Park and Recreation Management: Web Resources

Since 1916, NPS has worked to preserve unimpaired natural and cultural resources and values for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Use their website to plan a visit or learn more.

Provides names, addresses, phone numbers, date established and a short description for each park in the national park system.

Alphabetical list of parks with links to resources for each.

Reports and usage statistics for each park in the national park system,

Reports in pdf format, 1904 - present.

Administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Information on recreation and conservation in our state, including links for PA state parks.

With information on roughly 3,600 facilities and activities and over 103,000 individual reservable sites across the country, this site offers all the tools, services and information you'll need to dream up and plan your next adventure.

BLM works to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

A bureau within the Department of the Interior that enforces federal wildlife laws, protects endangered species, manages migratory birds, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and much more.

The mission of this agency is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

ACA is a community of camp professionals who have joined together to share their knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs.

With a desire to create and protect America's network of interconnected trails, this is a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling and four-wheeling.

Members include nearly 500 of the most successful and professional outfitters in America -- outdoor recreation companies who are driving one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. A one-stop resource for outfitters, leading the industry in public policy, business innovation, and promotion of outdoor recreational activities.

AORE serves the needs of recreation and education professionals in non-profit settings by providing them with the opportunity to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human powered outdoor recreation industry.

Protect people, parks, and our shared heritage by becoming a law enforcement ranger with the National Park Service. Law enforcement rangers come from law enforcement rangers come from all walks of life and cultures including veterans of the military. Many veterans find the National Park Service law enforcement to be a good transition from a military career. Depending on the details of your service, you may be eligible for hire through one of the veteran's hiring flexibilities.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics protects the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly. The Center accomplishes this mission by delivering cutting-edge education and research to millions of people every year.

NFRA represents and serves as an advocate for businesses offering quality outdoor recreation opportunities to the public on federal lands and waters across the United States.

A not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, healthy and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. NRPA advances this vision by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that provides leadership skills through a wide variety of courses in wilderness medicine and expeditions.

There are locations across the country where you can attend a law enforcement academy specifically designed for the National Park Service (NPS). These schools are called Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy Training Programs (PRLEA). The basic training classes will prepare you for a career as an NPS law enforcement ranger. Once you graduate from a law enforcement training program, you will be eligible for a law enforcement commission and can apply for a seasonal position with the NPS.

The mission of WEA is to promote and support the professionalism of outdoor education and leadership by establishing standards through curriculum design, implementation, advocacy, and research-driven initiatives.

AMRG is an all-volunteer, non-profit search and rescue (SAR) team based in Pittsburgh that supports government agencies responsible for lost- and injured-person incidents by helping to locate, access, stabilize, and transport patients in wilderness and suburban settings, free of charge. AMRG's primary response area is southwestern PA and the surrounding areas in WV, OH, and MD.

The National Safety Council offers a variety of tips for staying safe when participating in both warm and cold weather outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, canoeing, and more.

REI's recommended list of first aid items, medications, tools and supplies.

Wilderness first aid guide developed by the University of North Dakota College of Nursing.

Safety tips for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

PaWSAR provides educational awareness programs and professional level search and rescue services in order to safely return missing persons to their family, and to minimize loss of life, injury and property.

Since 1983, over 45,000 fire and rescue department personnel have been trained in the most current techniques in water and ice rescue training, in what is now the largest non-profit, public water and ice rescue training program known to exist in the U.S.

DCNR is the primary coordinator for search-and-rescue efforts in PA forest and state park lands. This website offers links for search and rescue training courses across the state, as well as information on certifications.

Filled with beautiful photographs and informative articles highlighting our nation’s forests and trees, American Forests features information for everyone from the environmentally conscious to the outdoor enthusiast.

News and stories, including information on survival, trips and gear, for the avid backpacker and hiker.

Explore the world with National Geographic, the magazine that has provided groundbreaking storytelling from the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers, and filmmakers in the world, for 132 years.

The award-winning National Parks magazine shares stories about our beloved and diverse National Park System.

News and information on camping, fishing, hunting, and survival.

Each issue is full of practical ideas and solutions to everyday challenges, written by parks and recreation directors, administrators, and staff for anybody who works in the parks and rec world.

A monthly magazine from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Featuring industry news, webinars, and a buyer's guide.

Scanned images of U.S. National Park Service maps from the Perry-Castaneda Map Library at the University of Texas Libraries.

As the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation generates private support and builds strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations.

This website showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

Things to do in PA, including outdoor adventures.

Get information on travel in the U.S. Learn how to get passes for national and state parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal recreation sites. Explore a variety of outdoor recreational activities, like camping, fishing, and more.

Wilderness Inquiry creates unforgettable outdoor adventures throughout North America and around the globe in a manner that provides new perspectives on the natural world and the power of positive community spirit. They use an approach called the Universal Program Participation Model, which promotes the inclusion of people from all walks of life.

A directory of world heritage sites across the globe from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.