Preparing for the Future: DCNR Seeks Applicants for NextGen Advisory Council

by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Photo courtesy of Alex Moliski on Unsplash

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced on Tuesday, July 9, that the department is seeking applicants for its NextGen Advisory Council.

The Council strives to have members with a broad range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to inform the agency’s work and advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Council members will aid in creating lasting change and necessary conditions to ensure all Pennsylvanians, especially the next generation, can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation.

“The NextGen Advisory Council plays a very important role in helping DCNR’s work to expand access to outdoor recreation and to ensure public lands are welcoming to all,” Dunn said. “Experience in conservation and government is not needed to apply. Our goal is to create a council of people who are willing to work together towards the goal of supporting the outdoors for all as we chart a path for future generations.”

Those interested in the Next Gen Advisory Council can apply for the council today. Applications will be accepted through July 31.

This Council membership is a three-year term commitment, with the option to serve an additional, consecutive term. The council meets quarterly on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October. Meetings are virtual to reduce travel and promote accessibility. Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of meetings.

Council members also have the opportunity to participate in optional committees, networking, and special project meetings. These are also held in the evenings on the third Tuesday of the month and scheduled in between quarterly meetings to further Council initiatives and encourage relationship building among DCNR staff and Council members.

Benefits to participants include: 

• Learning about careers in conservation: science, environment, nature, advocacy, etc.
• Gaining leadership experience while enacting change to benefit the environment and outdoor experience for all
• Learning and strengthening professional skills, including writing, presenting, policy development, networking, and more
• Tapping into opportunities for outdoor activities and sports in parks, forests, and trails 
• Meeting and working with DCNR staff and leaders on agency initiatives and projects, sharing the unique perspectives of a younger generation
• Helping your community by working with DCNR to ensure equitable access to outdoor resources in PA
• Meeting and collaborating with other Pennsylvanians who share the goal of inclusion in conservation and outdoor recreation

“This council is a great opportunity to learn more about DCNR while also serving the public through providing fresh, new ideas to help promote our beautiful state parks, forests, and other natural resources across the Commonwealth,” Dunn said.

DCNR launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives and engagement opportunities to help inform DCNR programs and operations. If you want to learn more about the council or have questions, please reach out to us at RA-NRDCNREQUITY@pa.gov.

The council meets quarterly on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October. Meetings are virtual to reduce travel and promote accessibility. Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of meetings.

This council is part of the department’s efforts to make the outdoors more accessible for all people, which is a part of Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan and Penn’s Parks for All strategic plan.

Some actions DCNR has taken to address DEIB on public lands include:

• An ongoing employee training program
• Utilizing GIS mapping to improve equity in grantmaking
• Studying park and open space access across the state
• Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the daily work of all areas within the agency

Visit DCNR’s website for more information about the NextGen Advisory Council, and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.

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Source: bctv