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Messages - ddechri

Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 ... 7
16
Who is in for the Wednesday meeting?

- Dave

17
I'm posting this here because we should all make it a priority to attend one of these meetings.
3 meetings in 3 locations. All middle of next week in the evenings.
More details in the Regional Land use forum.

- Dave

18
We need to get some folks to these meetings to have an impact on the 2014-1018 plan.
3 meetings in different areas. All evenings mid-week.
More details in the Regional Land Use forum.

- Dave

19
Regional Issues / Public Meetings for DCNR Recreation Plan - Oct. 7,8,9
« on: October 02, 2014, 08:40:46 am »
Talk about short notice!

DCNR is hosting 3 public meetings for feedback on their recreation plan for 2014-2018. The meetings are Tuesday - Thursday next week. Wednesday is closest to us in Harrisburg. Please see if you can attend one of them.

Here is a link to the plan details: http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/goals/index.htm
The trails summary does actually list AOAA and Rock Run but I suspect it is in relation to ATV's: http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/cs/groups/comm/documents/document/dcnr_20029866.pdf

As always, we the 4x4 community need to be there representing our form of recreation!

- Dave


From the Oct. 1st DCNR Resource:

Three public meetings scheduled in October for comments on Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan
DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti has announced that the department will hold three public meetings across the state to collect comments on a draft of Pennsylvania’s five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan that guides outdoor recreation programs, policies and projects.

“Our outdoor recreation plan analyzes the recreation needs of Pennsylvanians, including challenges, opportunities and trends,” Ferretti said. “It also outlines a strategy to address Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation future with 20 recommendations and more than 80 action items. We’d like to know from participants if we’re on the right track.”

The following are the dates and locations for the public meetings:

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5 to 7:30 p.m.: hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at its headquarters, 100 North 20th Street, first floor town hall, Philadelphia.
Register by calling (215) 988-1698.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5 to 7:30 p.m.: hosted by Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at the Centennial Barn at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 North Front Street, Harrisburg.
Register by emailing mbaratucci@dauphinc.org.
Thursday, Oct. 9, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy at Schenley Park Skating Rink, Overlook Drive, Pittsburgh. Event begins with a disc golf demonstration.
Register by contacting Heather Sage at hsage@pittsburghparks.org.


All sessions will begin with a brief overview at 5:30 p.m., followed by an open house with different stations where participants can learn more and provide feedback.

Registration is requested for all events. Light refreshments are included.

More information on the 2014-18 outdoor recreation plan, including background and research findings, is available at www.paoutdoorrecplan.com. The draft recommendations to be discussed at the public meetings are located under the “Draft Plan” link along top banner.

Public comment will be accepted on the website from Oct. 6-31.
The completed plan keeps Pennsylvania eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation funding.

20
The survey has been ongoing since April 1. It will close Today May 16.
So far, motorized vehicles trails rank as one of the lowest priorities in the survey. This feedback will not be good for us. Please do your part to keep PA trails open!!

More details in the Regional Land Use area.

- Dave

_______________________

DCNR is conducting a recreation survey to support their 5 year plan. More details are in the Regional Land use area.
Please follow this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/paoutdoorrec

Question 5 allows you to fill in what recreation you feel needs to be funded.
Question 9 is a fill-in as to what you would like DCNR to consider in their next 5 year recreation plan.

Perfect opportunities for us to let them know what 4 Wheel Drive recreation is and what we would like (more challenging trails in the state forests).

Take the survey and send the link to all you 4 Wheel Drive friends!

- Dave

21
Regional Issues / DCNR Recreation plan due late summer 2014
« on: May 16, 2014, 10:20:32 am »
3 surveys in-process will culminate in a draft plan for public review in October 2014.
We'll be ready for the public meetings this time!

- Dave


From the May 14 DCNR Resource:

DCNR is working with experts across the state to develop the next Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (2014-18), which will help to guide future recreation investments, policies and facilities.

“Five years after the current Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan was written, recreation interests and trends may be different,” Ferretti said. “We’d liked to know if walking is still Pennsylvanians favorite outdoor activity? Do people still want trails and on-road bike lanes? “

Citizen feedback is an important component to building the goals of the plan. In addition to a scientifically conducted survey earlier this year by Penn State and a survey of recreation providers currently being performed, a general online survey is now open for Pennsylvanians wanting to share their opinions about outdoor recreation.

After feedback from all three surveys is analyzed, a draft plan will be written in late summer and will be available for review and comment on the plan’s website.

Feedback sessions will allow citizens, providers and interested stakeholders to give their input before a final document is presented to the National Park Service later this year.

“Please make sure your voice is heard by taking the survey,” Ferretti said.

A new plan every five years keeps Pennsylvania eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation funding.

The current plan identifies walking for pleasure or fitness as the most popular outdoor recreation activity in Pennsylvania. Other popular activities include sightseeing, driving for pleasure, nature watching, swimming, picnicking and bicycling.

