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TRCP in Pennsylvania

With a wealth of natural resources that fuel an ardent outdoor heritage, Pennsylvania’s hunters and anglers are proud to live and recreate in a state with a strong legacy of state conservation funding initiatives that safeguard these amenities for future generations. Along with 2.2 million acres of state-managed forests and 124 state parks, the state’s $58-billion outdoor recreation economy ensures public access for the benefit of all people while revitalizing communities across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Projects

The TRCP currently focuses its conservation efforts on the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River, and Ohio River watersheds within Pennsylvania. Our organization, along with a powerful network of in-state partners, unifies and advances the voices of hunters, anglers, and conservationists around key initiatives focused on solutions to land and water-use challenges. The TRCP also works to provide better public access to fish and wildlife resources.

FEATURED PROJECT

New research finds that hunting, fishing, biking, camping, and other activities drove $58 billion in statewide spending

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How we work

  • We build strong coalitions and empower thought leaders from the sportsmen/sportswomen-conservation community in Pennsylvania, to identify and work toward shared public policy goals around conserving habitat and funding conservation programs in the state.
  • We use public education tools to effectively advance public policy in the state’s General Assembly through strategic campaigns, grassroots organizing, and scientific research.
  • We create and maintain relationships with the Governor’s office, state agencies, hunting and fishing organizations, and regional and local businesses, creating champions for the sportsmen/sportswomen’s agenda to restore and maintain healthy rivers.
  • We believe identifying opportunities to expand current state funding sources for conservation, water quality protection, and outdoor recreation access will protect Pennsylvania’s rich hunting, fishing, and trapping traditions, ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

THE ISSUES

Delaware River Watershed

Assuring the highest level of state protections for the Commonwealth’s best trout streams.

Chesapeake Bay/Watershed

Advocating for additional state funds to ensure Pennsylvania reaches its goals set forth by the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint and the state’s latest watershed implementation plan (Phase III WIP).

Ohio River Watershed

Advocating for the highest level of state protections for the Ohio river watershed's best trout streams.

State-Level Conservation Funding

Promoting the benefits of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Stewardship Fund on water quality improvement, fish and wildlife habitat, and public land facilities.

Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

Educating key decision-makers within the state on the impact of the Commonwealth’s $58-billion outdoor recreation economy.

Videos

There’s a growing list of popular trout fishing streams awaiting full protection at the state's Department of Environmental Protection. What can anglers do about it.

SEE MORE VIDEOS
Meet the team

Jim Kauffman, Pennsylvania Field Representative and Wildlife Health Coordinator

Jim Kauffman joined the TRCP in September 2025 as the Pennsylvania Field Representative and Wildlife Health Coordinator. A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Jim has spent his life immersed within Pennsylvania’s hunting and outdoor culture, leading him to dedicate his professional career to wildlife research, management, and conservation.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and a master’s in biology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Initially focusing on the research and management of wildlife species, Jim has worked on river otter, bobcat, fisher, black bear, bog turtle, ring-necked pheasant, and black-footed ferret research projects. As a private lands habitat biologist and forest projects manager, Jim has also worked extensively with private landowners to deliver habitat-incentive programs and promote public hunting access on private lands.
Jim was fortunate to grow up recreating within Pennsylvania’s public forest lands while spending time at his hunting camp and family cabin, both located on public lands. Pennsylvania has a strong deer hunting and camp culture, and Jim is passionate about protecting these valuable resources for both wildlife and hunters of future generations.
Each fall, Jim enjoys pursuing whitetails with both the bow and gun, bear hunting with a crew at camp, guiding Pennsylvania elk hunters, trapping for furbearers, and hunting wood ducks in the Pocono swamps. Jim’s spring time pursuits include chasing snow geese, turkey hunting, and fly-fishing for trout.
As TRCP’s Pennsylvania Field Representative and Wildlife Health Coordinator, Jim works to ensure that hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities are maintained for all Pennsylvanians through sound conservation policy and scientific management strategies.

Pennsylvania Program Updates

Get caught up on our most recent stories and advocacy efforts.

 

Deer Season: Hunting & CWD – A Mid-Season Check-In
 

Mussel Restoration Effort Indicates Improved Water Quality in Pennsylvania Waterway
 

Deer Season – Hunting & CWD: Prepping for the Pennsylvania Season 
TRCP Announces New Conservation Staff Member in Pennsylvania
In the Arena: Dr. Carolyn Mahan
More Pennsylvania Trout Streams Lack Protections
Conservation Partnerships Drive Public Land Access in Pennsylvania

Are You With Us?

Join the TRCP, a community of hunters and anglers advocating for commonsense solutions to our most pressing natural resource challenges.

Image Credits: Image of trout, top of page - Noah Davis; Image of stream, top of page - Noah Davis; Image of man hunting in the snow, top of page - Noah Davis; Image of couple fishing, top of page - Noah Davis; Image of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay/Watershed - Alicia Pimental/Chesapeake Bay Program; Image of trout, State-Level Conservation Funding - Noah Davis; Image of hunter walking through field, Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy - Noah Davis;

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