The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced $1 million in grants to enhance parks, plant trees and improve trails in the Pittsburgh region.

The money was awarded to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh for TreeVitalize, and the Regional Trail Corp. for the Great Allegheny Passage.

"As we work to address the impact of global warming, our urban areas offer tremendous opportunities around already existing infrastructure and transportation," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "It's the parks, trees and recreational opportunities that make them places where people want to work and live, and that's what we are supporting with our investments today."

TheCommunity Conservation Partnerships Program grantsadministered through DCNR will be awarded to:

1. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, $250,000 to help restore historic trails and bridges in Frick, Highland, Schenley and Riverview parks and to erect new signage to increase accessibility by identifying the parks and their key features;

2. The City of Pittsburgh, $250,000 for theTreeVitalize partnershipwith the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Allegheny County and others to continue efforts to increase the region's tree canopy; and

3. TheRegional Trail Corp., $500,000 to help construct 1.3 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage which includes a new bridge to cross over an active rail line.

Funding for the grants comes from the Growing Greener II bond issue and Keystone '93, a DCNR fund generated from a portion of the state's realty transfer tax.

"We are very grateful to DCNR for this generous grant," said Meg Cheever, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "This funding enables us to conduct much-needed repairs to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce soil erosion along trails in Frick, Highland, Schenley and Riverview parks. It will also help cover the costs of installing new signage that will significantly enhance visitors' enjoyment of the parks."

"TreeVitalize is making an immediate impact on the quality of life by improving the environment in urban areas," TreeVitalize Director Marijke Hecht said. "DCNR's leadership on this project has been invaluable for making TreeVitalize a reality."

"DCNR has been our most important partner in this 30 year saga of building the Great Allegheny Passage and has provided tremendous financial support throughout these decades," said Hannah Hardy, president of the Regional Trail Corp. "We are close to completing the last section through the Mon Valley and this grant will be a tremendous help."

"Our local partners are critical to our successful efforts to protect our natural areas," DiBerardinis said. "Our grants help them meet the vision they have for their communities and regions."

The announcement of these grants coincides with the International Urban Parks Conference that was held in Pittsburgh, September 21-24.

For more information, visit DCNR'sGreenways and Trails webpage.

9/26/2008