The Coldwater Heritage Partnership announces the opening of the 2015 Coldwater Conservation

Grants Program.  Applications are due December 19.

The program provides two grant opportunities, which help to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems--

— Planning Grant: To help develop a conservation plan that identifies the values and threats that impact the health of our coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The collected information can be used as a catalyst for more comprehensive planning or for development of watershed improvements projects. Planning grants average around $5,000.

— Implementation Grant: To provide funding to projects recommended in a completed conservation plan or report. Potential projects must enhance, conserve or protect the coldwater stream for which the coldwater conservation plan or similar document was originally completed. Implementation grants average around $7,000.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership provides technical assistance and funding support for the evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Grants will be awarded to organizations to outline strategies and complete implementation projects that best conserve and protect our coldwater fisheries.

Besides offering grants, CHP works to: foster greater public understanding of watershed characteristics and how they affect coldwater ecosystems; identify special areas of concern, such as areas with exceptional water quality and high potential for impacts; and provide technical assistance and financial opportunities to organizations dedicated to protecting our coldwater ecosystems.

The CHP is a cooperative effort of Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

Applications can be found on the Coldwater Conservation Grants webpage. For more information, contact Samantha Kutskel, Program Director, at 814-359-5233 or send email to: skutskel@coldwaterheritage.org.

9/22/2014