It’s probably easier for the state to under-fund parks than other government operations. Trees and wildlife don’t complain, and it may take a while before hikers, anglers and other visitors notice the deteriorating roads, bridges and restrooms.

But according to a new report by the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation, the neglect has reached a critical point. The nonprofit foundation estimates that the state has a $1 billion backlog of infrastructure projects across 121 parks and 2.2 million acres of forestland. The needs include $95 million for improvements to water dams, $110 million for roads and bridges, $66 million for water and sewer systems and $49 million for campground renovations. 

While the state has added parks over the years, staffing is at 1970 levels, and that has contributed to the infrastructure backlog, too.

Parks and forests, which support tourism and other industries and promote healthy living, are too precious a resource to mismanage. Yet the state, perpetually short of funds at budget time, has under-funded the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and prioritized agencies with higher profiles, more vocal constituencies and more influential political patrons. 

Fees from campground rentals and concession payments from park-based businesses don’t nearly cover infrastructure and operating costs. and the state hasn’t kicked in enough money to cover the shortfall. In fact, it’s taken money away. From 2008 to 2017, officials diverted to the state’s general fund $526 million in lease payments from companies that do oil and gas drilling on state-owned land. The state Supreme Court in 2017 put a halt to the practice, ruling that the lease payments must be used for conservation purposes, but the lost revenue will affect parks and forests for years to come.

The foundation’s report is a first step in addressing this sorry state of affairs. Now, outdoor enthusiasts and environmental advocates must pressure state officials to do something about it. 

Because the state shortchanged parks and forests for so long, it should consider giving them an infusion of cash — perhaps some of the new revenue from sports betting and internet lottery games — for several years.  Or maybe the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can seek deep-pocketed private-sector partners for park improvements, just as the Turnpike Commission is considering a public-private partnership for tunnel upgrades.

While parks and forests already benefit from the support of volunteer groups and private philanthropies, more of these relationships are needed. The state’s parks and forests spread across much of the commonwealth, so the opportunities for tapping into community and family foundations are numerous.

The state should build on what works. It owns the 16-room Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County. It’s a quaint lodge — catering to bird watchers and hikers — with balconies overlooking a reservoir and walking paths with gorgeous park views. It’s a successful enterprise. So why can’t the state build similar facilities in other parks, each reflecting the locale’s strengths or features?

The condition of state parks and forests is a reminder of the need for a national infrastructure bill to address crumbling roads, bridges and water systems across America. But in the meantime, the state has to get creative if it’s to keep Pennsylvania’s  beautiful open spaces from looking more worn each year.

First Published: February 4, 2019, 5:00 a.m.