PENNSYLVANIA — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is currently accepting applications for its NextGen Advisory Council. This council is dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and ensuring equitable access to public lands. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn is encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds and of all ages to apply, regardless of prior experience.
The council strives to cultivate a group of members with a broad range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to inform the agency’s work and advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Council members will aid in creating lasting change and necessary conditions to ensure all Pennsylvanians can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation.
“We are seeking candidates for the NextGen Advisory Council to assist in our mission of expanding access to outdoor recreation and ensuring public lands are welcoming to all,” Dunn said. “This council is a great opportunity to learn more about DCNR, while also providing fresh, new ideas to help promote our beautiful state parks, forests, and other natural resources. We welcome applicants of all ages and look forward to hearing from those with a mind for the outdoors.”
Apply for the council here. Applications will be accepted through Monday, July 31. This Council membership is a three-year term commitment, with the option to serve additional, consecutive terms.
Council members have the opportunity to participate in optional committees, networking, and special project meetings. These are also held in the evenings on the third Tuesday of the month and scheduled in between quarterly meetings to further Council initiatives and encourage relationship building among DCNR staff and Council members.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about careers in conservation, gain additional knowledge and experience in outdoor activities and sports in parks, forests, and trails.
Council members will also meet and work with DCNR staff and leaders, obtain invaluable leadership experience, and help their communities by working with DCNR to serve all Pennsylvanians more effectively.
“We want people who are willing to share their ideas and perspectives,” Dunn said. “Experience in conservation and government is not needed to apply. Our goal is to field a council of people who are willing to work together towards the goal of supporting the outdoors for all as we chart a path for future generations.”
The council meets once every three months on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July and October. Meetings are virtual to reduce travel and promote accessibility. Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of meetings.
DCNR launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives to help to inform DCNR programs and operations.
If you want to learn more about the council or have questions, please reach out to us at RA-NRDCNREQUITY@pa.gov.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about the NextGen Advisory Council.
Working to make the outdoors more accessible for all people is a part of Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan and the Penn’s Parks for All strategic plan.
Some actions DCNR has taken to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on public lands include:
- An ongoing employee training program
- Utilizing GIS mapping to improve equity in grantmaking
- Studying park and open space access across the state
- Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the daily work of all areas within the agency
For more information about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DCNR, visit DCNR’s website.
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