The Pennsylvania Chapter of BHA is part of a new Recreation Engagement Coalition tasked with shaping the growth of Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation sector.
Chapter Chair Don Rank represented BHA at the kickoff meeting of the new group at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg September 14.
“PA BHA is proud to be among this core group of leaders from across the outdoor spectrum to be asked to participate in this effort,” said Rank. ”Hunting, fishing and public lands are critical to outdoor recreation here in Pennsylvania.”
The event was part of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) efforts for Growing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania, through which BHA and the many other representatives of the outdoor recreation sector will help shape the direction of the commonwealth's Office of Outdoor Recreation, led by Director Nathan Reigner.
Outdoor recreation adds $12 billion in value to Pennsylvania's economy and 150,000 full-time jobs, accounting for approximately 1.5% of the commonwealth's gross domestic product.
"We have seen a tremendous interest in outdoor recreation over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as people have grown to appreciate the role it plays not just for our health and wellbeing, but also for our commonwealth's economy,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “At the core of our priorities is ensuring outdoor recreation benefits all Pennsylvanians. I am eager to work with this advisory coalition to outline priorities for the outdoor recreation sector over the course of the coming year."
BHA PA joined with representatives from across the outdoor recreation spectrum at the inaugural meeting of DCNR's Recreation Engagement Coalition.
About Pennsylvania BHA
The Pennsylvania Chapter of BHA represents a diverse and enthusiastic group of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen who seek to protect and improve wild places in the Keystone State and beyond.