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DCNR Releases Results Of PA Recreation Needs, Value Survey Leading To Public Release Of Draft PA Outdoor Recreation Plan In February For Public Review

On December 10, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn shared the results of public surveys that will inform and guide the creation of the agency’s upcoming 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

One of the key findings — out of more than 8,000 responses — revealed Pennsylvanians’ strong connection between outdoor recreation and mental well-being.

“The insights from these surveys are vital for shaping our next statewide plan and addressing the evolving needs of our communities,” said Secretary Dunn. “We deeply appreciate the thousands of Pennsylvanians who contributed their perspectives, helping us design more people-focused initiatives for the future.”

The findings are the result of surveys aimed at collecting comprehensive, objective feedback for the agency, including a Penn State Lion Poll from a web-panel survey of more than 1,000 adult Pennsylvanians, a public survey, and a recreation providers survey.

Important Findings

Key survey highlights include:

-- Mental Health Benefits: 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care.

-- Top Activities: Walking, running, scenic driving, picnicking, hiking, and visiting historic sites are the most popular outdoor pursuits.

-- Bipartisan Support for Funding: Respondents overwhelmingly agree that increasing permanent funding for parks and recreation should be a priority.

-- Modernization Needs: Nearly half (46 percent) believe local recreation areas need upgrades.

-- Economic Impact: 33 percent plan trips around outdoor recreation, with over half supporting local businesses during outings.

-- Barriers: Health limitations are a primary obstacle for older adults and households earning under $75,000 annually.

-- Equity Concerns: While most respondents feel welcomed in outdoor spaces, communities of color reported feeling less welcome at higher rates.

-- Recreation Provider Challenges: 55 percent of providers identified funding as the top hurdle in hiring, while 66 percent suggested reducing grant match requirements would help secure state funding.

“This feedback reflects the voices of Pennsylvanians and helps us ensure that outdoor spaces are accessible, welcoming, and sustainable,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “We encourage public participation in reviewing and refining the plan before it is finalized.”

Feb. Release Of Draft Outdoor Recreation Plan

Every five years, states must develop a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to guide policies, programs, and investments while remaining eligible for federal funding.

A draft of the 2025-2029 SCORP will be open for public comment from February 3 to March 3, 2025.

The public will be able to share input through an online form, and DCNR will host five webinars on the plan’s priority areas--

-- Promoting Community and Economic Development

-- Advancing Health and Wellness

-- Supporting Equity and Inclusion

-- Addressing Infrastructure and Maintenance

-- Progressing on Sustainability and Climate Change

Securing Federal Funding and Building for the Future

SCORP enables Pennsylvania to remain eligible for federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has provided over $216 million since 1965 to fund projects including: parks and historic sites; forest, river, and wildlife habitat conservation; and access to recreation, hunting, and fishing.

The 2020-24 SCORP Plan – Recreation for All – focused on 20 recommendations and 70 action steps for meeting the outdoor recreation needs of all Pennsylvanians.

For more information, visit DCNR’s PA’s Outdoor Recreation Plan 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.

Resource Links:

-- Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Grows To $19 Billion In 2023, Supporting Thousands Of Jobs and Creating Economic Opportunity Across The Commonwealth [PaEN]

-- PA Office Of Outdoor Recreation Hosts Dec. 11 Webinar On Release Of 2023 Data Showing Tremendous Growth In PA’s Outdoor Recreation Economy [PaEN]

-- PA Environmental Defense Foundation Files Court Action Challenging Use Of ATVs For Recreation In Northcentral PA State Forests Resulting In 2,000+ Miles Of Illegal ATV Trails [PaEN]

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-- Vote Now For Pennsylvania's 2025 River Of The Year Among 3 Finalists-- Delaware River, Perkiomen Creek, Youghiogheny River [PaEN]

-- DCNR Releases Results Of PA Recreation Needs, Value Survey Leading To Public Release Of Draft PA Outdoor Recreation Plan In February For Public Review [PaEN]

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