Beltzville State Park to hold public meeting on DCNR report

Beltzville State Park will hold a public meeting for those interested in reviewing a preliminary report released by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this month.

The meeting, slated for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the state park’s Environmental Interpretive Center, will look at the results of an extensive two-year survey seeking public input on the future of Pennsylvania’s state parks. Friends groups, stakeholders, park visitors and the public are invited to attend.

“Commenting on everything from pets in campgrounds to trails and beaches, thousands commented on what they like, dislike and hope to see someday in their state parks,” Dunn said. “This information shaped recommendations that will help in the creation of a strategic plan to ensure the Pennsylvania state park system remains as relevant and valuable to future generations as it has been to current and past generations.”

In response to the release of the preliminary report, the Bureau of State Parks’ website now features downloadable information detailing survey findings and includes a public comment tool to address recommendations suggested as a result of this input.

At this information meeting, officials will be reviewing the report of the bureau’s statewide “Penn’s Parks for All” planning process, as well as providing general park updates.

A separate meeting to discuss the Beltzville Capacity Study is being planned for early 2020.

“As part of an effort to stimulate and encourage public input in this effort, I am requesting all park and park complex managers to schedule public informational meetings before mid-December of this year for Friends Groups, stakeholders, park visitors and the public,” said Bureau of State Parks Director John Hallas. “This will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the preliminary report and how to provide comment through the bureau’s website.”

Recommendations in this “Penn’s Parks for All” report address: Improvement of outdoor recreation opportunities; expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities; protection of resources from recreation impacts; offering of more “active adventure activities;” expansion of overnight accommodations; protection of parks’ natural and cultural resources; parks’ financial support; and improved services and facilities.

Presented in the Penn’s Parks for All Preliminary Report is a summary of results from the various surveys, along with proposed recommendations to guide the management of Pennsylvania state parks for the next 25 years.

To access: www.dcnr.pa.gov, click on “State Parks,” then Penn’s Parks for All.

Public comment on these survey responses and resultant recommendations will be accepted online and in writing until Dec. 31.

For online participation, visit the Penn’s Parks for All Preliminary Report. Address written comments to: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks’ Planning Section, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551.

Seeking additional information, scheduled stakeholder meetings will be held at state parks throughout the state this fall and early next year. A final report is planned in summer 2020.

It has been 25 years since DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks underwent its last strategic planning effort.

That effort guided state park improvements that included the modernization of facilities; expanded environmental education programs; and designated natural areas in order to better protect sensitive or special natural resources.