On January 14, Governor-elect Tom Wolf's selection of Cindy Dunn to run the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) was announced. Dunn previously served as Executive Director of Audubon Pennsylvania, PA Program Director for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and as Deputy Secretary of Conservation and Technical Service for DCNR. Since November, 2013, Cindy Dunn has served as President and CEO of PennFuture, a nonprofit organization that works to “enforce environmental laws and advocate for the transformation of public policy, public opinion, and the marketplace to restore and protect the environment, safeguard public health, and reduce the consequences of climate change within Pennsylvania and beyond.” (www.pennfuture.org).
In addition to Cindy Dunn’s appointment, John Quigley was announced on January 14 as the new head of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Quigley served as the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from 2009 to 2011, during which time he spearheaded a cross-organizational strategic response to Marcellus Shale gas development, including a comprehensive monitoring program to assess the impacts of gas exploration on the state forest.
Keystone Trails Association is thankful to have two such strong environmental advocates in these positions, and we look forward to working with them and their respective agencies to ensure that Pennsylvania’s hiking trails and wild spaces are protected for future generations of hikers!