Podcasts about dcnr

I've known my guest Wes Robinson for more than a decade, beginning when we started at our new jobs together at PennLive/The Patriot News.When it comes to friends, I tend to seek out fun, critical thinkers. Someone that can challenge me and make me laugh. Someone who will get right to the line and roundly cross it. Someone who has a strong moral character and a diabolical sense of humor.After I left journalism, I worked to bring Wes with me to the Pennsylvania Senate. He joined me at the Capitol for several years. We'd see each other at press conferences, events and at our semi-regular “journalism survivors guild” lunch. Then in 2021, Wes took an amazing opportunity to become the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. During that same time, I decided to run a mile in all then 121 Pennsylvania State Parks. So, as I was discovering the outdoors, Wes was doing much of the same thing professionally. Wes was one of only three people to joined me on my 121 In 21 Challenge.  On a sweltering day in July, Wes ran one mile at seven state parks with me. It was yet another example of him being a great supporter and going the extra mile – so to speak – for a friend. As I was developing this podcast in 2022, I knew its success depended on whether I could get guests. From the very beginning, Wes worked hard to make sure I was able to find guests that would highlight our amazing outdoor spaces. Wes is the sort of person that loves seeing his friends succeed. And he'll do as much as he can to introduce you to the right people, send the email to the right organization or bring you along to a networking event. Not to curry favors. Not to make himself look good. But to make you look good. This podcast would not exist without Wes. His generosity, hard work and legitimacy in the outdoor space is the only reason I can make Hemlocks to Hellbenders. So, what is this episode about? How awesome Wes is? A little. What work is going on at DCNR? Absolutely.But it's also about two friends whose journey of falling in love with the outdoors is connected. It's about what can be done with the right people at the right time. And it's about what we can all do to support each other and our wonderful public lands.On this episode, I speak with Wes Robinson. Wes is the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and my very good friend. Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:Keystone Trails AssociationPurple Lizard MapsPennsylvania Parks and Forests FoundationSisters' SunflowersSupport the showVisit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. Hosting, production and editing: Christian AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Matt Davis

Every Spring in Pennsylvania, the outdoors becomes the place for a hands-on event made specially for women: Women in the Wild. The event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) and invites women of all experience levels to explore new skills, boost their confidence in nature, and foster community with others who love the outdoors. Mindy Wilt, an Environmental Education Specialist with DCNR, joined The Spark’s Asia Tabb to share more about the event's origins, its purpose, and why it’s growing in popularity.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's eco-news time! And that means we're bringing the newsworthy stories that you might not hear on the nightly news. Join us as we cover an interesting honeybee story, DCNR's new plan, sightings of a rare bird, and bad news about rainfall in the northeast.

Join us as we talk with Susquehanna County's service forester, Michael Antonishak. We discuss what the service forester's job entails and even cover forest pests, invasives, and related events. Don't miss this episode!

The Pennsylvania Department of Conversation and Natural Resources oversees 124 parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, and Planning Chief in the Resource Management and Planning Division of DCNR's Bureau of State Parks Rachel Eckman made an appearance on the Spark with host Asia Tabb to chat about what new parks are in the works, and what's new to come to the PA DCNR. Listen to the podcast above to hear more about plans for the rest of the season.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Friday news roundup! A North Side horse took a river plunge this week, and the state DCNR wants you to weigh in on the next five years in park investments. Plus, few sports legends are headed back to the Burgh for a new fundraiser for the Neighborhood Resilience Project, and we're pouring one out for all of you who bought tickets to the Sudden Little Thrills music festival. (We're looking at you, Sophia.) We always cite our sources: The Pittsburgh Scanner X account had the play-by-play on a horse that escaped and took a dip in the Ohio River. Learn more about the DCNR's five-year plan, their access map, and take their survey through May 22.  Snag tickets to the Resilience Bowl here. Fr. Paul Abernathy's work with the Neighborhood Resilience Project started over a decade ago. Learn more about his work in the Hill District and big plans for the future. Friend of the pod Armin Samii shared a video on X of the cyclist recently hit on Smallman Street.  Hear Monday's pod on how the city needs your help to better track close calls and accidents: How Can Pittsburgh End Traffic Deaths? Learn more about our sponsor: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss the Appropriations Committee Budget hearings, during which Causer raised issues concerning well capping and efficient spending.

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss the Appropriations Committee Budget hearings, during which Causer raised issues concerning well capping and efficient spending.

