It’s funny how PA DCNR Secretary Dunn talked about the pandemic in the past tense when outdoor recreation and camping reservations have only gone up and up. And she neglects to specify that by “physical health” it is often people avoiding spending time indoors where it’s easier to catch stuff? I guess that’s implied?
Hot on the Trails: Outdoor recreation drives local economy, preserves region’s history WVIA | By Kat Bolus | WVIA News Published May 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM EDT “The COVID pandemic was a good indication to us, and the world really, about how essential time in the outdoors really is,” she said. “People flocked to the outdoors during the pandemic; they needed that time in nature for mental health, physical health, to be with family or to get away from family.” Equipment sales spiked. Bike purchases were up by 121%, camping gear by 30% and kayaks by 85%, according to the state.
Parks are busier than ever, and we need more of them because people are often choosing them yes, to get away from other people and unwind.
Unfortunately the Trump regime is actually curtailing the amount of outdoor options and that’s unacceptable. Outdoor recreation actually creates the economic activity these politicians always say they want.
My letter to reps:
There should be NO cuts to national parks. I like parks, trees, ponds, lakes, hiking, camping, and kayaking. I like being in the forest. I’m opposed to anything that diminishes our parks. And you should oppose harming parks too.
Please feel free to copy or repurpose for your own letters to reps.