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HB 824

An Act amending the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18), known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, further providing for community recreation and heritage conservation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 22 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania expands Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' community recreation and heritage conservation programs under amended statute, affecting state park and land management priorities.

Referred to Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development
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Bill Summary · HB 824

Legislative bill overview

HB 824 amends Pennsylvania's Conservation and Natural Resources Act to expand provisions related to community recreation and heritage conservation programs. The bill modifies existing statutory language governing how the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages recreational resources and preserves cultural heritage sites across the state.

Why is this important

DCNR oversees approximately 20 million acres of public lands and state parks that serve millions of Pennsylvanians annually. Changes to this foundational statute directly affect funding priorities, program eligibility, land management practices, and public access to recreational and historical resources across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Unclear whether expanded heritage conservation mandate requires budget increases or redirects existing resources from other DCNR priorities
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language regarding "community recreation" and "heritage conservation" may lack specificity, potentially creating implementation disputes or unequal regional benefits
  • Local government roles: Question of whether amendments impose unfunded mandates on municipalities or shift management responsibilities between state and local entities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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