Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why aren't there any ships on the Susquehanna River?
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Each year, thousands of ships sail through 25,000 miles of navigable waterways in the United States. None of that traffic comes from the Susquehanna River. While it is the largest river lying entirely in the country that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, its waters are useless for navigation, according to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The river — the name of which likely comes from the Algonquin language — was first charted in 1608 by Captain John Smith. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said early explorers found the river 'was too rocky and shallow to provide water access to central Pennsylvania, as they had hoped.' The region could not set up the scale of industry often found along rivers, such as the Ohio River's that accounts for 35% of the nation's waterborne commerce, according to the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Central Pennsylvania did attempt to get in on the booming shipping industry. Crews broke ground on the Pennsylvania Canal on July 4, 1826. The National Park Service recorded the route's length as 394 miles long. Pennsylvania State Police rescue injured otter in Franklin County However, due to poor design and costly maintenance, Pennsylvania sold off its stake in the canal system by the 1850s. Today, remnants of the Pennsylvania Canal can be found throughout Dauphin County in places such as Wildwood park Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Registration open for Presque Isle Discover E day camp
A nature-themed day camp is coming to Presque Isle State Park this year and there are only two weeks left to register. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is offering Discover E: Penn's Adventures. CVS opens new center offering primary care, pharmacy in one building Kids ages 10 to 12 can participate in a three-day drop-off and pick-up day camp that will take place from July 8 through the 10. 'The outdoors the natural world is great source of joy and being on the park and exploring the birds and the fish and the plants and everything can really be inspiring for the kids and we hope that they will want to come back and visit again and maybe become stewards of the park as they grow up,' said Andrew Sipple, an environmental education specialist at Presque Isle State Park. All An Act Theatre looks for new venue after CSS board votes to end lease There are only 15 spots available and registration is open until June 18. If you would like more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- 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.
