Department of Conservation and Natural Resources


Greenways Action Plan Program Vision Goals &  
Strategies PA Greenways
Clearinghouse Site Publications Contact a Regional Advisor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Subject:  The Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission Number:1998-3 as amended
Date:  August 16, 2001 Distribution:  B By Direction of:   Thomas J. Ridge, Governor

 

WHEREAS, under Article I, Section 27 of The Pennsylvania Constitution, the people have the right to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic value of the environment; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is blessed with a scenic beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and an environment of waterways, forests, farms, natural areas, and open space lands; and
WHEREAS, a network of greenways across the state will help to preserve environmental values and protect these natural, cultural, historic, and scenic assets for future generations; and
WHEREAS, a network of greenways across the state will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities; provide wildlife corridors and habitat; provide intermodal transportation options; stimulate our tourism industry; contribute to environmentally sensitive growth strategies; and improve the quality of life and livability of our neighborhoods, communities, and regions; and
WHEREAS, developing a network of greenways requires the formulation of partnerships which include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business interests, and property owners; and
WHEREAS, the concept of creating greenway connections through public and private partnerships was addressed at the Governor's Conference on Greenways and Trails in April 1997 and creation of a Greenways Commission was a high priority of conference attendees; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission, created in 1998, has prepared an action plan that includes recommendations designed to provide a coordinated and strategic approach to the development of greenways in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Commission's recommendation has been endorsed by the Secretaries of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Transportation (PennDOT); and
WHEREAS, the Commission's plan recommends DCNR as the lead agency responsible for the development of Pennsylvania's greenways program

      NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas J. Ridge, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby recognize Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections and do hereby restructure the organization and responsibility of The Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission (hereafter referred to as "Commission") as hereinafter set forth:

  1. Purpose. The Commission shall aid the Secretary of DCNR in the promotion of greenways development throughout Pennsylvania.
  2. Composition and Appointments.
    • The Commission shall consist of individuals who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of DCNR. The membership of the Commission shall reflect a cross section of greenway interests and the geographic diversity of the Commonwealth. The Commission shall be comprised of one representative from each of the following organizations:
      • The Pennsylvania Environmental Council
      • The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.
      • The Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
      • The Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society
      • The Pennsylvania Planning Association
      • The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
      • The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association.
      • The Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Association.
      • The Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Advisory Board.
    • The Secretary of DCNR will select a chair or co-chairs.
    • DCNR shall be the primary state agency for the planning and coordination of a Pennsylvania greenways program and shall provide administrative support to the Commission .
    • Each Commission member may designate an alternate to represent him or her on the Commission.
  3. Functions and Scope.The Commission will advise and assist the Secretary of DCNR in carrying out the following responsibilities:
    • Implementing an action plan for advancing a Pennsylvania greenways partnership program in the 21st century.
    • Pursuing the creation of partnership opportunities to plan, implement, maintain, and fund a greenways network for the Commonwealth.
    • Maintaining an inventory, catalog, and map of the network of greenways and trails in the Commonwealth.
    • Exploring creative financial and technical assistance programs and strategies to benefit the creation and sustainability of state and local greenway efforts.
    • Researching and identifying "best practices" of existing greenways efforts within the Commonwealth and other states.
    • Creating a statewide clearinghouse system for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating materials on greenways and trails legal, design, and mapping information.
    • Developing a public education, outreach and coalition building strategy (including local government) for greenways and trails.
    • Developing strategies for incorporating greenways opportunities into federal, state, and local planning efforts dealing with such issues as land use/smart growth, open space preservation, watershed protection, natural areas protection, heritage conservation, recreation, tourism development, intermodal transportation systems, and brownfields development.
    • Coordinating existing state agency initiatives dealing with the Public Utility Commission's disposition of crossing structures, including related funding programs.
  4. State Agency Coordination. All state agencies shall cooperate with and provide assistance as needed to DCNR in performing its mission and functions related to greenways development. The following state agencies shall designate a liaison who will serve as the coordinator of greenway-related activities and primary contact for DCNR:
    • Department of Aging.
    • Department of Agriculture.
    • Department of Community and Economic Development.
    • Department of Education.
    • Department of Environmental Protection.
    • Fish and Boat Commission.
    • Game Commission.
    • Department of Health.
    • Historical and Museum Commission.
    • Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
    • Public Utility Commission.
    • Department of Transportation.
  5. Meetings and Communication. The Commission members will meet at least once a year during the life of the Commission.
  6. Effective Date. This Executive Order shall be effective September 1, 2001.

 Next Page



DCNR Home | Contact DCNR | Privacy Policy | Security Policy | PA Home