June Events Highlight Importance and Economic Impact of Pennsylvania's Outdoors

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Outdoor recreation areas across Pennsylvania are hosting special events and activities during June as part of a statewide Great Outdoors Month observance, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said today.

"The Great Outdoors Month celebration gives our bureaus of state parks and forestry, as well as other outdoor recreation facilities, a chance to showcase what they offer to so many across Pennsylvania," Dunn said. "Pennsylvanians are urged to get out and enjoy our 120 state parks, more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland, and thousands of local parks and recreation venues. Each year, our state parks support over a billion dollars in economic activity and more than 12,000 jobs."

Governor Tom Wolf gave the effort strong momentum when he proclaimed June 2015 as Great Outdoors Month and Saturday, June 13, as Get Outdoors Day in Pennsylvania.

"Hundreds of events throughout the month are showcasing our special outdoor spaces," Dunn said. "We are so fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to explore, and these events allow people to discover places they have never been or participate in new forms of outdoors recreation." 

The month-long observance underscores the work of DCNR, other state agencies, and outdoors-oriented groups and businesses to fuel or renew participation in outdoors activities.

Recent studies show that the total contribution of State Park visitor spending to the state economy was $1.145 billion in sales and 12,630 jobs. For every dollar invested in state parks, $12.41 of value added income is returned to Pennsylvania.

"Through the Get Outdoors PA program, citizens across the state can be connected to hundreds of outdoor recreation events to suit their recreational interests," Dunn said. "Led by experienced trip leaders, these events provide safe, fun and close-to-home opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation."

Fishing, wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, biking and special tips for first-time campers are just a few of the Get Outdoors PA activities planned throughout the state.

Several locations are hosting Get Outdoors PA events on June 13 in celebration of Get Outdoors Day. For those and other Get Outdoors PA events, log on to www.getoutdoorspa.org.

Get Outdoors Day events also can be found at here and here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Related Links

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us

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