The department manages Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland.
Harrisburg, PA – Under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has made significant progress in sustainably managing and enhancing Pennsylvania’s public lands. In the last two years, the Commonwealth has reinforced its position as a national leader in conservation and climate resilience, ensuring Pennsylvania’s public lands are preserved and thriving for future generations.
“We are committed to managing Pennsylvania’s natural resources with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring that our public lands remain vibrant and accessible for both current and future generations,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This work is about much more than conservation — it’s about stewardship that strengthens communities and enhances our quality of life.”
Key sustainability achievements since the Shapiro Administration took office include:
- Chesapeake Bay Water Quality(opens in a new tab): The bay received its best environmental rating in over two decades, thanks to innovative conservation practices and strong partnerships that enhance water quality and recreational opportunities.
- Stream Buffer Planting(opens in a new tab): Completed the largest-ever stream buffer planting at Big Elk Creek State Park, improving water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.
- Old-Growth Forest Protection(opens in a new tab): Added eight forests to the National Old-Growth Forest Network, boosting carbon sequestration and improving air and water quality.
- Plugging Abandoned Wells: Plugged 95 abandoned oil and gas wells on state forest lands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Renewable Energy Expansion(opens in a new tab): Increased solar capacity across 30 installations, including at Presque Isle(opens in a new tab) and Prince Gallitzin state parks, with a total of 2,906 kW of solar energy.
- Kittatinny Ridge Sentinel Landscape Designation(opens in a new tab): Achieved designation for the Kittatinny Ridge, preserving critical natural habitats and bolstering climate resilience.
- Preservation of the Pennsylvania Wilds(opens in a new tab): Successfully campaigned for the cancellation of a Low Military Operations Area, preserving the integrity of the iconic Pennsylvania Wilds region.
“The collective impact of these efforts demonstrates how the Shapiro Administration is delivering measurable benefits to Pennsylvanians — promoting environmental health, safeguarding public lands, and responsibly using taxpayer dollars,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh. “Our work is inspired by Pennsylvania’s rich conservation legacy and is crucial in helping the public understand the value of sustainability in today’s world.”
DCNR also prioritized workforce development and community engagement, investing $5 million in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps(opens in a new tab), which equips young Pennsylvanians with job training and environmental stewardship skills.
DCNR’s achievements in sustainability and conservation have also earned well-deserved recognition:
- DCNR received the Leadership Award(opens in a new tab) from the Forest Stewardship Council for its 25-year legacy of sustainable forest management, a testament to its dedication to responsible stewardship.
- Through innovative initiatives like the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA)(opens in a new tab), DCNR has achieved significant energy savings, reducing both taxpayer costs and the department’s overall carbon footprint.
DCNR manages Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland, with sustainability at the core of its stewardship. From protecting 86,000 miles of rivers and streams to maintain 12,000-plus miles of trails and over 6,100 local parks, DCNR is ensuring these vital resources are preserved for future generations. Through grants, technical expertise, and innovative planning, the department is advancing sustainability practices that protect biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce environmental impact.
As DCNR celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the department is committed to a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship through its own sustainable buildings, fleet operations, land management, and business practices. For more details on DCNR’s sustainability initiatives or to explore Pennsylvania’s public lands, visit the DCNR website(opens in a new tab) and check the Calendar of Events(opens in a new tab).
Learn more about how Governor Shapiro is Safeguarding Our Land, Water, & Air(opens in a new tab) to protect the Commonwealth’s rich environment.
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