Dear PRPS Members and Friends:
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has entered the home stretch of its work to complete the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. We need your help to ensure that two of the Shapiro administration's key budget proposals that improve parks and recreation are fully funded.
The administration has proposed $5 million in additional funding for the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps (POC). The POC offers paid work experience, skills training, professional development, and environmental educational opportunities to youth and young adults who complete recreation and conservation projects on Pennsylvania's public lands. Not only do our public lands benefit from the valuable work done by POC crews, but the program serves as a wonderful means to stimulate lifelong career pathways for young people in the conservation, park and recreation fields.
The administration has also proposed $8.5 million in new investments in our state park and state forest trail system that will enhance the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' ability to nurture and take fullest advantage of Pennsylvania's growing outdoor recreation economy. The money will be used to design and construct new trails in parks and forests; retrofit, widen, and improve existing trails; and better maintain and manage trails.
Please take a few minutes to contact your state representative and state senator to urge that they fully fund these important proposals. We have provided a sample letter but encourage you to personalize the message.
Thank you for your help and your support.