  In Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York Counties – also known as the South Mountain region – there's been progress in preserving farmland and even non-farmland, but almost half of the streams in the region are impaired and there are more extreme hot and rainy days. Those are a few of the findings of the first ever “State-of-the-Region Report Card" conducted by the conservation organization – South Mountain Partnership. The metrics that got a thumbs up for working well were more preserved land, including farmland, driving proximity to trails, and better air quality. The thumbs down, meaning more work to do, unfortunately was a longer list that included impaired streams and creeks, a decrease in riparian buffers, less forested land, fewer acres of orchards, walking proximity to trails and parks, and more extreme heat and rainy days. A sideways thumb translated to more work needs to be done or more information is needed. That grade went to wetlands preserved, farmland, historic places, public open spaces, trail and bike routes and driving proximity to water access. On The Spark Wednesday, Katie Hess, Director of the South Mountain Partnership and Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation said the report card is the first phase of a three-part project,"We have a report to final report that sets out recommendations for taking on the challenges that were revealed in this project. And South Mountain Partnership is taking on a handful of these over the next 5 to 10 years. But there are over 65 recommendations. And so we invite any individual or group who is interested in being part of implementing or exploring the implementation of other recommendations to join us. Julia Chain, Program Manager of South Mountain Partnership added, "Something that we're trying to weave in through each of these recommendations and how we take action on them is accessibility. So, we understand that creating the most accessible opportunity to interact with nature is really critical. And I think this is just a good opportunity to highlight the work that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has done here, because they've done a lot of this research to identify where we can grow in terms of accessibility. And they also really support our program. Our conservation landscape is one of eight in Pennsylvania and was selected by DCNR for being such a unique location."Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a gigantic operation. As the largest public landowner in the Commonwealth, DCNR manages millions of acres of land – including 124 state parks and 20 state forests.But it doesn't end there. DCNR also manages everything on those millions of acres. There's the buildings, education centers, campgrounds, museums, playgrounds, cabins, yurts, pools, lakes and parking lots. And then there's the hiking trails, bike paths, kayak launches, ATV trails, overlooks and vistas.The list goes on and on and on.With a staff of nearly 1,400 full-time and 1,300 seasonal employees, DCNR must cover day-to-day operations of these lands and facilities while also planning for the next 20 to 50 years. It's an incredible amount of work that seems almost impossible address.Luckily, we have someone leading the way. On the finale of our first season, I speak with Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Cindy is the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.We kick off our first episode of the second season on January 3. I hope you'll join us again. Be sure to visit my website to get to notified about upcoming episodes. Also, follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for more information about what is coming up next. You can support the podcast by buying merch or donating on our website.Hosting, production and editing: Christian AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Uncle Traveling Matt's Random Expedition

National transportation officials held hearings in East Palestine, Ohio, to find answers about the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Testimony casts doubt on the decision to vent and burn vinyl chloride. Plus, wildfire smoke is pouring into the U.S. from Canada. How does that impact youth sports? The spongy moth damages Pennsylvania forests every summer. We talk with DCNR about what it's doing to prevent the worst damage. Plus, the garden of a refugee community in Pittsburgh helps sustain its own members and the neighborhood where it grows. News about a drought watch in Pennsylvania, fines for killing a bald eagle, and the closure of coal plants in Pa.  

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss Appropriations Committee budget hearings – Causer questions Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Environmental Protection.

On this Weekly Update with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron), we discuss Appropriations Committee budget hearings – Causer questions Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Environmental Protection.

In honor of President's Day, this episode is on James Buchanan – our 15th President of the United States and up until recently the only president from Pennsylvania. The first part of the podcast will focus Buchanan's Birthplace State Park. I speak with DCNR's Beth Garner to learn about what to do, what to see and how best to experience the park.The second part of the podcast will focus solely on the man long-dubbed “the worst president in history.” We'll hear from Pat Clarke, director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. He tells us about his life as a legislator, diplomat, president and gentleman farmer. Be sure to visit my website to get to notified about upcoming episodes. Also, follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for more information about what is coming up next. You can support the podcast by buying merch or donating on our website.Hosting, production and editing: Christian AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Uncle Traveling Matt's Random Expedition

Jill Rose is the State Forest Pathologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry since September 2019. Previously she was the Forest Health Programs Manager and State Forest Pathologist for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division for 17 years. Jill's studies included an Associate Degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State University from the DuBois campus and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Idaho. Jill also holds a Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology from Washington State University. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/plantatrilliontrees/support

An exit interview with program manager Marla Meyer Papernick as she departs from PEC and DCNR's Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape, where Marla has served as external lead since 2015. We look back on what the effort has accomplished since then, and what the Landscape's new strategic plan says about its future.

