# The Future of Recreation and Trails in Pennsylvania: A Conversation with Brandon Hoover and Alex MacDonald

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/think-outside-with-the-pennsylvania-parks-and-forests-foundation-7293119/the-future-of-recreation-and-trails-in-pennsylvania-a-conversation-with-brandon-hoover-and-alex-macdonald
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/think-outside-with-the-pennsylvania-parks-and-forests-foundation-7293119/the-future-of-recreation-and-trails-in-pennsylvania-a-conversation-with-brandon-hoover-and-alex-macdonald.md
Podcast: [Think Outside with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation](https://stenobird.com/podcast/think-outside-with-the-pennsylvania-parks-and-forests-foundation-7293119)
Published: 2025-09-22T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://paparksandforests.org/think-outside/the-future-of-recreation-and-trails-in-pennsylvania-a-conversation-with-brandon-hoover-and-alex-macdonald
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/aa6579c5-21d9-4f7b-ac2a-6706d747ca10.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/think-outside-with-the-pennsylvania-parks-and-forests-foundation-7293119/episodes/the-future-of-recreation-and-trails-in-pennsylvania-a-conversation-with-brandon-hoover-and-alex-macdonald
Duration seconds: 2515

## Resource

"We want to be native to somewhere, and I think park space and outdoor space grounds us and makes us native to the places that we call home and recognize that we occupy place in space, and we are part of that redemption story, and part of that reconciliation story of people to that place.” Pennsylvania's latest Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and Pennsylvania Trail Network Strategic Plan 2025-2029 reveal how the Commonwealth is adapting its 14,000 miles of trails and recreation spaces to serve evolving community needs while confronting climate realities. Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with guests Brandon Hoover and Alex McDonald from the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The plans, developed through engagement with over 8,000 Pennsylvanians, uncovered a striking finding: 81% of residents recreate primarily for mental health benefits, significantly outpacing the 65% who prioritize physical health. It’s an insight that reflects growing awareness of nature's role in combating loneliness, particularly among younger and older adults who struggle to find recreation partners. Climate change emerged as both a challenge and a priority. Trail providers identified severe storms as their overwhelming maintenance concern, forcing reconsideration of legacy trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that may need rerouting or retirement. The plans emphasize adaptation strategies like improved culvert design and sustainable trail construction that can withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather. Local parks serve as most Pennsylvanians' primary recreation spaces, which is why improvements truly start on the community level. Not to mention, outdoor recreation generates $19 billion annually…

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