Past survey respondents listed bike lanes, dog parks, rental cabins and wildlife viewing areas as the facilities they would most like to see increased.

Studies show greater access to outdoor recreation facilities, particularly close-to-home walking and biking opportunities, makes our communities better places to live; can assist in combating obesity—a serious health threat to adults and children; and also increase tourism potential, which can increase economic opportunities.

Visit http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/ to learn more about the outdoor recreation plan and process.


22
Survey will close May 16th! Please visit the site and add your opinions! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/paoutdoorrec

The April 29th review of the survey indicated:
 - Average age was 59 years and 92% were white
 - Walking is the top cited recreation 75%, scenic driving was second 53%
 - Off leash dog parks, trails for motorized use, team sport facilities and skate parks ranked lowest, although ¼ ranked motorized trails a 5 priority

We need to turn the tide and bring motorized trail usage up from the bottom!

- Dave

From the May 14 Resource newletter:

Pennsylvanians invited to complete online outdoor recreation survey by Friday
DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti is encouraging Pennsylvanians to share what they like to do outdoors in a 5-minute, online survey that will assist with planning.

More than 6,000 people have already taken the survey, which has been open since April 1. The survey is completely confidential and will just take a few minutes here.

DCNR is working with experts across the state to develop the next Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (2014-18), which will help to guide future recreation investments, policies and facilities.

“Five years after the current Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan was written, recreation interests and trends may be different,” Ferretti said. “We’d liked to know if walking is still Pennsylvanians favorite outdoor activity? Do people still want trails and on-road bike lanes? “

Citizen feedback is an important component to building the goals of the plan. In addition to a scientifically conducted survey earlier this year by Penn State and a survey of recreation providers currently being performed, a general online survey is now open for Pennsylvanians wanting to share their opinions about outdoor recreation.


23
Regional Issues / PA Recreation Survey for DCNR - make our voice heard
« on: April 07, 2014, 10:46:46 pm »
DCNR is conducting a recreation survey to support their 5 year plan.
Please follow this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/paoutdoorrec

Question 5 allows you to fill in what recreation you feel needs to be funded.
Question 9 is a fill-in as to what you would like DCNR to consider in their next 5 year recreation plan.

Perfect opportunities for us to let them know what 4 Wheel Drive recreation is and what we would like (more challenging trails in the state forests).

Take the survey and send the link to all you 4 Wheel Drive friends!

- Dave

For more details see the Resource: http://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2014/14-0402-resource.aspx#blurb1

24
PA Jeeps Club Events / Re: Snow Tubing
« on: February 16, 2014, 11:03:57 pm »
Jenn,

We are planning to come.
2 adults, 2 kids.

- Dave

25
Regional Issues / Dirt and Gravel road improvement across Pennsylvania
« on: December 12, 2013, 12:51:50 pm »
"The additional $7 million will be distributed to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry for improving state park and forestry roads. Total program funding is $35 million." Improvement can also be sustainability of a dirt road in it's current condition. - Dave
 
From the Dec 11 DCNR Resource:

Governor Corbett’s transportation bill improves dirt and gravel roads across Pennsylvania
Dirt and gravel roads across Pennsylvania will see environmentally and economically sustainable improvements through a $30 million funding boost as part of comprehensive transportation legislation signed by Governor Tom Corbett.

“Pennsylvania’s dirt and gravel roads will be improved just like their paved counterparts, benefitting the four million Pennsylvanians who travel rural roads every day,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Better maintenance means less runoff and sediment to clog and pollute our waterways. It will also improve transport conditions for the tractors and trucks that haul farm equipment, milk, lumber and other products on these 20,000 miles of roads.”

The transportation package provides $28 million annually to the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission’s Dirt and Gravel Roads Maintenance Program, which distributes the funds to 65 participating county conservation districts across the state. At least $8 million of that total is earmarked each year for low-volume sealed and paved roads that carry less than 500 vehicles per day.

The additional $7 million will be distributed to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry for improving state park and forestry roads. Total program funding is $35 million.

Previous funding levels limited work to about 200 sites per year. The additional funding increases that number to 800. Years of underfunding have created a backlog of 14,400 work sites.

With in-kind funding and tight administrative spending limits, the program estimates for every state dollar invested, $1.15 of project work is completed.

The commission, part of the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, provides support and oversight to the state’s 66 county conservation districts. It works with government agencies and industry, professional and nonprofit organizations to help implement conservation programs in an efficient and responsible manner.


26
Regional Issues / AOAA to get $788,007 for development from PA Grants
« on: December 12, 2013, 12:47:28 pm »
"Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority will further develop the AOAA with $788,007, to include the construction of off-highway vehicle facilities, trail upgrades and a trailhead."


From Dec 11 DCNR Resource:

Gov. Corbett announces $38 million investment in recreation, conservation and community revitalization projects statewide

Governor Tom Corbett recently announced that Pennsylvanians will benefit from new recreational opportunities, expanded protection of natural resources and locally-driven community projects as a result of more than $38 million in new grants to be distributed across the state.

