The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) has announced the opening of the Coldwater Conservation Grants Program to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems.

Applications for grants up to $5,000 will be accepted through December 17. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply.

The CHP is a cooperative effort of Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU), the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

The grants are designed to help develop preliminary assessments that identify the values and threats to 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.

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.

All three partnering organizations have contributed funds for the effort. Other groups have come forward to help fund the program, including the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program (WPWP). “Coldwater resources are a unique heritage that we should leave for the enjoyment of future generations,” said John Dawes of the WPWP. “It is my hope that this grant program will stimulate the desire to protect our coldwater fisheries and conserve these priceless ecosystems.”

For more information, contact PATU Coldwater Resource Specialist Deborah Nardone at 814-359-5233, or visit the Coldwater Heritage Partnership website.

10/15/2004