Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week awarded $1.8 million in grants for recreation and tourism projects in the Pennsylvania Wilds area of the state and another $3 million for trail projects.

The 33 Pennsylvania Wilds grants provide support for strategic communty planning and infrastructure improvements, such as trails, parks and river access points, that will make communities attractive places for economic investments.

The Pennsylvania Wilds covers Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties.

A complete list of projects is available online.

DCNR also awarded $3 million in grants that will fund a variety of planning, development and equipment-purchase efforts to benefit hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding, off-road motorcycling and trail users with physical challenges.

Projects include the:

· Design and construction of five, county, multi-use trail facilities;

· Construction of the Dunmore School District fitness and nature trail in Lackawanna County;

· Financial aid to hiking, rail-trail, snowmobile and ATV organizations; and

· Rehabilitation and improvements to existing ATV trails and rider facilities in the Bald Eagle and Tiadaghton state forest districts.

The largest grant -- $1.9 million -- went to the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority for further development of Rock Run Recreation Area, an all-terrain vehicle site in Chest Township, Cambria County, and Chest Township, Clearfield County.

A list of the projects funded is available online.

7/21/2006