FBI, DCNR and other alphabet agencies OH MY... This Mid-Week episode Jay looks into lost gold from the Civil War. Was it ever found? Do the people who found it deserve to keep it? Do you abide by the rules of Finders Keepers? All this and more this week on Project Skeptic Email: Projectskepticpod@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/projectskeptic/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/project_skeptic_podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_skeptic_podcast/Voicemail: 814 299 6919

In Pennsylvania, fun is serious business. Amid growing recognition of outdoor recreation as a vital sector of the state's economy — not to mention an indispensable public good — the state agency tasked with managing Pennsylvania's natural resources is making a bold investment in the burgeoning outdoor industry, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring equitable access for all Pennsylvanians. On this episode, we're getting to know Pennsylvania's first-ever statewide recreation czar, Nathan Reigner, and his vision for the newly-established Office of Outdoor Recreation within DCNR.

From the formation of fossil fuel deposits to the tectonic ballet that gave us the Appalachian Mountains, geologic events occurring hundreds of millions of years ago made the Keystone State what it is today. These events also created the distinctive regional topographies by which DCNR's Conservation Landscapes program is organized. We explore the links between outdoor recreation, climate change, and Pennsylvania's geological history with DCNR's Kristen Hand.

Pennsylvania is a state rich in natural beauty and resources, including nearly 300,000 acres of state parks. Along with the state forest system, they are considered one of the largest tracts of public lands in the eastern United States. There is state park within 25 miles of nearly every Pennsylvanian, and these areas saw a … Continue reading "DCNR launches park access and management plan laying out course for next 25 years"

There are 349 rare, threatened, or endangered native plant species in Pennsylvania. The habitats they call home are as diverse as the plants themselves. As the climate changes, new challenges will arise for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the group in charge of managing these habitats and protecting Pennsylvania's rare plants. On this episode, DCNR botanist Andrew Rohrbaugh discusses what the future may hold for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable flora.

If you love PA State Parks, you don't want to miss this very special episode! Mike Mumau, Park Operations Manager, joins us to discuss Laurel Hill, Kooser and Laurel Ridge State Parks in the Laurel Highlands. Learn what makes each park unique, some tips for maximizing your hiking fun and upcoming events! Shout out to our awesome sponsors Fallingwater and Compass Inn Museum & Ligonier Valley Historical Society for making this show possible.

In today's episode, Jason talks with Carissa Longo. Carissa is the Environmental Education Program Coordinator for DCNR, Bureau of State Parks. As the EEPC, she works to provide state park outdoor programming service, offer quality teacher workshops, and coordinate curricula. Carissa studied Environmental Studies at Binghamton University, is a NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, and is certified as a Meaningful Watershed Education Experience trainer. Jason and Carissa cover a brief history of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the State Park System, different parks in Pennsylvania, how COVID changed EVERYTHING, Environmental Education programs offered, and how you can find a program to attend. To learn more about the PA State Park system, visit: visitpaparks.com To subscribe to the PA DCNR newsletter (I highly recommend this), visit: dcnr.pa.gov/Subscribetoresource --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/conservationunfiltered/support

This week on The Land Show with Dave and Johnny: Seth Maddox, Migratory Game Bird Coordinator with DCNR, is on to discuss the Alabama duck, dove, and sandhill crane hunting seasons. www.outdooralabama.com Matt Wilkes with Wilkes Family Farm shares about his family satsuma farm near Slocomb, AL. Randall Upchurch discusses how the increase in lumber prices is affecting the construction of poultry farms around the Southeast. www.selandgroup.com/agents/randall-upchurch Andrew Harp with Alabama Ag Credit came in studio to talk about what they are seeing with land lending around the state. www.alabamaagcredit.com

We set down and talk to Tyler with Southern Attraction Outdoors about how they started in the outdoor industry . We also talk about the changes made by our local DCNR to benefit the hunter, along with what they do to film a successful hunt.

Teddi Stark, Riparian Forest Buffer Program Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, on the departments search for landowners interested in the new ‘Buffer My Stream’ initiative which will help property owners care for their streamside areas in a sound and sustainable way. We’ll talk about the new program, how and why riparian buffers and what opportunities are available for property owners.

