Pennsylvania Code Title 17 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Code Title 17 is dedicated to Conservation and Natural Resources. This title contains the administrative regulations promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and potentially other related entities, to manage the state's natural resources and public lands.
The DCNR was established in 1995, when the former Department of Environmental Resources (DER) was split into DCNR and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DCNR's mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania's natural resources and to provide and promote outstanding recreational opportunities.
Based on the typical structure of the Pennsylvania Code and the DCNR's responsibilities, Title 17 would generally be organized into parts and subparts covering the following key areas:
Part I - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (This is the primary part under which most DCNR regulations fall.)
Subpart A - Administrative Provisions:
General administrative procedures for the department.
Rules regarding public records, public meetings, and general enforcement.
Definitions pertinent to the entire title.
Subpart B - State Parks:
Rules governing the use and management of Pennsylvania's extensive state park system (124 state parks).
Regulations for camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, hiking, and other recreational activities.
Permit requirements for specific activities or events within state parks.
Rules related to environmental protection and visitor conduct within park boundaries.
Subpart C - State Forests:
Regulations for the management and use of Pennsylvania's state forests (20 state forests, covering almost 2.3 million acres).
Rules concerning timber harvesting, oil and gas leasing, mineral extraction, and other resource management activities on state forest lands.
Regulations for recreational activities like hunting, fishing (though primarily governed by Fish and Boat Commission), hiking, ATV riding (on designated trails), and camping (including primitive camping).
Fire prevention and suppression rules.
Rules related to protecting natural features and ecosystems within state forests.
Subpart D - Resource Conservation:
Regulations related to broader resource conservation efforts, which might include:
Water resource conservation (e.g., specific rules not covered by the Department of Environmental Protection).
Erosion and sediment control (potentially in conjunction with DEP).
Geological survey information and regulations.
Wild plant and animal protection (coordinating with PA Game Commission and Fish & Boat Commission).
Subpart E - Outdoor Recreation:
Rules promoting and regulating various outdoor recreational activities beyond just parks and forests, such as:
Trails (e.g., multi-use trails, rail trails).
Greenways.
River conservation programs.
Recreational planning and development.
Subpart F - Financial and Technical Assistance:
Regulations for grant programs and other financial or technical assistance provided by DCNR to municipalities, conservation organizations, and other entities for projects related to conservation, recreation, and natural resource management.
In essence, Pennsylvania Code Title 17 provides the detailed legal framework for the DCNR to carry out its mission, ensuring the responsible stewardship and public enjoyment of Pennsylvania's natural resources.
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