DCNR Opens Additional State Forest Roads For Hunting, Other Outdoor Activities

On September 28, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania’s state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts.

“Our Bureau of Forestry is opening more than 525 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use. They again will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.  “This improved accessibility, coupled with DCNR’s promotion of deer hunting, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem.”

More than 3,000 miles of state forest roadways will be open during the traditional statewide archery deer season, which opens October 3, and closes November 14. They will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons continuing into January 2021.

“Regardless of whether they seek deer, bear, turkey or small game, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road,” said Dunn.

With the hunter in mind, DCNR and the Game Commission continue to update a map interactive map of state forestlands and game lands across Pennsylvania.

The map offers information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and Disease Management Areas, and details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more.

Meanwhile, top-quality hunting is offered at many state parks -- especially those in the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region -- where state forestland often surrounds them. Inexpensive camping can be found at many of those parks. 

Primitive camping on state forestlands is also an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, are required when camping on state forestlands on designated sites. 

Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed. 

Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards. 

Some state forest roads only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week of that season.

Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

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.

Related Articles - Wildlife:

-- Game Commission Employees Receive Governor's Award For Work Protecting PA's State Bird

-- Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Awards Construction Contract For Accessible Wetland In Centre County

-- Oct. 22 Webinar On Conservation In A Changing Climate Hosted By Western PA Conservancy

-- Extra Discount On Native Plant Sales During October From The Audubon Society Of Western PA

Related Articles - DCNR:

-- DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Lydia Martin, PA Trails Advisory Committee

-- DCNR Good Natured Blog: Fall Is For Hiking

-- DCNR Good Natured Blog: Outdoor Recreation Should Be Enjoyable And Available To All; 5 Webinars On Recreation

-- DCNR 2nd Fall Foliage Report: 15 Counties Already At Best Color

-- Vote Now... For Your Favorite State Park, State Forest Through The Seasons Photo!

-- DCNR Opens Additional State Forest Roads For Hunting, Other Outdoor Activities

-- DCNR Invests $2.85 Million In 22 Rivers Conservation, Boating, Fishing Access, Streamside Buffers Projects

-- DCNR Announces $500,000 Grant For New Trail Park In Philadelphia

-- Western PA Conservancy Accepting Canoe Access Grant Applications Until Nov. 13

-- DCNR Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee Seeking Members

-- Brodhead Watershed Assn: Get A Little Lost On Snow Hill Trail In Monroe County

-- Independence Conservancy Hosted A Walk In Penn's Woods, Beaver County [PaEN]

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Announces Winners Of Nature Heals: Restore, Renew, Reconnect Photo Contest, Gallery Exhibition

-- Oct. 22 Webinar On Conservation In A Changing Climate Hosted By Western PA Conservancy

-- Appalachian Regional Commission Names PA Wilds' Abbi Peters An Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow [PaEN]

-- September 30 DCNR Resource Newsletter

-- October 2 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

[Posted: Sept. 28, 2020]


10/5/2020

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