The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has released survey findings that will inform the development of the state’s 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
According to a news release, the survey results highlight the public’s priorities for outdoor recreation, including accessibility, equity, and modernization. The draft plan will be open for public comment from February 3 to March 3, 2025.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized the importance of the survey responses in shaping the plan, which aims to address the changing needs of communities.
“The insights from these surveys are vital for shaping our next statewide plan and addressing the evolving needs of our communities,” said Dunn.
“We deeply appreciate the thousands of Pennsylvanians who contributed their perspectives, helping us design more people-focused initiatives for the future.”
The survey findings were compiled from multiple sources, including a web-panel survey conducted by Penn State’s Lion Poll, a public survey, and a recreation providers survey.
More than 8,000 responses were collected, offering a broad perspective on outdoor recreation across the state.
Among the key findings, 82 percent of respondents recognized the role of outdoor recreation in supporting mental health, and 74 percent supported its integration into mental health care strategies.
Walking, running, scenic driving, picnicking, hiking, and visiting historic sites emerged as the most popular outdoor activities.
Additionally, there was bipartisan support for increased funding for parks and recreation, with nearly half of respondents identifying the need to upgrade local recreation areas.
The survey also highlighted economic benefits, with 33 percent of participants planning trips around outdoor recreation and over half supporting local businesses during these outings.
The findings also addressed barriers to outdoor recreation. Health limitations were noted as a significant obstacle for older adults and households earning less than $75,000 annually. While most respondents reported feeling welcomed in outdoor spaces, communities of color indicated higher rates of feeling unwelcome.
On the provider side, 55 percent cited funding as the primary challenge in hiring, and 66 percent suggested that reducing grant match requirements would help secure state funding.
DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz emphasized the significance of public feedback in creating an inclusive and effective plan. “This feedback reflects the voices of Pennsylvanians and helps us ensure that outdoor spaces are accessible, welcoming, and sustainable,” Jantz said.
The 2025-2029 SCORP will outline policies, programs, and investments for outdoor recreation while ensuring Pennsylvania remains eligible for federal funding through programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
This federal fund has provided over $216 million to Pennsylvania since 1965 for projects including parks, historic sites, and wildlife habitat conservation.
Public input will play a critical role in finalizing the draft plan. DCNR will host five webinars during the public comment period to address the plan’s priority areas.
This includes community and economic development, health and wellness, equity and inclusion, infrastructure maintenance, sustainability, and federal funding opportunities.
These efforts build on the state’s 2020-2024 SCORP, which focused on making outdoor recreation accessible to all Pennsylvanians through 20 recommendations and 70 action steps.
The final 2025-2029 plan aims to ensure that Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces meet the needs of residents while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.
