HARRISBURG — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department is seeking applicants for its NextGen Advisory Council​.

The Council strives to have members with a broad range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to inform the agency’s work and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Council members will aid in creating lasting change and necessary conditions to ensure all Pennsylvanians — especially the next generation — can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation.

“The NextGen Advisory Council plays a very important role in helping the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ work to expand access to outdoor recreation and to ensure public lands are welcoming to all,” Dunn said. “Experience in conservation and government is not needed to apply. Our goal is to create a council of people who are willing to work together towards the goal of supporting the outdoors for all as we chart a path for future generations.”

Those interested in the Next Gen Advisory Council can apply to serve on the Council online. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, July 31.

The Council membership is a three-year term commitment, with the option to serve an additional, consecutive term. The Council mee​ts quarterly on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October. Meetings are virtual to reduce travel and promote accessibility.

Members are expected to participate in at least 75% of meetings.

Council members also have the opportunity to participate in optional committees, networking, and special project meetings.

These are also held in the evenings on the third Tuesday of the month and scheduled in between quarterly meetings to further Council initiatives and encourage relationship building among Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ​staff and Council members.