By Kate McMahon, AICP

National Parks Week is April 20-28; so now is a great time to check out one of the many parks, historic sites and national trails near you. Pennsylvania is home to a large variety of nationally recognized places including:

• 19 National Parks
• 8 National Heritage Areas
• 4 Wild and Scenic Rivers
• 6 National Trails
• 169 National Historic Landmarks

Many of these national sites have a planning portfolio that guides park management and decision making and ensures compliance with laws and policies. This portfolio may include general management plans, visitor use plans, strategic plans, and implementation plans. Central to the development of these plans is a public outreach process to ensure the plans meet the needs of the park visitors. To learn more about the National Park planning process.