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DCNR Speeds Up Endangered, Threatened Species Environmental Permit Review Times, ATV Permitting, Ginseng Certification

On November 22, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced significant reductions in processing times across key environmental permit review areas, demonstrating the Shapiro Administration's commitment to streamlining state government operations for Pennsylvanians in the last two years.

This year, DCNR's Bureau of Forestry made notable improvements in processing times--

-- Environmental Permit Reviews for Rare or Threatened Species: The Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) environmental review applications are now processed in an average of 10 days, a 67 percent reduction from the 30-day average previously.

These reviews are crucial for assessing potential impacts on sensitive ecological features before development projects can proceed, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations.

-- Northcentral Regional ATV Trail Permits: Processing times for Northcentral Regional ATV Trail (NRAT) Connector permits have been reduced to an average of three days, down from 14 days — a nearly 80 percent improvement. The NRAT system has generated $23.5 million in revenue over its first three years, boosting tourism in the region.

-- Ginseng Certification: The Ecological Services Division has reduced the processing time for ginseng certifications to one day, down from five days. Ginseng harvesting is highly regulated, with strict seasonal and ecological guidelines to protect the species.

“We're proud to lead the way in improving customer service for permits and recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania," said Secretary Dunn. “Thanks to the dedication of our staff, we're able to return applications faster and more efficiently, helping residents and businesses enjoy our public lands while protecting the environment."

DCNR is also cataloging and prioritizing transactions that can easily be converted from paper to electronic processes to improve efficiency and better serve the public.

Click Here for original announcement.

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.

Related Articles - Permits:

-- DEP Reduces Permit Backlog By 75%, Completely Eliminates Backlog For Oil & Gas Permits; You Can’t Blame DEP Anymore For Project Delays [PaEN]

-- Guest Essay: Protecting Public Health Means Enforcing Environmental Regulations While Helping Businesses Thrive - By Jessica Shirley, Acting DEP Secretary [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro Signs Executive Order Creating PA Permit Fast Track Program; Can't Blame DEP Anymore For Delaying Projects [PaEN]

-- DEP Briefs Water Resources Committee On Proposed Changes To PAG-13 General Permit For Small Municipal Stormwater Dischargers; Latest Emerging Contaminants Sampling Results; Microplastics Study [PaEN]

-- DEP Publishes Updated Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Technical Guidance Documents In Development [PaEN]

-- EPA Accepting Comments On New Draft Framework To Advance Consideration of Cumulative Impacts On Communities [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- PA Capital-Star: Shapiro Signs Executive Order Aimed At Streamlining Permitting Process For Infrastructure Projects

-- WNEP: Gov. Shapiro Highlights PA Permit Fast Track Program In Luzerne County

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Shapiro’s New Permitting System Gives A Green Light To Economic Development

-- PA Sen. Joe Pittman: Senate Republicans Spearheading PA Permitting Reforms