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February 13, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA

Auditor General DeFoor: DCNR Ignored its Internal Policies and Procedures When Awarding Grants for Conservation Projects

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. "We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together," Auditor General DeFoor said. "This is very concerning because DCNR's executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program."

LIST OF SPEAKERS
Pennsylvania Auditor General, Timothy L. DeFoor
Deputy Auditor General for Audits, Janet B. Ciccocioppo, CPA



Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Janet B. Ciccocioppo, CPA, Deputy Auditor General for Audits, joins Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor to release an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)...The audit, which included grants issued between July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023, had three objectives:.. Determine whether DCNR complied with applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, guidelines, and manuals relevant to the awarding of C2P2 grant monies;. Determine whether the C2P2 funds and grant expenditures are accurate, adequately supported, and used for their intended purpose; and. Ensure that DCNR adequately monitored each grantees performance, ensured proper submission of progress reports, and performed post-completion site inspections required for certain C2P2 projects as stipulated by applicable laws, regulations, program requirements, guidelines and manuals.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Janet B. Ciccocioppo, CPA, Deputy Auditor General for Audits, joins Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor to release an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)...The audit, which included grants issued between July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023, had three objectives:.. Determine whether DCNR complied with applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, guidelines, and manuals relevant to the awarding of C2P2 grant monies;. Determine whether the C2P2 funds and grant expenditures are accurate, adequately supported, and used for their intended purpose; and. Ensure that DCNR adequately monitored each grantees performance, ensured proper submission of progress reports, and performed post-completion site inspections required for certain C2P2 projects as stipulated by applicable laws, regulations, program requirements, guidelines and manuals.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released an audit of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that showed it did not award all Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants competitively, instead using its own discretion when awarding some grants despite advertising it as a competitive process. We found instances where DCNR executive management made the decision to award grants to applicants who missed application deadlines, funded projects that were ranked lower than others or ignored the ranking all together, Auditor General DeFoor said. This is very concerning because DCNRs executive management opened the door to outside pressure and influence in awarding state grants by not solely relying on the advertised process. When management can make its own rules, it diminishes the integrity of a grant program...The good news is that we have an agency that is willing to implement change and do better, Auditor General DeFoor said. DCNRs commitment to supporting these projects is commendable, but these are taxpayer-funded programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, internal controls and processes must be followed and any practice that undermines objectivity, accountability and transparency must be eliminated..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27200_AudGen_PerformanceAudit_EmilyDamiano_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>