Latest news with #CindyAdamsDunn
CBS News
25-05-2025
- CBS News
Searchers find body of ranger in Tyler State Park, park remains closed, Pennsylvania State Police say
Searchers have recovered the body of a park resource ranger who died in Tyler State Park in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, after his boat capsized. The body of 38-year-old Park Resource Ranger Alec Campbell, of Delaware County, was found on Sunday, according to Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Campbell's kayak capsized in Neshaminy Creek on Friday just before noon, officials said. Tyler State Park will be closed on Monday. The park closed early Friday and remained closed on Saturday and Sunday because of the search for Campbell. "We are deeply saddened by the death of Alec Campbell, a dedicated member of our Pennsylvania state park staff," said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn in a statement. "Alec's commitment and passion touched many lives, and his loss is felt deeply across our entire community. We honor his memory and extend our sincerest condolences to all who are mourning his passing," Dunn said in the statement. State police are investigating the incident. The park will reopen on Tuesday, officials said.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DCNR: 27 new rangers, park managers, will strengthen positive visitor services
May 24—Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week joined staff and families to celebrate the 2025 graduating class of the department's ranger and park manager trainee academy. "Our rangers and park managers are key to providing positive visitor experiences, in addition to their duties as sworn law enforcement officers," said Secretary Dunn. "We are proud of the Class of 2025. Their dedication and hard work during training have prepared them for long, successful careers in our state parks system, and I look forward to seeing their impact this summer and beyond." DCNR rangers and managers play a vital role in protecting public lands, educating visitors, and ensuring safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for all. To prepare for this work, ranger and manager trainees must complete a 19-week academy focused on visitor services, educational programming, equipment use, and law enforcement training, including enforcement of park rules and Pennsylvania law. Ranger trainee graduates and assignments for 2025: Matthew Carlson — Promised Land Nicholas Cento — French Creek Michael Corrado — Delaware Canal Tyrus Current — Ridley Creek Kira Estes — Point Andrew Garman — Trough Creek Kevin Gatta — French Creek Nathan Knox — Northcentral State Park Region Nathaniel Marcionette — Codorus Michael Marinkovich — Chapman Kelly Miller — Pine Grove Furnace Sabrina Parisi — Canoe Creek Scott Perry — Bald Eagle Scott Savage — Ohiopyle Ellen Secor — Memorial Lake Stephen Stringer — M.K. Goddard Nicholas Temel — Presque Isle Joshua Tulanowski — Hickory Run Jake Vincent — Little Buffalo Alexis Wildt — Little Pine Roger Wilson — Linn Run Codi Young — World's End Park Manager Trainee Graduates and Assignments for 2025: Kara Fetter — Central Office, Harrisburg Emma Menzel — Eastern State Park Region Taylor Miller — Western State Park Region Emily Reed — Southcentral State Park Region Daniel Clark — Codorus DCNR also employs rangers in Pennsylvania's state forests. Like other law enforcement officers, DCNR rangers provide educational and enforcement services to protect natural resources and ensure public more information about becoming a ranger trainee or for other Pennsylvania employment opportunities, visit Pennsylvania's 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forestland are open year-round with free entry — making them an affordable, accessible Great American Getaway for residents and visitors alike. Campsites, cabins, and yurts are still available for reservation ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer travel season. State parks offer great opportunities for swimming, boating, camping, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Pets are welcome in designated areas. PA awards over $1.1M to projects that foster environmental stewardship among youth and adults The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) annnounced it has awarded $1,173,789 in Environmental Education Grants to 68 environmental education projects that will promote environmental stewardship across Pennsylvania. "These projects help connect people to the ways we can protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, and many of them encourage learning at any age whether you're a kid or an adult," said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Every grant we are awarding supports educational opportunities and will further improve people's connections to their environment." The Environmental Education Grants program prioritizes proposals that will deliver meaningful environmental education programs to people who live, work, or attend school in areas of the Commonwealth often most threatened by climate change, and air and water pollution. This year 87% of the awarded projects will support projects that engage youth and/or adults within such areas. The 2025 projects will deliver a wide range of environmental education programs that include providing youth with unique immersive field experiences, engaging community residents in practical climate resiliency projects, supporting school districts' efforts to develop new STEELS standards-based curriculum, and many more. Luzerne County projects —Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 — $30,000 for "Engaging School Communities in Environmental Stewardship through the Visual Arts" to provide professional development to teachers (grades 5-8) on the PA Environmental Literacy and Sustainability and Arts and Humanities Academic Standards. —Wyoming Valley West High School — $4,995 for "Vertical Harvesting Using Hydroponics in the Classroom." Science and home economic classes will be engaged in standards-based activities addressing