Pa. announces statewide 'Recovery in Nature' initiative across 9 state parks
Aug. 31—The Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this week announced the "Recovery in Nature" initiative, which will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month.
Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature — particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) — and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways across the Commonwealth.
The goal of National Recovery Month is to come together, celebrate individuals in recovery, and offer hope to those who are struggling with SUD. It reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from the disease of addiction.
"We know that for those in recovery from a substance use disorder, spending time in nature can be a powerful tool in their journey and provide a boost in both mental and physical health," said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. "DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs during such a meaningful time of year."
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD.
DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub. A number of the trails are included within Gov. Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign. All recommended locations below are recommended for Pennsylvanians to take advantage of throughout the entire month of September.
"Trails not only connect one place to another, they connect people to nature and the enjoyment of our state parks and forests which has benefits for our health," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. "Nature can help heal and Pennsylvanians are fortunate that there are hundreds of state and local parks and thousands of miles of trails that are waiting for them to explore."
In Region 9 — Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties:
—D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park to Jim Thorpe, Carbon County
To access this section of trail, which is just over two miles one way, use the Lehigh Gorge State Park — Glen Onoko Access parking. Travel from there to downtown Jim Thorpe via the Nesquehoning Trestle that provides stunning views as it crosses the Lehigh River below.
Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Surveys for DCNR's statewide outdoor recreation plan show that 65% of Pennsylvanians believe that trails and parks are an essential component of our health care system, and 55% believe outdoor recreation should be prescribed by a doctor to deal with health issues.
DCNR requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two pre-filled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at DCNR's state parks. Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools.
Pennsylvania elk season approaching
Elk hunting in Pennsylvania gets underway sooner than many might realize.
First, the recipients of the two licenses awarded either by auction or raffle, can get started as soon as Sept. 2. The next wave appears from Saturday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 28, when the 27 hunters drawn for archery elk licenses will be hunting in their designated Elk Hunt Zones across several counties in north-central Pennsylvania.
Later, from Nov. 4-9, a period when a lot of other hunters might be sharing the woods — the 68 hunters drawn for a general elk license will have the opportunity to try to fill their tags. And 45 more hunters will take part in the late elk season that runs from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4, 2025.
It all adds up to a fantastic, often-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hunters who often put in a lot of time and effort leading up to the season, as well.
"Those lucky elk hunters might well be feeling the season can't get here soon enough, but for archery hunters in particular, the start is almost here," said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. "Soon, those hunters will be living out an experience hundreds of thousands dream about when they submit their applications for a license each year. I wish them luck, and like most hunters, hope to share a part in it someday."
BACK WOODS BASS RESULTS
Week of Aug. 19
Bob Strunk reports results from the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Wednesday night Lunker Tournament, the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament and the Monday Night River Tournament.
Monday Night River Tournament
(No results reported this week.)
Harveys Lake Wednesday Night Lunker
1st Place: Ryan Rekalitis 4.65 lbs
2nd Place: Greg Mikulski Sr. 3.81 lbs
3rd Place: Greg Mikulski lll. 3.10 lbs
4th Place: Chuck Peterman 2.91 lbs
5th Place: Steve Hovanec 2.78 lbs
6th Place: Cody Cutter 2.67 lbs
7th Place: Joe Simko 2.53 lbs
8th Place: Kevin Seymour 2.42 lbs
9th Place: Jake Seymour 2.41 lbs
10th Place: Dave Brill 2.41 lbs
Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament
1st Place: Chuck Peterman 12.72 lbs
Also won Lunker Award, 4.08 lbs
2nd Place: Jake Seymour 10.56 lbs
3rd Place: Pete Sulla/John Colwell 9.17 lbs
4th Place: Travis Sciandra/Gary Collins 8.34 lbs
5th Place: Joe Zombek/Mike Bawnweg 8.08 lbs
6th Place: Silas & Ethan Fallow 7.20 lbs
7th Place: Bob Strunk/Bruce Bonham 5.32 lbs
Thompson named North Branch Land Trust
Land Conservation and Stewardship Director
North Branch Land Trust this week announced the advancement of Emma Thompson as its Conservation and Stewardship Director.
Thompson joined the Land Trust in 2023, bringing with her a dedication to conservation and a drive to inspire others with the same passion.
With a robust background in conservation and stewardship, Thompson has previously worked in environmental consulting and served as a forester with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.
She holds a graduate degree in Forestry and an undergraduate degree in Public and Urban Affairs with a focus on Public Policy, Leadership, and Social Change from Virginia Tech.
"In her year at North Branch Land Trust, Emma has shown a desire and ability to learn the mission and how best to carry it forward," said Ellen Ferretti, NBLT Executive Director. "Emma has developed a good rapport with current and prospective easement landowners, our members, visitors, committee members and the Board. Emma's professional experience allowed her to hit the ground running with the various aspects of this position and this advancement to Director will allow her to engage in even more ways to conserve and steward our precious lands and waters in Northeastern Pennsylvania."
Thompson's work will encompass engaging private landowners to aid them in permanently conserving their forests, farms, meadows, and waters throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Since her start at North Branch Land Trust, Thompson has helped conserve 200 acres through private conservation easements. Thompson will also oversee the annual monitoring of conserved lands and preserves, implement management plans, and collaborate with Land Trust staff to enhance visitor and educational experiences at the Trust's preserves.
"I am proud to be advancing in my role at North Branch Land Trust," Thompson said. "This organization does incredibly impactful work for all people, not just our landowners, and I am excited and honored to be a part of that mission."
Outside of her professional life, Thompson enjoys embracing Pennsylvania's outdoors with her dogs, while hiking, hunting, biking, and kayaking.
Army Corps shares update on Francis
E. Walter Dam water release schedule
The U.S. Army Corps Engineers' Philadelphia District has updated the 2024 Francis E. Walter Dam recreation plan.
The Army Corps updated the plan, which states whitewater and fisheries releases will be scheduled if enough water storage is accumulated in the reservoir.
Currently, there is enough water storage to schedule the following increments:
—Add a fisheries augmentation release of 50 cubic feet per second for the period Sept. 7-13.
—Add a fisheries augmentation release of 250 cubic feet per second plus inflow (up to 350 cubic feet per second maximum) for the period Sept. 21-22.
—Increase the Aug. 31-Sept. 1 total whitewater release to 1,700 cubic feet per second Saturday and 1,000 cubic feet per second on Sunday.
It's important to note that all recreational releases are subject to change based on the potential need for flood control operations.