Americans enjoy outdoor recreation. Pennsylvania, in particular, is a natural playground to “pursue your happiness.” Activities like biking, hiking, skiing are unlimited.  

The federal government established the Land and Water Conservation Fund 50 years ago to preserve and protect recreational opportunities. That fund created a network of open spaces for Americans to hunt, fish, hike, swim, and play. 

The funding expired last year without a long-term solution for authorization, until Congress recently approved the Natural Resources Management Act. However, the reauthorization bill still awaits President Trump’s approval.

What does this mean for conservation and recreation programs in Pennsylvania?  

Appearing on Thursday’s Smart Talk to discuss the LWCF impact are Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Lauren Imgrund, Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services.  Imgrund is also the President of the National Association of Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers, which is comprised of the state managers of the LWCF state and local assistance program.     

Also, the nearly 17 million forested acres in Pennsylvania provide many benefits to the state: economic, social, and ecological.  

Most of the forests are privately owned and The Nature Conservancy is helping landowners maximize their land investment through a program called Working Woodlands. 

Joining us on Thursday’s Smart Talk to discuss how landowners can conserve their forests while generating revenue at the same time is Josh Parrish, Working Woodlands Program Director, The Nature Conservancy.  

Lauren Imgrund, Cindy Adams Dunn, and Josh Parrish