The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced all summer crew applicants for DCNR’s highly successful Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps program are being informed that the 2020 six-week summer youth crews program (for youth ages of 15-18) has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

PA Outdoor Corps manager Michael Piaskowski said applicants and their families are being informed of the cancellation and new applications are not being processed at this time.

“We understand this is disappointing news,” said Piaskowski. “However, we must prioritize the safety of all youth crew members and our youth crew leaders.”

Applications received for the 2020 summer program will be evaluated to determine if they can be carried over for consideration in 2021.

In 2019, the program mobilized 246 members to complete conservation, health and safety, and visitor-readiness projects at more than 95 parks, forests, and communities.

Corps members invested more than 100,000 hours of service while learning about natural resources and gaining valuable on the job training.

For more information on the program, visit DCNR’s Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps webpage.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Reprinted-- mostly-- from the April 1 DCNR Resource newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

NewsClips:

People Flocking To Parks And Trails Just To Get Outside, It’s Tough to Social Distance

As Trail Use Soars, Groups Push Opening Some Philly Streets To Just Walking

Mother Nature Is Just What We Need Right Now - Alliance For Watershed Education

How Nature Has Become America’s Saving Grace As We Shelter In Place

Ad Crable: Lancaster County’s Trails, Parks Swarmed As Residents Seek Relief From Worry

NewsClips - Support Local Journalism:

Click Here For A Week’s Worth Of Environment & Energy NewsClips

Click Here For PA Coronavirus NewsClips

Click Here For A Week’s Worth Of Political NewsClips

Related Article - Budget:

PA Capitol & COVID-19 Report: PA Could See $4 Billion+ Deficit; Revenue Down $294.6M In March

Related Articles:

DCNR Good Natured Blog: Spread Out And Leave No Trace

DCNR: Wildfire Vigilance Especially Needed During Spring Season

Jennings Environmental Ed Center Offering At-Home Nature Detective Activities, Virtual Art & Science Festival

PA Envirothon Cancels 2020 Pennsylvania State Envirothon Competition; Working On Natural Challenges

DCNR Places Over 700 Seasonal Wage Employees In State Parks, Forests On Leave Without Pay

Keep PA Beautiful Urges Residents To Take Pride In Pennsylvania-- A Pandemic Is No Reason To Litter

Natural Systems In Lebanon County Return $925 Million In Economic Benefits To The Community Every Year

[Posted: April 2, 2020]

4/6/2020