Latest news with #DCNR
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DCNR: Upper Dauphin fire chief dies at wildland fire academy
(WHTM) — A Dauphin County volunteer fire chief died Thursday at a wildland fire training academy in Cumberland County. David Warfel was Forest District Maintenance Supervisor at Weiser State Forest and was attending training at the Wildland Fire Academy at Shippensburg University at the time of his passing. He had spent the day instructing and mentoring wildland firefighters. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) was holding the training. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dave Warfel, whose dedication to public service was unwavering throughout his life,' DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a statement. 'Beginning as a volunteer firefighter at a young age, his commitment to protecting communities and our natural resources never wavered. He was a respected and invaluable leader within the wildland firefighting community and made lasting contributions to DCNR through his expertise, professionalism, and leadership.' Warfel was chief at the Carsonville Fire Company in upper Dauphin County. The fire company described him as 'always a cheerful, musical, funny guy. 'You couldn't make it through an event without him singing a little at some point,' the company said. 'A great man and staple of the community has been lost but will always be remembered.' He had been in the fire service since his teenage years with various companies in the Halifax and Carsonville area. 'Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave was a cherished colleague and friend,' Adams Dunn added. 'His camaraderie, integrity, and kindness enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to work alongside him. The entire DCNR family mourns this tremendous loss and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.' Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices DCNR says the manner of death will be determined by the Cumberland County Coroner's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘THOUGHTFUL EDUCATOR:' DCNR remembers fallen park ranger
(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is remembering one of their own lost over the weekend. Alec Campbell, a resource ranger at Tyler State Park in Bucks County, was found dead Sunday after authorities said he went missing in the Neshaminy Creek on Friday. DCNR posted a tribute to Campbell Thursday to Facebook, describing him as 'a thoughtful educator, drawing on his background in psychology and his experience as a devoted father to make meaningful connections with park visitors, volunteers, and students.' 'With an intense passion for life and an incredible ability to connect with people, Alec brought warmth, humor, and dedication to everything he did,' DCNR said. 'He was an avid disc golfer, hiker, and paddler who loved planting native species and spent countless hours restoring natural areas by removing invasives.' 'He guided many Eagle Scout and youth projects at Tyler and always found a way to engage his audience,' the agency added. 'He once was even described by a middle school group as 'super chill and funny,' which might just be the highest praise anyone could hope for.' Governor Josh Shapiro had ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Pennsylvania on Tuesday in Campbell's honor. Flags were already ordered to half-staff Monday for Memorial Day. 'Lori and I are praying for the family and friends of Alec Campbell,' Shapiro said in a statement Sunday. 'As I told his wife Rena, we are eternally grateful for Alec's service to his Commonwealth. May his memory be a blessing.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Park ranger's body recovered after his kayak capsized in Pennsylvania State Park
Park ranger's body recovered after his kayak capsized in Pennsylvania State Park Show Caption Hide Caption Body of missing park ranger recovered The body of a missing park ranger has been recovered after a multiple-day search at Tyler State Park. Fox - Fox 29 Pennsylvania State Park Ranger Alec Campbell, 38, drowned after his kayak capsized in the Neshaminy Creek. Campbell's body was recovered two days after the incident, which occurred during fast-moving water conditions. A GoFundMe campaign has been established for the college funds of Campbell's two young sons. The body of a Pennsylvania state park ranger was recovered two days after his kayak tipped over in a turbulent creek in Tyler State Park, state police said. Ranger Alec Campbell, 38, was on the Neshaminy Creek near the picnic area when his boat capsized in fast moving water May 23 near a stone dam. Campbell was a park resource ranger with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "We are deeply saddened by the death of Alec Campbell, a dedicated member of our Pennsylvania state park staff," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a statement. "I've spoken with his wife and family, and on behalf of all of us at DCNR, I want them to know they are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. "Our hearts go out to them, as well as to Alec's friends. loved ones, and colleagues. Every day, state park employees play a vital role in welcoming visitors, protecting our natural spaces, and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Pennsylvania's beautiful parks." "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," she said. Park ranger's death leaves young family devastated Campbell leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 5 and 8. A Go-Fund me campaign has kicked off to raise money for his sons' college funds. "Alec was a bright and energetic light to all," the organizer wrote. "A beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to his family and community." What happened to Park Ranger Alec Campbell and his kayak Few details of what happened are clear. It was sometime before noon May 23 when Campbell set his kayak into the water, which was running faster and higher than normal after two days of rain. One news account said he was lacing a buoy near the dam when his kayak capsized, throwing him into the water. The Neshaminy Creek, placid in calm weather, turns treacherous after heavy rains, such as those that fell on Bucks County in the days before his accident. His overturned kayak was found around lunchtime. His body was recovered two days later. The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Criminal Investigation Unit are in charge of the investigation. The Bucks County coroner will determine cause of death. An autopsy was scheduled May 27, the same day Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags at state buildings flown at half-staff in Campbell's honor. JD Mullane can be reached at jmullane@ Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Menstrual products to be free in half of PA's state parks
(WKBN) — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced Wednesday that menstrual products will be free at half of its state parks. The announcement coincided with Menstrual Hygiene Day, which brings awareness to period poverty. According to a news release, the products are now stocked in 68 park offices, visitor centers and environmental educational centers at participating parks. Signage is also in English and Spanish to help parkgoers locate where products are available. Pennsylvania has a total of 124 state parks, making the products available in over half of them. 'Having access to free menstrual products in state parks isn't just a win for equity — it's a step toward ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the outdoors without barriers,' said Ruby Mundok, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. 'We've heard from young people across Pennsylvania who missed out on outdoor experiences because they didn't have access to menstrual products. This initiative gives visitors peace of mind so they can fully enjoy everything our parks have to offer.' DCNR said they will evaluate the program's success and expand it to additional park locations in the future. Local state parks include Pymatuning and Maurice K. Goddard in Sandy Lake. View a map of the state parks included in the initiative here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Body of missing Pennsylvania state park ranger recovered; flags ordered at half staff Tuesday
BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — The body of a DCNR Park Ranger missing since Friday has been recovered, authorities said Sunday. Alec Campbell, 38, of Delaware County, was reported missing Friday in the Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park. The park is in Bucks County, northeast of Philadelphia. 'We are deeply saddened by the death of Alec Campbell, a dedicated member of our Pennsylvania state park staff,' DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. 'I've spoken with his wife and family, and on behalf of all of us at DCNR, I want them to know they are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.' 'Every day, state park employees play a vital role in welcoming visitors, protecting natural spaces, and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Pennsylvania's beautiful park,' Adams Dunn continued. 'Alec's commitment and passion touched many lives and his loss is felt deeply across our entire community.' Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all flags to at Commonwealth facilities to fly at half staff Tuesday in his honor. They are already at half-staff Monday for Memorial Day. 'Lori and I are praying for the family and friends of Alec Campbell,' Shapiro said in a statement. 'As I told his wife Rena, we are eternally grateful for Alec's service to his Commonwealth. May his memory be a blessing.' Tyler State Park will remain closed Monday and reopen Tuesday. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Assisting in the search for Campbell were responders from DCNR, the State Police aviation and maritime units, and the Bucks County Special Operations Dive Team, among others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
