Trails are integral in supporting PA’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation industry
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this week announced that Pennsylvanians now can nominate their favorite trail for the 2027 Trail of the Year.
The Commonwealth is home to more than 14,000 miles of trails, which serve as the backbone for Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy.
“The competition to be Pennsylvania’s 2027 Trail of the Year has officially begun, and we are hopeful to receive nominations from rural and urban communities alike for this important designation,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Stewards of our trails can visit DCNR’s website and make the case for being the top trail today. We are excited for this year’s competition and look forward to seeing which trail prevails.”
To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by July 31. The trail management organization will be recognized as the award recipient. Visit DCNR’s website at pa.gov/agencies/dcnr for more information.
The winning trail will be recognized in a news release; through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution; with a trailhead marker along the trail; and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.
Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2027.
Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network.
The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.
The advisory committee is charged with implementing the development of a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all.
Pine Creek Rail Trail is the 2026 Trail of the Year. The Pine Creek Rail Trail attracts more than 44,000 visitors annually, generating more than $5 million in local economic impact. The historic 62-mile trail connects visitors to a wealth of recreational and cultural experiences from Jersey Shore in Lycoming County to Wellsboro in Tioga County.
PFBC to conduct ‘Operation Dry Water’ enhanced BUI enforcement July 3-5
During the extended Independence Day weekend and throughout the remainder of the summer, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be focusing on boater safety by keeping impaired boaters off the water.
From July 3-5, Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) will join other law enforcement agencies across the country to conduct Operation Dry Water — a nationally coordinated campaign which includes enhanced Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints.
In partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the PFBC is working to increase boater awareness of the hazards associated with impaired boating, and to decrease the number of accidents and deaths attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.
“The waters of the Commonwealth are shared by all of us, and they should be a safe place to enjoy,” said Col. Jeffrey Sabo, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement. “A boat operator’s judgment and reaction time are affected by alcohol and drugs the same way as when you’re driving a car on the road. That impairment can actually be greater on a boat because of the added stressors of sun, heat, wind, and noise.”
In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to operate any watercraft, powered or unpowered, while impaired. The blood alcohol limit for boat operators is .08%, and WCOs are trained to recognize signs of impairment and conduct sobriety tests on the water. Penalties for BUI include fines, loss of boating privileges, and possible imprisonment.
The PFBC recommends that boaters avoid alcohol altogether, or at minimum, choose a designated operator who will not consume any alcohol during the duration of the boating trip.
In 2025, the PFBC arrested 27 individuals for BUI, including 9 arrests made during the Operation Dry Water campaign. Among those arrested was a boat operator with a blood alcohol content of .198%, which is approximately two-and-a-half times the legal limit.
Free guided tours of rare regal fritillary butterfly habitat at Fort Indiantown Gap
During the months of June and July, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) wildlife staff will provide free, guided tours of the only population of the eastern regal fritillary butterfly in the eastern United States, at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) near Annville, Lebanon County.
Reservations are required and attendance is limited. All attendees, including children, must register online at ftig.isportsman.net/ButterflyTours.aspx and obtain a free permit.
To attend a tour, you must present a permit for that specific date and time slot. All press must also register online and obtain the free permit to attend.
Guided tours will be offered, rain or shine, June 29, as well as July 1, 8, and 10. No rain dates will be provided.
Attendees will be required to travel, guided by FTIG personnel, from the meeting location to the tour location in their personal vehicles. Tours will last approximately one hour plus driving time. Meeting location and parking information will be provided after obtaining a permit.
Visitors of all ages and abilities are invited and welcome to attend. Tours will comprise of a moderately difficult hike on foot over gravel roads and mowed paths. Please bring drinking water and dress appropriately for the weather and uneven terrain. Wandering off the path, into the fields or away from your tour guide is prohibited. Please note, there is little or no shade on the tour route.
Like many military installations, FTIG is home to a diverse population of plants and animals, many of which are rare and considered species of conservation concern. It is home to 49 species of mammals, 143 species of breeding birds, 37 species of reptiles and amphibians, 35 species of fish, more than 800 species of plants, along with many other notable species of invertebrates including 86 species of butterflies and over 900 species of moths.
Back Woods Bass Results
Week of June 14
Bob Strunk reports results from the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Wednesday Night Lunker Tournament, the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament and the Monday Night River Tournament.
Monday Night
River Tournament
1st Place: Brad Glazenski/Keith Stevens 4.29 lbs
Also won Lunker Award 1.70 lbs
2nd Place: Jerry &d Jerry Vitale 3.68 lbs
3rd Place: Bread Keen/Austin Swartwood 3.40 lbs
Wednesday Night
Harveys Lake Lunker Tournament
1st Place: Jake Rowland 3.89 lbs
2nd Place: Joe McGraw Jr. 3.44 lbs
3rd Place: Jake Seymour 3.21 lbs
4th Place: Kenny Kosloski 3.17 lbs
5th Place: Andre Harris 3.15 lbs
6th Place: Kevin Seymour 3.03 lbs
7th Place: Joe Kosloski 2.97 lbs
8th Place: Gary Mikulski 2.83 lbs
9th Place: Mike Burton 2.65 lbs
10th Place: Harlow Rowland 2.64 lbs
Friday Night
Harveys Lake Tournament
1st Place: Jake & Kevin Seymour 12.70 lbs
2nd Place: Pete Sulla/Josh Colarusso 12.47 lbs
3rd Place: Jake Rowland/Gavin Surge 12.14 lbs
4th Place: Jeff Siegfried/Al Arnot 11.20 lbs
5th Place: Lance Wren/Brian Masi 10.46 lbs
6th Place:. Matt Fredmonski/Mark Maros 9.66 lbs
Also won Lunker Award 4.01 lbs
7th Place: Kenny Kosloski/Ron Dopko 9.62 lbs
8th Place: Chuck Peterman/Duke 5.50 lbs