Teddi Stark, Riparian Forest Buffer Program Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, on the departments search for landowners interested in the new ‘Buffer My Stream' initiative which will help property owners care for their streamside areas in a sound and sustainable way. We'll talk about the new program, how and why riparian buffers and what opportunities are available for property owners.

Samantha Pearson, Director, Lewisburg Neighborhoods, Walk it! Bike it! Coordinator, Elm Street Manager, on social distancing and the great outdoors. We’ll talk about the latest guidance from the PA Recreation and Park Society, DCNR and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, Middle Susquehanna Active Transportation Committee and Walk it! Bike it! Lewisburg.

Spring is in the air in Central Pennsylvania and parks and trails are a welcome respite for families feeling cooped up in their homes. And if people didn’t need another temptation to leave the house, Trout season opened a week early to the surprise and delight of area anglers. With Governor Wolf’s stay-at-home order, are … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Friday: DCNR defines policy, Lancaster Cares fund, athletes pay it forward and communities taking action"

In a state that's nearly 60 percent tree-covered, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry has a lot of ground to cover. But thanks to Penn State's Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship training program, DCNR has boots on the ground in every county, connecting Pennsylvanians with vital forest management resources. PEC's Laura England, a newly-minted volunteer Forest Steward, shares what she learned in the program. Plus: a primer on Conservation Landscape mini-grants, and why you -- or someone you know -- should apply.

The weekly Legislative Report Program/Podcast with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) is now available. Topics discussed in this week’s program include: DCNR update on the status of local state parks; Penn DOT hiring at Job Fairs in McKean and Elk Counties; New Ag Grant Programs now available; Fire/EMS Grant Program application period opens soon. RT 5:00

As Ben Franklin wrote, “when the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” But how do you calculate the value of water resources in dollars and cents? Researcher Spencer Phillips, Ph.D., unpacks the far-reaching economic impacts of water quality in southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Phillips is the lead author of an innovative new study funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and partners in DCNR’s Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape.

Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s most extensive state park-and-forest systems, and for decades it’s been growing in size as well as popularity. But funding for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) hasn’t kept pace with that growth. As a result, a new Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) report warns, DCNR is facing a $1 billion backlog in delayed maintenance and repairs to park and forest infrastructure. We look at the state of our state parks and forests with PPFF president Marci Mowery.

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has received national recognition for the work of its Trails Advisory Committee. A conversation with committee chair Andy Hamilton, and news about DCNR's plans for confronting climate change, on this episode.

Pittsburgh’s Climate Action Plan is taking shape. But how will the city achieve its vision of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by mid-century? PEC’s Lindsay Baxter, who authored the original version of the plan in 2008, joins us. Also: can learning to use a bow and arrow improve kids’ focus and concentration? Conversation with Christine Ticehurst of DCNR on the Bureau of State Parks’ youth archery program.

We talk with Steve after his recent retirement about his long career in public safety and volunteering.

Lawmakers took another step this week toward what would be the biggest reduction in state funding for local environment and energy projects in Pennsylvania history. We’ll get an update from the state capitol. Then, fall foliage season is getting off to an early start in Pennsylvania’s northern tier, and forecasters expect this year’s colors to be some of the most spectacular in recent memory. DCNR forester Ryan Reed joins us with tips for making the most of it.

More than 300 northeastern Pennsylvanians turned out last weekend to help PEC and DCNR plant thousands of seedlings on former mining sites. This week's show features voices from our Earth Day 2017 tree-planting event in Pinchot State Forest, Luzerne County.

A 250-foot gap in Carbon County has been holding back the Delaware & Lehigh Trail for years, earning a spot on DCNR's top-ten list of critical trail gaps statewide... until now. Wednesday's groundbreaking brought the 25-year planning phase of the Jim Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge to a close. We look at the effort's long history -- and its expected economic impact -- with D&L National Heritage Corridor President & Executive Director Elissa Garofalo.

The history of Pennsylvania's public lands is closely intertwined with African American history. Before they were state parks and forests, many of these areas were crisscrossed with Underground Railroad routes, and dotted with abolitionist strongholds and communities of freed slaves. This month, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is honoring that legacy and recognizing some of the Black Pennsylvanians who've played a role in preserving it. But spokeswoman Chris Novak says DCNR still has work to do when it comes to diversifying its workforce.