On April 29, DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Council will hold an Equity In The Outdoors conversation to gain ideas, comments and suggestions from stakeholders and users of public lands in Pennsylvania.

This first discussion will help CNRAC support DCNR in its efforts to learn more about how social barriers inhibit participation and enjoyment of Pennsylvania's outdoors, particularly as parks and forests are experiencing record-breaking visitation numbers.  

The Council has invited several individuals to help lead and guide the discussion and share their personal experiences of how social barriers affected their interaction and use of outdoor spaces--

-- Keisha Scovens, Let's Go Outdoors:  Along with her sister, Keisha founded Let's Go Outdoors with the mission of Connecting City Communities to Outdoor Experiences.

-- Marcus Shoffner, Director of Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Venture Outdoors:  Marcus is working to create equitable outdoor experiences while empowering the next generation of outdoor advocates.

-- Taiji Nelson, Sr. Program Manager for Climate & Rural Systems, Carnegie Museum of Natural History:  As a Naturalist Educator, Taiji is passionate about getting young people outside to explore and connect with nature and overcome the challenge of finding a sense of community around nature especially in urban areas. 

-- Paula Lewis, PA Outdoor Corps/DCNR:  Working with PA Outdoor Corps as a young adult helped Paula gain work experience, job training and educational opportunities.  She is now using that experience as a DCNR employee working on recreation and conservation projects. 

Join The Discussion

The program will be held on April 29 from Noon to 1:15 p.m.  Click Here to register to attend via WebEx.

The Council encourages your questions, suggestions and ideas to be sent prior to the meeting so they can include as many as possible in the discussion.  Send them to Katrina Harrisburg by email to: kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com.

There will also be the opportunity to use the chat feature during the discussion to provide input.

For more information on Council activities, visit DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Council webpage.  The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for May 26.

Related Articles:

-- We Conserve PA: May 17 - Attempting To Understand The Disconnect Between African Americans And The Outdoors

-- Reminder!  Deadline To Apply For DCNR Outdoor Recreation, Land Conservation, Buffer Grants April 14

-- DCNR Warns Of Heightened Spring Wildfire Dangers

-- Potter-Tioga Counties’ Cherry Springs State Park Ranked One Of Nation’s Finest Stargazing Spots

-- DCNR, DEP Begin Plugging 12 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells In Cornplanter State Forest, Forest County

[Posted: April 7, 2021]

4/12/2021