Lt. Governor Jim Cawley visited Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County Tuesday to announce a $250,000 grant through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that will revitalize an existing trail connecting the amphitheater with the rest of the property, and making it accessible for people with disabilities.

“Hawk Mountain is one of the single greatest conservation success stories of our time, and it’s also an important economic driver,” Cawley said. “Recent studies show that the average 70,000 visitors per year to Hawk Mountain funnel more than $7 million into the local economy through overnight stays, dinners at restaurants, and visits to other area attractions.”

The grant will help improve the Wilderness Walkway, a family-friendly trail that will connect the Amphitheater to the parking lots, visitor center and other areas of the 2,600-acre sanctuary.

The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is raising additional private funds for the project.

The DCNR grant money was provided through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program.  The program combines several funding sources into one grant program, including the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal funds.

For more information, visit DCNR Apply for Grants webpage.

8/4/2014