DCNR cancels all in-person events due to covid concerns

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has canceled all in-person events and programs in all state parks and forests, starting Sunday.

That includes those organized by its staff or volunteers.

The decision includes the elimination of the DCNR’s organized group First Day Hikes planned for Jan. 1.

The department said it plans to provide alternatives for individual hiking on New Year’s Day in state parks and forests.

State parks and forests will remain open for the public’s use.

“Throughout the pandemic we have kept our lands open to all so they enjoy outdoor recreation and the positive physical and mental health it provides. That will not change, but we must limit social interaction at this time,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

The decision impacts 150 planned events.

The DCNR said in a statement that it would be notifying those who have registered for the programs.

DCNR staff will be taking additional steps to offer self-guided programming only or virtual events.

Out-of-state visitors planning to stay overnight at state park and forest facilities must have a negative covid-19 test within 72 hours of entering the commonwealth, the DCNR said.

If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania before visiting a state park or forest.

“Safety of all our state park and forest visitors always has been paramount with DCNR, and we are taking this temporary but necessary action in response to the continuing rise of covid-19 cases across the state,” Dunn said.