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Outdoors

Great American Getaway: Gov. Shapiro and family highlight outdoor adventure opportunities in Pa. State Parks

HARRISBURG — Leading up to and over the Memorial Day weekend, Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro took an RV Tour to several state parks, highlighting some of the fantastic outdoor experiences that make Pennsylvania — The Great American Getaway. The First Family joined millions of visitors across the Commonwealth who were kicking off the summer with outdoor adventures and campfires in Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and more than two million acres of state forests on the holiday weekend. The tour spanned more than 1,500 miles with visits in 14 counties and included ...

Rain barrel workshop slated for June 22 in Pennsylvania Furnace

UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in learning how rain barrels help improve water quality? Penn State Extension will offer the “Rain Barrel Workshop: Build Your Own” from 1-2 p.m. June 22 at the Pasto Agricultural Museum, 2710 W. Pine Grove Road, Pennsylvania Furnace. This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning more about rain barrels or building their own rain barrel. Attendees can learn about the benefits of installing a rain barrel on their property. The workshop will cover: — Stormwater and its impacts on the environment. — Best management practices ...

Vermont becomes first state to enact law requiring oil companies pay for damage from climate change

Vermont has become the first state to enact a law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the damage caused by climate change after the state suffered catastrophic summer flooding and damage from other extreme weather. Republican Gov. Phil Scott allowed the bill to become law without his signature late Thursday. He wrote in his message to lawmakers that “taking on ‘Big Oil’ should not be taken lightly” and that he is concerned about the costs and outcomes. He said he worries that if the state fails in this legal challenge “it will set precedent and hamper other ...

In the Parks

Programs during the month of May at Hyner Run State Park NORTH BEND — During the month of May there are several programs that individuals and families can take advantage of at Hyner Run State Park. Each of the programs may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather conditions or if new state and community guidelines are enacted. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in any of the programs. Hyner Run State Park is located at 86 Hyner Park Road, North Bend, Pa. — Join the naturalist on Friday, May 24, at 4 p.m., for some “Birding ...

Game Commission announces new executive director

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a new executive director. Stephen Smith, who has served as deputy executive director since February, was appointed to his new role Monday by the Board of Game Commissioners, which convened in executive session. Smith replaces Bryan Burhans, who served as the agency’s executive director since 2017. Burhans resigned his position on Monday, and his resignation was accepted by the board in executive session. Thanking Burhans for his service, Commissioner Scott Foradora explained the moves. “Not every hunter will agree on every ...