Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council (CNRAC)

CNRAC Mission

The powers and the duties of the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council (CNRAC) will be carried out as legislatively mandated in Section 315(d), Act 18 of 1995.

Drawing upon the diversity of experiences and perspectives of its appointed citizen members, the council will provide to DCNR, to the Governor, to the General Assembly, and to the public, advice regarding the conservation and stewardship of the commonwealth’s natural resources.

CNRAC Vision

To be the foremost source of quality advice to DCNR on sustaining the natural environment for all Pennsylvanians to enjoy and appreciate.

Council Members

Governor’s Appointments

Meredith Odato Graham -- Pittsburgh, PA; B.S. Natural Resources, Cornell University; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law; Environmental Lawyer and Community Volunteer; term expires January 2025.

Joanne C. Kilgour -- Lancaster, PA; B.A. Philosophy, Carnegie Mellon University; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law; Executive Director of the Ohio River Valley Institute; term expires January 2025.

Geralyn Umstead-Singer -- Hershey, PA; B.A. in Communications, Lycoming College; Certification Elementary Education, Wilson College; Community Volunteer and Family Caregiver; term expires January 2024.

Silas Chamberlin, Ph.D. -- York, PA; B.A. History, Temple University; M.A. History and Ph.D. Environmental History, Lehigh University; Vice President of Economic and Community Development of the York County Economic Alliance; term expires January 2026. 

Jerry Walls -- Montoursville, PA; B.A. Western Maryland College; Master of Urban Planning, Wayne State University; Executive Director of the Lycoming County Planning Commission (retired); term expires January 2025.

Vacancy

Senate Appointments

Rocco S. Ali -- North Apollo, PA; B.S. Biology and Chemistry, Geneva College; M.S. Orthopedics and Neurology, University of Pittsburgh; Physical Therapist and Clinical Supervisor, Nova Care Outpatient Rehabilitation; term expires January 2026.

Robert E. Kirchner -- St. Marys, PA; B.S. Health & Physical Education, Slippery Rock University of PA; Owner, WhyNotSafety, LLC; Board Member - West Creek Recreational Trail Association; term expires January 2026.

Janet L. Sweeney -- Luzerne, PA; B.A in Sociology, State University of New York; M.S. Science in Planning and Regional Development, University of Arizona; Director, Pennsylvania Environmental Council; term expires January 2026.

David Trimpey -- Pittsfield, PA; B.S. in Forest Science, Penn State University; Retired Resource Manager, Kane Hardwood Division of Collins Pine Company; term expires January 2024.

Marcus Shoffner -- Pittsburgh, PA; B.A., Western Carolina University; President and CEO, The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition; terms expires January 2026. 

Ephraim Zimmerman -- Pittsburgh, PA; B.S. Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University; MS, Forest Ecology, University of Michigan; Natural Heritage Program Science Director, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; term expires January 2026.

House Appointments

Matt Gabler -- Mechanicsburg, PA; B.A. Bucknell University; Executive Director, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association; term expires January 2025.

Sarah Hall -- Lake Ariel, PA; B.S. Biology, Millersville University; National Director of Forestry, American Forest Foundation; term expires January 2026.

Gary M. B. Kribbs -- Havertown, PA; B.A. Geology, University of Toledo; M.S. Geology, University of Toledo; President, AEON Geoscience, Inc.; term expires January 2026.

Ted Tharan -- Clarion, PA; Clarion County Commissioner; term expires January 2023.

Vacancy

Vacancy

Secretary of DCNR

Cindy Adams Dunn -- Camp Hill, PA; B.S. Biology, Shippensburg University; M.S. Biology, Shippensburg University

CNRAC Officers

Chairperson -- Silas Chamberlin

First Vice Chairperson -- Meredith Graham

Secretary -- Rocco Ali

Advisor -- Gretchen Leslie