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For Immediate Release
November 29, 2004
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White: New Law Extends Effort to Clean Up State Forests and Parks

Harrisburg – Legislation that would extend funding authorization for the successful Pennsylvania Forest Lands Beautification Act has been signed into law, according to state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

House Bill 2227 supports efforts to clean up waste in state forests and parks and prevent illegal dumping. It contains language from Senate Bill 977, introduced last year by White, and would extend funding through December 2008. Funding authorization expired in December 2003.

White said the identification of more than 300 illegal dumps in state forests and park lands makes it clear that much work remains for the Pennsylvania Forest Lands Beautification Program.

"Appliances, household trash, construction debris, tires and other items continue to be dumped into our beautiful state forests and parks by irresponsible citizens. As long as they're out there, we'll have to work with non-profit groups to clean it up," said White. "This kind of dumping isn't just an eyesore for hikers and anyone trying to enjoy the outdoors, it threatens the environment and endangers wildlife."

The General Assembly passed the Forest Lands Beautification Act in 1998, providing up to $7.5 million over five years to clean up dumps in State Forests and Parks by recycling or properly disposing of waste materials. According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the program has cleaned up 204 dumpsites; removed more than 3,500 tons of trash, metal, wood, soil concrete, and other debris and removed over 20,000 tires.