PA DCNR public feedback meetings on Recreation June 1-3

[ddechri]

This was in DCNR's Resource eNewsletter:
 
Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan input sessions
June 1-3, 2009. DCNR staff, along with Penn State University researchers, will host three public input sessions to provide comment and recommendations for the 2009 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Attendees will get a chance to provide input on a set of draft recommendations produced by a multi-agency task force of recreation specialists led by DCNR.
Every five years, Pennsylvania produces a plan that provides citizens, policymakers, and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. The plan also helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding, and implementation for the next five years and beyond. Public input to this process is critical—ensuring a broad representation of interests, views and ideas. The sessions, all 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will be held:

•   June 1 – Four Points by Sheraton, Pittsburgh North;
•   June 2 – Ramada, State College; and
•   June 3 – DeSales University, Bethlehem
 
____________________________

If anyone can attend any of these meetings that would be great. For those that can’t, I contacted the organizer and the material will be available on DCNR’s website when the meetings get closer. We’ll also be able to provide online feedback.

Make a mental note to participate in these process for 4x4 recreation at the end of the month. I’ll try to post more details when they become available. 
 
- Dave

[ddechri]

Update:

The website for viewing the 2009 Draft of DCNR's Recreation Plan is now availible here:

http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/index.html

This is kind of a new format that allows individuals to look at individual sections of the document and provide comments.
As of today, the links are not active yet. However, since the meetings are less than two weeks away, I expect they will be soon.

Is anyone going to be able to attend one of the meetings?

- Dave

Here's the updated article in the Resource newsletter:
___________________________________________________________________________
Share your ideas on outdoor recreation at public meetings in June
 
Pennsylvania residents are invited to share their ideas on how to improve outdoor recreation opportunities at three public meetings being held throughout the state in June.

“Part of DCNR’s mission to create healthy and livable communities includes successfully serving the recreation needs of those who live, work and play in them,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary John Quigley said. “We want the public to play a part in setting the priorities for state recreation planning and funding for the next five years and beyond.”

Pennsylvania produces a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years that provides citizens, policymakers and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. The plan helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding and implementation for the future.

The meetings will be held at the following locations from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

June 1, Four Points by Sheraton, Pittsburgh North, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars
June 2, Ramada Conference Center, 1450 S. Atherton St., State College
June 3, DeSales University, University Center Gerald White Pavilion, 2755 State Ave., Center Valley

Over the past 18 months, DCNR has identified four major themes for its draft recommendations in the plan:

- Align planning efforts to provide more integrated outdoor recreation opportunities;
- Connect outdoor recreation and conservation to Pennsylvania’s economy and the health and quality of life of its residents;
- Reconnect people to the natural environment and develop an environmental stewardship ethic in all segments of the population; and
- Develop a statewide trail network including addressing priority trail gaps.

Attendees will hear presentations from Penn State University faculty who have conducted four statewide recreation surveys to provide the data on which the plan recommendations are drawn.

The surveys include a statewide resident survey on recreation needs and preferences; a targeted state park survey to identify recreation participation trends and facility needs; a trail gap analysis sent to trail-user groups; and a series of facilitated discussion sessions with minority youth and baby boomers across Pennsylvania.

For more information or to review the draft plan, visit www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.

 

[ddechri]

Some of the links are now active although you can only tell by scrolling your mouse over them.

From my initial skimming, again, 4x4 recreation isn't mentioned among the typical trail user groups of hikers, snowmobile, atv, bicyclists, equestrians.

- Dave

[C2kraft]

In reading the draft document I came across the activity "driving for pleasure", which I am unsure of its definition.  Could it possibly mean 4x4 Recreation?  There was no mention of ATV, Dirtbikes, ect., in the SCORP draft document that would indicate off-road adventure vehicles.  Where as the SFRMP 2007 Comment Summary was loaded with comments on these off-road vehicles. 

[ddechri]

SFRMP 2007 was for State Forests only. Its not real clear if this SCORP is directed at just State Park or all of DCNR which includes State parks and Forests. I did see some mention of OHV's (ATV's, Dirt Bikes & snowmobiles)

Still, I would submit the comment just as you have it because it shows it's not clear.


Anybody get to go to one of the meetings? Anything you can report back to teh club?

- Dave

[Twiztidunit]

I went to the meeting in State College.There was only 2 of us from the ORV community that I know of.I am presently putting together a package for the lady there.(I remember her last name was Barstow).Who is the DCNR Advisory Board Representative for 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles?Since the results have never been published, this is the person that would have been installed in 2007 to 2011 term, we know that this person is a private citizen from the York area.What we would like to do is put together a Council of one or two people from each of the six DCNR Regions in the Commonwealth to work in conjunction with our DCNR Advisory Board Representative giving real feed back to the Board as to how we want our money allocated and spent to further our hobby in each of the regions………

[ddechri]

I'm glad a few were able to attend. I was bummed that our annual vaction coinsided with the meetings.

Make sure you follow up while it''s formost in your mind and theirs. Anything I can do to help let me know.
I believe Steve Risk had been the representative to DCNR. He lives in southern York Co. I suspect he still is.

- Dave

[Twiztidunit]

thank you!I was beginning to think there was no one appointed to this position

[ddechri]

Deadline for public input approaching!
Make sure you make your opinion known to shape the future of our sport in PA on public land!

"Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan public input period closing
A comment period available on this web site—set up to provide the public with a chance to weigh in on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)—will close on July 20.

While a series of public meetings have already been held, those interested have still been able to provide feedback at the site; along with viewing Research and draft recommendations. Every five years, Pennsylvania produces a plan that provides citizens, policymakers, and recreation professionals with a snapshot of current trends and issues in outdoor recreation. SCORP helps set the agenda for state recreation policy, planning, funding, and implementation for the next five years and beyond. Public input to this process is critical—ensuring a broad representation of interests, views and ideas."

Those on the Sproul trip will attest there are decent opertunities to trail ride in the state forests. And there are many more behind locked gates. Everyone needs to let the state know that we want to keep what we have and get even more.

- Dave