State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced an upcoming return of outdoors programming at state parks and expansion of occupancy limits within park and state forest buildings effective April 4.
“Environmental education and other outdoors programs helped our state parks system attain national prominence and we know they were sorely missed by our visitors,” Dunn said. “This and other operational changes follow Department of Health guidelines while broadening the enjoyment of state park and forests visitors. Since the pandemic’s outset, we kept our lands open to all so that people can safely enjoy outdoor recreation to maintain positive physical and mental health.”
At Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, the following will be in effect starting April 4:
- Outdoor, in-person programs will resume with a limit of 40 participants per program. Masks and social distancing are required.
- Visitor center exhibit halls, interpretive areas and theaters will open with a 75% capacity visitation allowance. Masks and social distancing are required.
- Volunteer work days will resume with a limit of 40 participants per group. Masks and social distancing are required.
- Virtual and self-guided programs will continue to be offered.
- Scheduled programs will be listed on DCNR’s calendar of events.
- Large, DCNR-sponsored events remain canceled until further notice.
State park and forest visitor centers, offices, theaters and interpretive wings will return to an occupancy limit of 75% of capacity. All visitors and staff must wear masks and practice social distancing and frequent hand sanitizing or washing.
