DCNR Secretary DiBerardinis addresses Joint Conservation Committee

The Joint Legislative Conservation Committee met to hear a presentation from DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis about "DCNR’s Blueprint for Action"  Shaping a Sustainable Pennsylvania.

Sec. DiBerardinis showed a PowerPoint presentation and gave a summary of the report. He explained that the the he and Department staff have spent about a year traveling the state talking to stakeholders about DCNR's first ever action plan. The Secretary found the task to be more difficult than he expected, but he is happy with the results and said that the plan gives the state a solid plan in dealing with state lands and conservation issues.  DCNR oversees 2.4 million acres of state-owned land, including forests and 116 state parks.

The Policy priorities for the Department in the future include:

Improve Stewardship of State Parks and Forests by
*    Managing our lands based on the conservation of healthy ecosystems.
*    Expanding outdoor recreation and outdoor learning opportunities.
*    Supporting economic development through the wise use of natural resources.
*    Improving the agency's ability to make resource management decisions.
*    Continuing to acquire lands that protect and enhance state lands.

Promote Statewide Land Conservation by
*    Helping communities manage growth and reduce the loss of open space.
*    Providing information and educational programs to protect important ecological lands.
*    Providing educational and financial assistance to protect privately owned working forests.
*    Working with private landowners to encourage responsible stewardship.

Build and Maintain Sustainable and Attractive Communities by
*    Empowering county governments to conserve natural resources and promote recreational activities through cooperative planning.
*    Making a reinvestment in our older communities by targeting DCNR programs and leveraging other state and federal programs.
*    Advancing projects and planning that demonstrate sustainable growth and conservation.

Create Outdoor Experiences for Citizens and Visitors by
*    Increasing citizens' and visitors' ability to experience the outdoors.
*    Increasing citizens' awareness and knowledge of natural resources.
*    Bringing stewardship expertise and educational programs to urban and suburban communities.

Sec. DiBerardinis said that it is also very important to design measurable goals to determine if the plans and programs are having a positive impact. He then stated that he is excited about the plan and that it will go forward even without the from Growing Greener II bond issue. However, he said, that money would certainly help advance DCNR's agenda.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lowell Morton, Don Clouser, or me, Fred Brown.  I can be reached at 717.234.8814, or fred-brown@home.com