On July 13, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department is seeking applicants for its NextGen Advisory Council.

Apply for the council today. Applications will be accepted through July 31.

The Council strives to cultivate a group of members with a broad range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to inform the agency’s work and advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Council members will aid in creating lasting change and necessary conditions to ensure all Pennsylvanians can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation.

“We are seeking candidates for the NextGen Advisory Council to assist in our mission of expanding access to outdoor recreation and ensuring public lands are welcoming to all,” Dunn said. “This Council is a great opportunity to learn more about DCNR, while also providing fresh, new ideas to help promote our beautiful state parks, forests, and other natural resources. We welcome applicants of all ages and look forward to hearing from those with a mind for the outdoors.”

This Council membership is a three-year term commitment, with the option to serve additional, consecutive term. Council members have the opportunity to participate in optional committees, networking, and special project meetings.

These are also held in the evenings on the third Tuesday of the month and scheduled in between quarterly meetings to further Council initiatives and encourage relationship building among DCNR staff and Council members.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about careers in conservation, gain additional knowledge and experience in outdoor activities and sports in parks, forests, and trails.

Council members will also meet and work with DCNR staff and leaders, obtain invaluable leadership experience, and help their communities by working with DCNR to serve all Pennsylvanians more effectively.

“We want people who are willing to share their ideas and perspectives,” Dunn said. “Experience in conservation and government is not needed to apply. Our goal is to field a council of people who are willing to work together towards the goal of supporting the outdoors for all as we chart a path for future generations.”

The Council meets once every three months on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July and October. Meetings are virtual to reduce travel and promote accessibility. Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of meetings.

DCNR launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives to help inform DCNR programs and operations.

If you want to learn more about the Council or have questions, please reach out to us at RA-NRDCNREQUITY@pa.gov. 

Visit DCNR’s Diversity, Equity And Inclusion webpage to learn more about these initiatives.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, 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:

-- Williamsport Sun Editorial: Our Natural World Is Richly Rewarding - Swimming, Hiking, Biking, Rafting, Boating, Fishing, Wildlife

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: Campers Clamor For Spots In PA State Parks, Breaking Memorial Day Weekend Record

-- Scranton Times: Participants Explored Public Lands Sunday At Lackawanna State Park

-- Williamsport Sun: Lock Haven Native Steve Yale Once Again Hiking Appalachian Trail - Part I of IV

-- York Daily Record Guest Essay: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiking At 75 - Pioneer Earl Shaffer Had Deep York County Roots

-- LancasterOnline: Conestoga River Club Aims To Improve Safety, Increase Disabled Access Along The Waterfront

Related Articles:

-- DCNR State Parks July Environmental Education Newsletter - 34 Summer Nature-Based Activities For Kids; Counting Fireflies; And Much More!  [PaEN]

-- Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Now Accepting Applications For Equitable Trail Network Grants, Deadline July 31

-- Penn State Extension: Q/A: Tick Season Is Starting Sooner, And They Are Showing Up In New Places

-- PA Council Of Trout Unlimited - Bob Pennell: Americans Continue To Find Their Best Selves In Recreational Fishing  [TakeMeFishing Special Report ]

[Posted: July 13, 2023]

7/17/2023