State Seeks Public Input On Forests, Extraction, Climate Change

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today invited public input about use of the state forests, according to PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Pennsylvanians and other forestland users may take an online survey between July 1 and Aug. 31. The survey will gather public opinion on questions about trails and recreation, gas and oil extraction, land acquisition, and how the DCNR should manage for climate change.

Dunn explained, "As the department moves forward in developing a new strategic plan, those who visit and appreciate our state forests have a remarkable opportunity to shape the future management and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s forest resources," Dunn said. "I encourage all to become a part of this state’s rich forest planning heritage by completing the survey."

The 10-minute DCNR survey will allow commonwealth stakeholders, outdoors enthusiasts and visitors to Pennsylvania's more than 2.2 million acres of state forestlands to weigh in on their individual forest use. The survey also asks respondents to express the personal value they place on state forests, according to a DCNR press statement.

DCNR Press Secretary Terry Brady emphasized that the survey and the policy formation that will follow relate not exclusively to state-owned forestland. All Pennsylvania forestland is relevant to the survey's content. "I can't overestimate this point," Brady said. "We want to hear what people are seeing and hearing as they use our forests. Are they getting help when they need it? Are they finding ways, say, to market timber from their land?"

Reflected in the public survey are questions designed to shape Department of Conservation and Natural Resources strategy. The survey will:

• Consider opinions and attitudes of citizens and DCNR employees about state forests and the agency’s work;
• Steer DCNR mission, goals, objectives and the methods used to achieve them;
• Weigh attitudes and opinions regarding extraction of oil, gas and timber;
• Gauge attitudes and opinions on forest recreation while gleaning information about how the forest is used and how the public wishes to use the forest;
• Gain insight on controversial topics such as how DCNR should manage for climate change, or how the department might address increased pressure to build more ATV trails;
• Consider attitudes and opinions regarding land acquisition and trail expansion;
• Consider attitudes and opinions about roles of the department, including education, outreach, partnerships and service forestry.

A department press release said survey responses will help shape DCNR’s strategic plan for the Bureau of Forestry and will guide the department’s leadership in forest management and conservation on both public and private lands in urban and rural areas.

Details on Pennsylvania’s state forestlands and 20 state forest districts can be found at the Pennsylvania State Forest Districts website.