News of Note
In spite of your calls, letters, and emails on the budget as of the writing of this on Thursday (with a July 1 deadline approaching) it seems that we have lost nearly $16 million in funding from the Environmental Stewardship Fund as it is being diverted to operational costs for the Departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation & Natural Resources. On a good note, your calls and emails protected the Keystone Fund. THANK YOU for raising your voice once again in support of parks and forests.
By the way, the $1 billion need for infrastructure improvements and maintenance in those parks and forests has not gone away, nor has it been addressed by the budget process.
There are people who remain dedicated to Pennsylvania's environment and outdoors and it's always good to see them celebrated. The DCNR "Good Natured Pennsylvanians" is an encouraging feature of the biweekly "Resource" email sent out by the Department. Whenever you need a lift, you will probably find it there so sign up if you don't already receive it.
Along those lines, we were delighted to read that one of those dedicated volunteer folks has been honored in a unique and, perhaps, strange way. Craig Dunn, one of the founders of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, now has his very own parking lot!
Also on the reading list is the newsletter from the Bureau of Facility Design & Construction where we can always keep track of the exciting improvements we see in our public places. My favorite project in the newsletter is the renovation of Modern Cabin #1 at Prince Gallitzin State Park to now be fully accessible AND pet (dog)-friendly. I am looking forward to packing up Bill and borrowing a dog to head up there for a day or two. Alas, it's booked for the foreseeable future!
On the LESS selfish side, the other really exciting news is the commencement of a complete upgrade and renovation at the Yellow Creek State Park beach. Bear in mind that this does mean that the beach will be closed this season. Yellow Creek recommends nearby Prince Gallitzin or Keystone as alternatives.
Recently completed is the renovation of the bath house at the beach at Colonel Denning State Park which the park and the Friends of Colonel Denning will celebrate on Friday, July 12 with an official ribbon-cutting beginning at 10:00 AM. PPFF will be there!