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Outdoors

Responses to wildfires earn awards for excellence

HARRISBURG — Two teams of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff members who demonstrated exemplary public service in their wildfire response efforts have been recognized by Governor Josh Shapiro with Governor’s Awards for Excellence. DCNR’s Michaux State Forest Wildfire Response Team, which included Todd Breininger; Cody Crouse; Tyler Feldman; Marcus Kaiser; Adam Kling; Amy Shull; Benjamin Livelsberger; David Lynch; Chad Northcraft; and Joshua Thompson; and the Packerton Wildfire Investigation Team, which included Jacob Novitsky and Matthew Waters, were honored ...

DCNR names new assistant manager for the Delaware Canal State Park Complex

HARRISBURG — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn has announced the appointment of Emily Reed as the assistant manager for the Delaware Canal State Park Complex in Eastern Pennsylvania. “Emily’s passion for nature and ability to lead by example ...

Outdoors Calendar

Atkinson Mills Sportsmen’s Club • Meetings — held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The club is located at 55 Sportsmen Club Lane, McVeytown; email atkinsonmillssportsmensclub@gmail.com; online at http://atkinsonmills-sportsmensclub.weebly.com. Blue Rock Sportsman’s Club • Club meetings — 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month on the gun range, and at 7 p.m. January and February in the barn. To east end Blue Rock: From Milroy, follow signs to Reeds Gap State Park. Free camping available and kitchen is open during all events except trap ...

Enhanced digital mapping tool now available for Pa. hunters

HARRISBURG — Opening day for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 hunting seasons was Sept. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of statewide seasons for both Canada goose and mourning doves. The Pennsylvania Game Commission reminds hunters that the agency has upgraded its online mapping center to enhance user experience for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. "For hunters, we’re entering the best time of the year,” said Game Commission Executive Director Stephen Smith. “The early season is upon us, marking the beginning of the new license year, a time when hunters across the state are making ...

PGC, PFBC seek public input on PA Wildlife Action Plan

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have announced that public input is being accepted related to the agencies’ draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. This is a non-regulatory plan that encourages all Pennsylvanians to participate in fish and wildlife conservation. The draft Plan and public comment form are available online. Comments may be submitted through Sept. 19, 2026. First developed in 2005, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan has been the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native ...

DCNR honors rangers, civilian at Swatara State Park

HARRISBURG — Quick action by two Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rangers and a trained paramedic helped save the life of a mountain biker who suffered sudden cardiac arrest at Swatara State Park this spring. DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently recognized Ranger Ellen Secor, Ranger Emily McCoy, and civilian Sean Nam for their lifesaving response. “Ranger Ellen Secor, Ranger Emily McCoy, and Sean Nam demonstrated extraordinary bravery, quick thinking, and professionalism during a life-threatening emergency,” said Secretary Dunn. “DCNR rangers ...