water quality, soil and land and water conservation. Pennsylvania's 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail reopens May 23 for 2025 Season Riders hit the trail starting Friday, May 23, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) reopened the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail for the 2025 season. The trail offers more than 600 miles of connected roads and trails across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, and will remain open through Sunday, Sept. 28. Although the riding areas will be marked, riders are expected to familiarize themselves with permitted routes to ensure they are operating in legal riding areas. The trail has quickly become one of Pennsylvania's premier outdoor recreation destinations. A recent study found the trail system generated $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023 — up from $10.4 million the previous year. "The Northcentral Regional ATV Trail has provided new opportunities for the Pennsylvania riding community and has been a boost to local economies in the Pennsylvania Wilds," said State Forester Seth Cassell. "I encourage riders to follow all rules and regulations for a fun, safe summer. Thank you to our state and local partners for making this opportunity possible." In 2025, DCNR is investing $1.3 million to expand ATV access and improve trail infrastructure across Pennsylvania. The 600-mile trail includes more than 400 miles of township roads; 167 miles of state forest roads and trails; and 33 miles of PennDOT-administered roads, and was made possible through partnerships with local governments and private landowners — particularly townships that voluntarily opened roads to the trail system.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania DCNR welcomes newest class of ranger, manager trainees
NEWPORT, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania's newest class of park rangers and manager trainees graduated Thursday and will soon be serving at a state park near you. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said 27 graduates make up the 2025 class from the ranger and park manager trainee academy. They were celebrated at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County Thursday. 'Our rangers and park managers are key to providing positive visitor experiences, in addition to their duties as sworn law enforcement officers,' said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. 'We are proud of the Class of 2025. Their dedication and hard work during training have prepared them for long, successful careers in our state parks system, and I look forward to seeing their impact this summer and beyond.' The trainees completed a 19-week academy focused on visitor services, educational programming, equipment use, and law enforcement training. 'Completing the ranger academy is a tremendous accomplishment, and I am excited to see these graduates put their training into action as public servants across our parks,' said State Parks Director John Hallas. 'This group has shown great dedication and a strong commitment to service.' Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Rangers must be Pennsylvania residents, be 21 years old, have a valid drivers license, first aid, and CPR certifications, and pass the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission exam. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DNCR unveils new $321K park in Johnstown
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the opening of a new community park in Johnstown. The DCNR invested $160,800 in the development of Minersville Community Park, which features a walking path, a half-court basketball court, a pavilion, a parking area and a playground. The project, which was recently completed, was part of the DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program. 'This park is a tremendous step in improving access to nature in one of Pennsylvania's key urban communities,' DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. 'Thank you to everyone on the ground who worked to make this park possible for Johnstown. Present and future generations will be able to enjoy nature here for years to come thanks to this important work.' The park project, which totaled $321,600, was made possible through a $150,800 investment from the City of Johnstown, a $10,000 donation from Robert Ramos and support from the Johnstown Community Redevelopment Authority, Minersville Polish Alliance and community members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Progress made on containing Michaux State Forest wildfires
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – More than 2,700 acres are burning in the two wildfires at Michaeux State Forest, though progress has been made in containing the blaze. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says the Thompson Hollow Fire is currently estimated at 2,248 acres and is 33% contained. The Hammond's Rocks Fire is approximately 470 acres and is 92% contained. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now DCNR says that 'the fire is not completely out, but all progress of the fire has been stopped.' It's noted that containment means firefighters have surrounded the wildfire and stopped it from moving beyond a certain point. More than 150 personnel are actively engaging in containing the fire. 'We are fully committed to stopping these wildfires and preventing further damage to Michaux State Forest and surrounding areas,' said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. 'The fire is a serious threat, but thanks to our dedicated team of wildland fire fighters, foresters, rangers, local responders, and volunteers, we are making progress in controlling it.' How do wildfires get their names? No structural damage or physical injuries have been reported at this time. Residents who were evacuated last week were allowed to return home this weekend. Fire danger remains high and residents are being reminded to avoid outdoor burning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
