‘Ensure public lands are welcoming to all’: Pa. seeks applicants for NextGen Advisory Council​

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — For the past two years, there’s been a group of people across the commonwealth dedicated to ensuring future generations can connect to public lands statewide, while bolstering equity and inclusion.

And state officials are looking for new applicants.

“The NextGen Advisory Council plays a very important role in helping the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ work to expand access to outdoor recreation and to ensure public lands are welcoming to all,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the state DCNR. “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.”

Applications for a seat on the council, launched in 2022 and aimed at growing public participation, are being accepted through the end of the month. If accepted, councilmembers serve a three-year term with the option for an additional, consecutive term. With four meetings throughout the year, members collaborate with government officials to expand equity in conservation spaces, among other initiatives.

“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,” according to a news release from the DCNR. “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.

‘Providing fresh, new ideas’

The application, posted online, includes several demographic questions, as well as, “What are your top interests relating to recreation and outdoor conservation?”

Then, applicants are asked to pick one short answer question from a list of three:

• What is a unique strength (perspective/lens/life experience) you bring to the NextGen Advisory Council that could make conservation and recreation in Pennsylvania more diverse, equitable, and inclusive?
• What interested you in advocacy and volunteering? And how do you see yourself contributing to the NextGen Advisory Council? (For example: Something you'd like others to be able to experience or something you hope to change for the benefit of future generation)
• What is your vision for future outdoor spaces which serve all Pennsylvanians, including generations yet to come?

The answers “will help the review committee select Council members with diverse perspectives and lived experiences,” according to the application.

Members are expected to participate in at least 75% of meetings, which are scheduled for the third Tuesdays of January, April, July and October. All are virtual to boost accessibility.

“This council is a great opportunity to learn more about the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 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.

There are also optional committees, networking and special project meetings. They’re also held in the evenings on the third Tuesday of the month, but scheduled in-between quarterly meetings, according to the release. Their goal is to further council initiatives, as well as encourage relationship-building among DCNR staff and council members.

Officials cited other benefits participants could reap, including:

• Learning about careers in conservation: science, environment, nature and advocacy, among others;
• Gaining leadership experience while enacting change to benefit the environment and outdoor experience for all;
• Learning and strengthen 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 department staff and leaders on agency initiatives and projects, sharing the unique perspectives of a younger generation;
• Helping your community by working with the department to ensure equitable access to outdoor resources in Pennsylvania;
• Meeting and collaborating with other Pennsylvanians who share the goal of inclusion in conservation and outdoor recreation.

For more information, go to the DCNR’s website.