Latest Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Stories

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today announced that the department will hold a public meeting on Marcellus Shale issues in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 3 at Lycoming College in Williamsport. "DCNR is responding to requests that the public be given the chance to provide the department with information and comments on possible gas...

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has designated a new Wild Plant Sanctuary in Bloom Township, Clearfield County. Bilger's Rocks, a property managed by the Bilger's Rocks Association, has been accepted into the DCNR Wild Plant Sanctuary Program, recognizing the commitment of association staff to preserve the site. "The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program promotes conservation of natural areas and...

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scientists, naturalists and volunteers from across the state will gather May 20-21 at Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron County, in an extensive effort to document the park's wide variety of life forms. The goal of the event is to identify as many plants and animals as possible in day and night field exercises, popularly known within the scientific community as a "bioblitz." "It's fitting to host this event in a park that's...

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has developed an interactive, web-based map enabling users to track progress of gypsy moth spraying operations across the state. "This new website will enable visitors to zoom into their county and township to determine if treatments are planned, in progress or have been completed," DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said. "Information will be updated overnight on a daily basis...

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania will join states across the nation in recognizing May 2013 as National Bike Month, as well as May 13 to 17 as Bike to Work Week, and May 17 as Bike to Work Day. "The increasing popularity of bicycle riding illustrates how important cycling is in a multi-modal transportation system," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "We encourage people to learn how to safely travel or commute by bicycle, which helps promote...

Agreement Will Add 506 Acres to the Park GREENE COUNTY, Pa., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) today announced that it has reached a settlement with CONSOL Energy, Inc. to restore Duke Lake at Ryerson Station State Park, as well as add 506 acres to the park. The lake was drawn down in July 2005 for safety reasons after inspections of the dam uncovered cracks and water seepage. It's anticipated the lake will be...

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials will participate in a free, web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension on Marcellus Shale issues in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County, on Thursday, April 25. "Information on Potential Loyalsock State Forest Natural Gas Development" is being offered from 1 to 2 p.m. as part of a series of one-hour webinars conducted by Penn State on natural gas...

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today announced that the administration is expanding TreeVitalize, a popular and successful community tree-planting and education program. "Launched on Arbor Day 2004 in Philadelphia, the TreeVitalize program has planted more than 350,000 shade trees in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and 12 other metropolitan areas," Allan said. "To build on that success,...

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today visited Hugh Moore Park in Easton to highlight the importance of local parks and trails to communities and economies. The secretary announced a $175,000 grant to the City of Easton for improvements to Hugh Moore Park and the completion of the approximately three-mile PPL Trail that starts at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center and...

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A non-native, invasive insect that attacks and kills Eastern hemlock trees has advanced westward across Pennsylvania to Clarion and Jefferson counties where infestations have been confirmed in two state parks. "The hemlock woolly adelgid, a pervasive insect threat that has killed thousands of hemlocks across the state, has been detected in both Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County, and Clear Creek State Park in neighboring...