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DCNR, Trails Advisory Committee, WeConservePA, Partners Release 2022 Pennsylvania Trails Annual Report

On August 31, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, and WeConservePA released the 2022 Pennsylvania Trails Annual Report.

The report documents many of the major accomplishments and milestones in the trails community in Pennsylvania during 2022 toward the goal of having a trail within 10 minutes of every citizen.

Among the accomplishments listed--

-- 2 Priority Trail Gap projects were completed and open to the public in 2022

-- 43 trail grant projects completed totaling $8,045,765 in grant funds

-- 11 projects completed that address Priority Trail Gaps

-- 44 Priority Trail Gaps are being addressed by ongoing DCNR grant projects

-- Development of 12 miles of non-motorized trails, including 8 bridges, 1 comfort facility, and 4 trailheads

-- Rehabilitation of 15 miles of non-motorized trails, including 5 bridges and 5 trailheads

-- Planning for 165 miles of new trails, including 5 bridges, and 3 trailheads

-- Acquisition of 28 acres of land for non- motorized trails

-- Purchase of 10 pieces of equipment to construct and maintain 231 miles of motorized trails

-- Support for ATV and Dirt Bike youth training and education at events across the state. Over 480 youth were trained at 8 ATV events and over 180 youth were trained at 3 Dirt Bike events.

The documentation points to a robust and growing trails community in the Commonwealth, with miles upon miles of trails added and important connections being made, including the closures of several major trail gaps.

Additionally, the report points to major advancements in accessibility, inclusion, research, and professional development opportunities within the Pennsylvania trails community.

The report’s content was created by DCNR, PTAC, WeConservePA, Keystone Trails Association, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and other contributors.

WeConservePA organized and compiled the report content, then enlisted the services of design company Fathom for the report’s layout and design.

After extensive review and revision processes, the report was completed and published as a downloadable digital pdf on the PTAC webpage.

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

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening 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:

-- TribLive: Gov. Shapiro Touts Connellsville, Fayette County As An Example Of Success Investing In Outdoor Recreation

-- Post-Gazette - Mary Ann Thomas: Gov. Shapiro Visits Fayette County To Promote Spending On Parks And Outdoor Recreation

-- Observer-Reporter: Shapiro: Connellsville ‘A Great Example’ Of How Outdoor Recreation Leads To Revitalization

-- TribLive: Ride The Natural Water Slides At Ohiopyle State Park - Video

-- PA Capital-Star: PA Launches Office Of Outdoor Recreation

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: New PA Office Aims To Grow Outdoors Recreation Economy, Jobs

-- Williamsport Sun Editorial: Economic Impact Of Outdoor Recreation Cannot Be Overstated

-- Warren Times: DCNR Highlights Trail Of The Year In McKean County

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Ranks Among 10 Best Small Cities For Outdoor Enthusiasts

-- WHYY/BillyPenn: Jerome Shabazz’s Grand Vision To Turn Vacant Lots Into New Park System In Philadelphia [Chair of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council ]

-- Williamsport Sun: Susquehanna River Offers Close-To-Home Outlet For Those Who Want To Enjoy Morning Boat Trip, Exercise