Pennsylvania to get 3 new state parks. Here’s the latest details, plus ways to support

Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Twitter Tuesday three new additions to Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks.

The announcement comes soon after the passing of the state budget, which included $56 million for the new parks. Although the locations have not been chosen, they will be the first new parks since 2005.

“Having secured the funding, (the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) is now working to finalize the land acquisitions that will increase the public’s access to close-to-home, healthy outdoor recreation, a need that became very apparent during the pandemic,” Christina Novak, director of communications for DCNR, said in an email.

The funding will also be used to create the state’s first park for ATV and motorized vehicle use.

More than half of Pennsylvania is forested, a total of 16,621,968 acres, according to a 2019 U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Only 26% is owned by state or local governments, however.

Prior to state budget approval, the DCNR Advisory Council wrote a letter asking for a $29 million increase from the general fund to help support and maintain state parks and forests. The council said $1.4 billion is needed to improve infrastructure for state parks and forests, including 148 bridges in need of repairs.

“During the pandemic, we saw Pennsylvania citizens confirm the essential nature of our parks and forests, as these resources provided the needed space for maintaining physical and mental health,” the letter stated.

The 2022-23 state budget allocated $151 million to the DCNR, with an additional $56 million for the new parks.

Ways to help your state parks

The DCNR lists volunteer events at parks across the state, but if your local park is not listed, future volunteers can always reach out to park management.

The parks closest to Centre Country are Whipple Dam State Park, Penn-Roosevelt State Park, Black Moshannon State Park and Bald Eagle State Park. Volunteers might help with maintenance, trail clearing, fire prevention and assist park visitors.

You can also apply to be a volunteer for the DNCR and work at local parks or forests. DCNR volunteers must apply online and log their hours.

There are also friend groups through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation. These volunteers create charters to help raise funds and complete projects to preserve and enhance state parks.

Both Black Moshannon and Rothrock have active chapters, which post the work the park needs and updates on completed projects, with options to donate funds.

Information on what each chapter is working on and how to join can be found on the PPFF website.

This story was originally published July 14, 2022 at 3:26 PM.