DCNR Secretary Talks State Budget, Agency Future; Lauds Local Nature Tourism Efforts

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, right, speaks to Clinton County community members at the Clinton County Economic Partnership's Lunch & Learn event.
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, right, speaks to community members at the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s Lunch & Learn event.

FARWELL – “People tend to underestimate the true specialness of your area.”

Those were some of the first words said by PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn on this afternoon, as she spoke to a crowd of about 60 about the programs and services offered by the agency that specifically relate to rural PA.

She was the guest speaker during the Lunch & Learn event held at the Sportsman’s Restaurant, put on by the Clinton County Economic Partnership and sponsored by Dominion Energy, where she spoke about local assets, DCNR programs and initiatives, and spoke about her concerns relating to the state’s 2017-18 budget and how it could potentially impact the agency.

Noting she typically travels to Clinton County and other portions of the 12.5-county region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds “for play,” Secretary Dunn said the natural assets provide a truly unique offering for both tourists and residents.

She lauded local leaders’ efforts to promote nature-based events and tourism.

“You’ve been very smart about the way you do events around trails,” she said, noting that integration is a key to building excitement, encouraging repeat visitors and ultimately economically developing rural areas.

Reflecting on her paddling adventures about two decades ago, Secretary Dunn recalled “how dead the water was in the region,” but was heartened about 10 or so years ago when she saw a Kingfisher, known to only eat fish.

“That’s one of the best turnaround stories in the state of Pennsylvania,” she said. “It’s a great success and it really is something you should tout.”

DCNR has a large focus on water, she said, especially the week between Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 28). She spoke of the agency’s initial acquisition of forest land being done to cleanup waterways, as well as ongoing of acid mine drainage and riparian buffer projects as indicators of the importance of clean water.

Referencing the county’s four state parks (Kettle Creek, Hyner View, Hyner Run and Ravensburg), she talked about the relationship between DCNR, which manages the parks, and the county organizations and individuals who essentially “own” the parks.

Secretary Dunn told attendees they have “friends in Harrisburg,” pointing to former Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilello who now works at DCED, and mentioning state Rep. Mike Hanna of Lock Haven.

DCNR & THE FUTURE

The agency cuts timber, manages gas leases, prepares for visitors, manages grants, maps and identifies resources and assets, among other responsibilities, she said, adding that she also has her eye on the future.

“We need to look forward and be ready for the DCNR of the future,” she said.

The agency is working to engage young people, Secretary Dunn explained, calling it “critical” for the agency to provide exposure to the natural environment for today’s youth and young adults, as studies have revealed that those groups are spending upwards of seven hours each day in front of a screen.

She pointed to the collaboration between DCNR and the state Department of Labor & Industry that made it possible to begin the PA Outdoor Corps, which provides opportunities for teens to join summer crews to work in public lands and gain hands-on experience while being paid. This year’s installmentof the program, the second annual, includes Renovo area.

“We’re really turning up the dial to get the kids outdoors,” she said. “If they don’t have that connection, all the work that we’ve collectively done will be nothing, because we’ll be gone.”

Secretary Dunn also gave an overview of some projects taking place within DCNR.

Analyses of trails are being conducted and the agency has established a new goal to have a trail within 15 miles of every Pennsylvanian, she said. The original goal was for each resident to be within 25 miles of a state park. Circling back to how this could impact youth, she noted there is a study that indicates young people who work from home choose to live near trails.

She said the agency is also working on a feasibility study relating to connecting two ATV trails: Bloody Skillet, a 38-mile trail crossing portions of Clinton and Centre counties, and Whiskey Springs, a 50-mile trail in Clinton County; in addition to looking at offering grants to private parks to run facilities.

“I’m optimistic this area will continue to come back,” she said, indicating that despite the economic downturn that the region is still recovering from “the bones” (natural assets and features) are here to stay and are what makes Central Pennsylvania a special place for visitors and residents alike.

ON THE STATE BUDGET

Secretary Dunn was asked one question from the audience – and that was about how she is feeling about the state’s 2017-18 budget.

“I’m as scared as I’ve ever been about funding,” she said, calling the governor’s proposed budget – which combines a few agencies and takes “major steps to reduce state-level funding” – tight.

The bill passed by the state House, she said, is “way too tight,” and her agency is looking into an impact analysis of what it will mean for staff and state parks. She expressed concern about furloughing staff and parks or facilities potentially being affected or closed.

The state Senate is expected to respond to the House bill, she said, and the goal is to show the Senate the impact analysis so they can evaluate the agency’s needs “and allow us to serve the public the way we would like to.”

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