A long-standing problem
Dumping in remote areas of forests and parks has been an historical problem. At one time many years ago, it was accepted behavior to dump large items in the woods. For some dumpers, that turned into a learned habit that's been hard to break. Today, even with many recycling and disposal methods available, the dumping problem still persists.
Despite the consequences and problems caused by dumping, some people continue to use public lands as their public trash cans, discarding appliances, tires, furniture, building materials, and household trash. Worse yet, some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful scenic vistas have been targets of dumpers. State employees spent thousands of hours picking up garbage, but the problem persists.
Taking action
To fight the dumping problem, DCNR sought help from the Pennsylvania Legislature. Lawmakers responded by enacting Act 125, the State Forest Lands Beautification Act, which was signed into law by Governor Tom Ridge in late 1998. The legislation was crafted after the release of DCNR's 1997 report, "Trash Dumping on Pennsylvania State Forest Lands -- The Need for Action to Protect the Recreation and Tourism Assets of State Forest Lands."
The law created the Forest Lands Beautification Program, an effort administered by DCNR, the agency responsible for managing 116 state parks and 2.1 million acres of state forests. The five-year program allocates up to $1.5 million each year for a comprehensive approach to the problem, including cleaning illegal dumpsites, educating the public on better disposal practices, enforcing existing anti-dumping laws, and abating the illegal practice.
Early success
DCNR selected PA CleanWays, an experienced nonprofit group that battles littering and dumping, to begin the cleanup program in 1999. A pilot program completed in 2000 removed 39 tons of garbage from 10 dump sites, returning these locations to their natural beauty. The program also established strategies to be used in future cleanups for the remainder of the program.
