HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced a public comment period for the 2025-2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), inviting residents to help shape the future of outdoor recreation in the state. From February 3 to March 3, 2025, Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to share their input on the draft plan through an online form available on the DCNR website.
“This plan is critical for the future of outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania, and I encourage those interested to share perspectives to help us design more people-focused initiatives for the future,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Outdoor recreation delivers huge benefits for all of us – from driving local economies, to helping us lead healthy, active lifestyles. We all need outdoor recreation in our lives, and this plan makes recommendations on how we can make it accessible to everyone.”
To expand engagement, DCNR will host a series of webinars focusing on the plan’s key priority areas. Each webinar will provide a concise overview of the topic and offer participants a chance to learn about the proposed recommendations. The priority areas and their webinar dates include:
- Promoting Community and Economic Development – February 3, 12 PM (Register)
- Advancing Health and Wellness – February 5, 12 PM (Register)
- Supporting Equity and Inclusion – February 10, 12 PM (Register)
- Addressing Infrastructure and Maintenance – February 12, 12 PM (Register)
- Progressing on Sustainability and Climate Change – February 19, 12 PM (Register)
The SCORP draft builds on extensive surveys, including responses from over 8,000 Pennsylvanians, to identify public preferences for equitable and modernized recreation opportunities. Surveys revealed a strong connection between outdoor activities and mental health, emphasizing the importance of accessible green spaces for well-being.
Every five years, states are required to update their outdoor recreation plans to maintain eligibility for federal funding. DCNR’s initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring outdoor access for all residents while promoting economic and environmental collaboration.
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