The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants will support 201 conservation and recreation projects in 62 counties. The grants will fund a variety of proposals, including 36 trail projects; protecting 2,718 acres of open space; 77 community parks; five river conservation projects; and 35 projects for regional and statewide heritage area, park, greenway and trail initiatives.

“Pennsylvania’s parks and trails; natural areas; and many opportunities to be active outdoors, on land and on our great rivers and streams, define our communities and make them places where people want to live, work and play,” Corbett said. “These grants will help our local partners—including municipalities, counties, land trusts and conservancies—to meet the vision they have for their communities and regions.”

DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program combines several funding sources into one grant program. Funding comes from Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal funds.

Some highlights of funded projects include:

Quakertown, Bucks County, will receive $250,000 to further develop Krupp Site Park, a former brownfield, including an amphitheater and trail connections to adjacent sports fields, the library and a neighboring park.

The City of Philadelphia will work with the Schuylkill River Development Corp. to use $300,000 to use an abandoned railroad swing bridge to help extend the Schuylkill River Trail across the Schuylkill near Gray’s Ferry Ave. and close a major trail gap.

Capital Area Greenbelt plans to use $500,000 in Harrisburg, Susquehanna and Swatara townships, Dauphin County, to connect the Greenbelt to Fort Hunter Park and make traffic safety improvements at six intersections.

Brookville Borough, Jefferson County, will receive $380,000 for development of a town square to include an outdoor performance venue and walkways.
Harborcreek Township in Erie County will protect Lake Erie shoreline with $88,000 for the acquisition of 1.5 acres adjacent to the existing Shorewood Park.
 
Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority will further develop the AOAA with $788,007, to include the construction of off-highway vehicle facilities, trail upgrades and a trailhead.
 
More than $3.1 million of the total investment is being provided to Heritage Areas for projects and programs including: conducting an economic impact study on the Heritage Areas program; further development of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and D&L and Lackawanna river trails; water trail enhancements, river town assessments; scenic byways; and planning and marketing heritage tourism events.

“Our more than $38 million investment will leverage at least $70 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good,” Corbett said.



27
It has finally come back around. DCNR Bureau of Forestry is revising their resource management plan for the next 5 years.

First step is a survey: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforestmanagement/sfrmp/survey_statewide/index.htm
Please take the 10 minutes to complete it. Deadline is Oct 31.

I recommend filling in 4 wheel drive trail riding for "other activities" on item 7 & 8.

Then they will rewrite the resource plan. In 2014 we will have the chance to participate in public meetings. In 2007 we had a few folks show up because we really didn't have much notice.
This time we need to show up in force.

Thanks for your help. I will keep everyone posted as more info becomes available.

- Dave

 

28
General Discussion / Good Press for OHV in Wall Street Journal
« on: May 01, 2013, 10:07:34 am »
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130419-908991.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

"It seems they're not alone in that sentiment either, as the off-roading
community continues to show growth despite the state of the economy.
Studies by Southwick Associates on behalf of the Outdoor Industry
Association, estimate that enthusiasts spent close to $66.5 billion on
the activity last year, which supports nearly 700,000 jobs and generates
$8.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes."

- Dave

29
PA Jeeps Club Events / Re: Snow tubing
« on: February 23, 2013, 09:17:34 am »
We could make the 24th in the afternoon.
I rather do that then have everyone's snow clothes covered in mud. Mud is for tires.

- Dave

30
National Issues / Re: Change in the Land Managers in DC
« on: February 02, 2013, 09:43:55 pm »
Also From Feb ARRA:

NEW Sub-COMMITTEE on public lands.

The House Resources Committee has organized for the 113th Congress and among the significant changes made was the creation of a new subcommittee, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation. The Chairman of the new Subcommittee is Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) and he has already announced an aggressive agenda including a thorough review of the National Environmental Policy Act, known to all as NEPA, and the Antiquities Act, which is the measure that provides the President with the authority to create national monuments. Both measures are long overdue for a comprehensive review. NEPA was enacted back in 1969 and the Antiquities Act in 1906!

Rep. Bishop wants the Subcommittee to do some serious fact finding on the cost associated with NEPA compliance both in terms of monetary cost as well as jobs lost due to administrative delays associated with administering the Act. No one should assume that Congress will revoke NEPA, but there is plenty of room to improve it. The Subcommittee doesn’t have an easy task ahead of it because of the political volatility associated with this issue. Nonetheless, this review is desperately needed.

In terms of the Antiquities Act, the original Act is quite specific that any monuments created should have as small of a footprint as possible. Presidents of both political parties have ignored this restriction. Rep. Bishop will be looking for ways to tighten this footprint restriction while at the same time ensuring that multiple use practices, among those being recreation, are not severely limited when a new national monument is created.



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