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The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. DCNR is charged with maintaining and preserving the 116 state parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas. How is DCNR different from “DER”? In 1995, Governor Tom Ridge separated the old Department of Environmental Resources into two agencies: DCNR, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DER, as a distinct agency, no longer exists. What distinguishes DCNR from other agencies and commissions in the state government? The array of governmental agencies can be daunting at first glance. And while some overlapping and a lot of partnering take place with DCNR and the following, the general differences are:
What does "DCNR" stand for?
What does DCNR do?
How is DCNR different from “DER”?
What distinguishes DCNR from other agencies and commissions in the state government?
How can I contact DCNR?
How big is DCNR? How many bureaus does it have? What is DCNR’s budget?
Where is DCNR located?
How can I obtain a particular DCNR publication?
DCNR also coordinates with several other state agencies in a variety of capacities.
DCNR has an e-mail account for questions (or comments) which cannot be addressed either in this FAQ or elsewhere on the web site. General state park questions can be handled by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757). You can also contact your local park, forest district or recreation office for specific, locally-based issues. Our central office telephone numbers in Harrisburg, along with links to other contacts, can be found here.
How big is DCNR? How many bureaus does it have? What is DCNR’s budget?
These questions can be answered at our DCNR at a Glance page.
DCNR’s central office is located in the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17105. Driving directions can be found here. We also have 116 state parks, 20 forest districts, six recreation offices and one Bureau of Topographic & Geologic survey office throughout the commonwealth. You can say DCNR’s all over the map!
How can I obtain a particular DCNR publication?
You'll probably be able to find what you're looking for by visiting the DCNR Publications site. If you'd like to request a copy of the publication, e-mail us a request on the E-mail DCNR page.
