Climate Change and Sustainability at DCNR

Climate and Sustainability in Action

As stewards of Commonwealth natural resources, DCNR is committed to embedding the responsible use and conservation of natural resources in all operations and actions — minimizing environmental and climate change impacts to ensure resilience for future generations.

The agency is committed to sustainability and climate resilience in:

  • forestry and natural resources management,
  • outdoor recreation management and trail design,
  • buildings, infrastructure, and landscaping in state parks and forests, 
  • environmental education programming,
  • community conservation grants,
  • private lands grants and technical assistance, 
  • geologic and carbon research, 
  • waste management practices, and
  • operations and purchasing.

Pennsylvania’s public lands are a proving ground for innovative solutions to reducing the carbon footprint and climate impacts on 2.5 million acres of land and infrastructure, investing in clean energy for long-term savings, and implementing resilient and sustainable natural resources and outdoor recreation management on a large scale. 

DCNR shares successes, solutions and resilience planning through community grants and technical assistance, educational outreach, scientific research and climate action planning. 

Reducing Energy Usage

Reducing Energy Usage

Solar Energy

Solar Energy

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Sustainable Buildings

Sustainable Buildings

Sustainable Roads, Bridges and Dams

Sustainable Roads, Bridges and Dams

Outdoor Recreation in a Changing Climate

Outdoor Recreation in a Changing Climate

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Waste Reduction and Recycling