In 2024, DCNR launched the third phase of the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) contract.
GESA focuses on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction across the places it manages in Pennsylvania. The third phase impacts 38 state parks and 5 forest districts. The agency estimates a $40.5 million payback from energy savings.
The Shapiro Administration secured a Sentinel Landscape designation for Kittatinny Ridge in the eastern Pennsylvanian Appalachian Mountains, furthering conservation efforts and military readiness.
Kittatinny Ridge is now one of 18 designated Sentinel Landscapes in the nation. This designation means federal agencies, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations come together to work with willing landowners and land managers to advance sustainable, mutually beneficial land-use practices around military installations.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry celebrated 25 years of positive forest management last July, receiving an award from the Forest Stewardship Council.
Forestry maintained the health of the 2.2-million-acre state forest system, which sequestered an estimated 5.9 million tons of carbon. Staff also oversaw the plugging of 95 gas wells and produced 89 sustainable timber harvests that will create more than 14,000 acres of early-successional habitat on state forest land. This adds $20 million in revenue for the Commonwealth while supporting local jobs and the timber industry. As stewards of our woodlands, staff from Forestry responded to 1,400 wildfires in 2024, which burned approximately 3,100 acres. The Commonwealth also sent 200 firefighters to assist with wildland fire emergencies across the U.S.
Smokey Bear celebrated his 80th birthday.
Continuing in the vein of fire prevention and protection, last year brought some incredible fun celebrating the 80th birthday of conservation and fire prevention legend, Smokey Bear. The iconic wildfire prevention spokesperson was officially 'born' August 9, 1944, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Ad Council developed the symbol for forest fire prevention. In 1947, his slogan became the familiar “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!"
DCNR also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the fountain at Point State Park in 2024.
The fountain was dedicated by the Commonwealth on August 30, 1974. Its design is an ode to the city’s three rivers as a Point of Confluence, a Point of Conflict and a Point of Renewal. Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark located at the confluence of three rivers, known as Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.”
DCNR led the way in the fight to prevent low flying military operations over the Pennsylvania Wilds.
For nearly five years, DCNR and a diverse and bipartisan collection of partner organizations, elected officials, and constituents, fought the Duke Low Military Operations Area plan, which was intended to accommodate myriad military aircraft at close to ground level.
The Wild Resource Conservation program, which is administered by DCNR provided $444,000 and $372,000 in grants respectively during 2024.
These grants went to 23 projects aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s natural environment. Grants are awarded in three categories: species surveys, conservation, and management.
DCNR entered into a 35-year lease agreement with the operators of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in Bucks County.
The preserve is home to more than 700 of the state’s native plant species, including around 60 species that are classified as rare, threatened or endangered. The lease agreement allows Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Association, Inc. to continue to operate and improve the 134-acre preserve for the next 35 years while still maintaining public ownership. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the only accredited museum in the country dedicated solely to native plants, all growing in sustainable, recognized plant communities.
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps continued to thrive in its ninth year.
In 2024, more than 130 young people participated in the program. Heading into the 10-year anniversary of the Outdoor Corps, members have improved 7,633 structures; collected more than 30,959 data points; improved 5,272 acres of land, 1,063 miles of trails, and 50 miles of waterways; and planted 18,970 native plants. With a $5 million investment in expanding the program, the department is excited for the coming anniversary year.
