The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it has canceled ALL in-person events and programs organized by its staff and volunteers in all state parks and forests beginning December 6.

This decision will be in effect until further notice. People who have registered for programs will be notified.  About 150 events are affected.

Visitor center exhibit halls and interpretive areas will be closed, and all indoor programs will be canceled.

This action includes organized First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day January 1.

DCNR took the action in response to the rising number of COVID cases across the state and is in addition to the other steps DCNR has taken, including requiring testing or quarantining for all out-of-state visitors to parks and forests.

State parks and forests do remain open for use by the public and restrooms will continue to be available.  

DCNR staff will be taking additional steps to offer self-guided programming only or virtual events.  Check the DCNR Calendar of Events for these alternative programs.

“Safety of all our state park and forest visitors always has been paramount with DCNR and we are taking this temporary but necessary action in response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases across the state,” Dunn said. “Throughout the pandemic we have kept our lands open to all so they enjoy outdoor recreation and the positive physical and mental health it provides. That will not change but we must limit social interaction at this time.”

Dunn noted visits to Pennsylvania state parks have increased by more than a million visitors a month since the start of mitigation efforts, and that interest is expected to hold strong through the winter and spring.

Precautions

Masks must be worn:

-- In park and forest offices;

-- In any other indoor public space, including restrooms; and

-- Outdoors when visitors are unable to adequately social distance.

To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and still enjoy the outdoors:

-- Don’t hike or recreate in groups – go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)

-- Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly

-- Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose

-- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow

-- If you are sick, stay home

Visitors can help keep state parks and forest lands safe by following these practices:

-- Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads

-- Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly

-- Clean up after pets

-- Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, so you don’t require a trip to the emergency room

Visit DCNR’s Alert webpage for more information on what’s open and closed in state parks and forests.

To learn more about outdoor recreation opportunities, visit the Get Outdoors PA and Explore PA Trails websites.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

NewsClips:

-- PA Environmental Council: Embrace The Cold, Remain Outside

-- Allegheny Front: 70-Mile Hike Provides A Refuge From A Stressful Year

Related Articles - DCNR:

-- 90% Of PA Voters Want Senate, House To Provide More Funding For Critical Environmental, Conservation Programs; That Didn’t Happen In 2020

-- Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness: Trail Groups Oppose Mountain Biking In Federal Wilderness Areas

-- Historic Highlands Mansion, 44-Acre Grounds Now Preserved In Montgomery County

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Highlights Forest Management Activities, Upcoming Events

-- Reminder: Nominations For PA Parks & Forests Foundation 2021 Annual Awards To Recognize COVID Champions Due Dec. 31

-- Marci Mowery, PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Named Chair Of New National Group To Support The Nation's State Parks

-- WeConservePA: New Report On Conservation Easements In Court, A Review Of Litigation In PA

-- Dec. 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

[Posted: December 4, 2020]

12/7/2020