsylvania’s system of 120 state parks and almost 300,000 acres.

“Dave Kemmerer brings to this position the experience, enthusiasm and energy needed to run a park system as large and complex as ours,” Allan said. “Dave has a wealth of experience to draw upon in his new role overseeing the bureau, and I have complete confidence that he will improve resource management and visitor satisfaction; and that DCNR staff across the state will embrace his leadership.”

Kemmerer, 61, of Mountain Top, takes over the reins of a park system that is nationally recognized as one of the best in the nation.

“I have great loyalty to the bureau that I have served for many years and am truly excited and honored to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to strong public service and wise stewardship,” Kemmerer said. “It’s a great service we provide to people – the opportunity to recreate in the outdoors.”

Kemmerer served for many years as the manager of the bureau's eastern region where he oversaw the operations, management and staff at 35 state parks. He obtained experience managing park facilities as the park manager at Promised Land and Beltzville State Parks and assistant manager at Hickory Run State Park.

Kemmerer has a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation with a minor in accounting from Penn State University.

Pennsylvania's state park system is nationally recognized for providing a quality visitor experience and excellence in management thanks to its dedicated staff. The 120 state parks are not only beautiful, but provide unique opportunities for outdoor recreation of all types - hunting, fishing, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, biking, hiking, wildlife watching - as well as environmental education.

They also are economic engines for local communities generating almost a billion dollars in economic activity each year. There is a state park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian.

            Secretary Responds To Controversy

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Tuesday responded to a recent article and editorial in the Harrisburg Patriot-News about the resignation of John Norbeck as the Bureau of State Parks--

“As The Patriot-News knows well, good employment policy and practice – not to mention decorum – dictates that employers do not publicly discuss personnel matters.

“Not surprisingly, employees who are separated from their jobs may concoct stories as to the circumstances surrounding their separation. That is not entirely unexpected. However, what your readers do not deserve are baseless editorials such as The Patriot-News’ “Preserve our parks: Do recent DCNR ousters spell trouble?” which perpetuate and give credence to these false allegations. Employers cannot be held hostage to the self-serving statements of a separated employee. 

“However, an employer is powerless to defend itself publicly lest they subject themselves to employment law infractions and liability.  The media knows this all too well, and yet some in the media, desperate for a story, create this catch-22 for the employer.

“Mr. Norbeck knows why he no longer works for the state, and he knows it has absolutely nothing to do with philosophical differences over mineral extraction.

“For the record, we have not and are not considering any drilling on state park land.  The moratorium on future leasing remains in effect.  Under Gov. Corbett’s leadership, DCNR has overseen the drilling activity authorized by Gov. Rendell on state forest lands to ensure that it does not harm the fabric and character of these natural resource treasures.  And we are not engaging in, nor will we engage in, commercial timbering and strip mining activities on our state parks.

“Gov. Corbett has appointed and retained smart, dedicated, and professional employees to oversee the state’s parks and forests.  He recognizes the tremendous significance of the commonwealth’s natural resources, with a state park and state forest system that rivals that of any other state. 

“The natural gas impact fee signed by Gov. Corbett in February sets aside money for state park and forest infrastructure improvements – the first infusion of new money into our park and forest system since 2005.

“Under the Governor’s leadership, DCNR will continue to ensure that its stewardship of our public lands meets the high expectations of our citizens.  They deserve, and will receive, nothing less.”

            NewsClips: Luzerne County Man To Head State Parks
                               State Parks Leader’s Resignation Raises Questions
                               Editorial: Parks Chief Sacked, Why?
                               Corbett Sees No More State Leases For Drilling
                               Letter: DCNR Has No Intention Of Drilling In State Parks

10/22/2012