The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is
partnering with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and ParksByNature
Network to offer a state parks and forests mobile app for smart phones.
“This mobile app will allow our visitors, while they
are on-the-go, to search for park and forest locations; activities and events;
get directions; share photos and even make a reservation,” said DCNR
Secretary Richard J. Allan.
“This project supports our conservation initiatives
by reducing the need for printed material; provides the opportunity to use
technology to better connect with visitors; and creates an additional revenue
stream for DCNR,” Allan added.
The software has both free and paid versions that are
available through the Apple App Store and Android market. The paid version,
which includes additional GPS features, costs $3.99.
“This is an ingenious way to involve and interest
more people in our parks and forests. Each app downloaded or purchased will
result in a donation to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for
revenue-producing projects in state parks,” said Marci Mowery, president
of PPFF.
The free features are: search by activity of interest
on-the-go; search by park, forest or region; stay current on park and forest
events; receive news, alerts, and location-based weather updates; access park
information such as hours of operation; view maps of facilities, trails and
campgrounds; learn about state park or forest history; get directions; get
contact information; access online reservations; network through Facebook and
Twitter; and share photos on Flickr.
Paid features include: ability to work with content, maps
and features offline; GPS mapping options include road, satellite, hybrid and
terrain; pre-programmed state park GIS and points of interest will help guide
you; a friend-finder feature lets you keep track of companions while on a
trail; a built-in compass can help point to your direction; record, save and
recall tracks or waypoints; and let your family and friends know your
whereabouts with the alert communication feature.
With 2.2-million acres of state forests, and 117 state
parks covering 295,000 acres, there is a state park within 25 miles of nearly
every Pennsylvanian. They feature an array of recreational opportunities and
conserve thousands of acres of unique natural areas, among many other features.
State parks also
serve as economic generators to the communities that surround them, with
visitors spending about $928 million annually.
By TelecomLead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
