Recreation, greenway and rivers conservation projects in 25 counties will benefit from more than $11.7 million in grants announced this week by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Statewide, the grants will fund a variety of projects including the acquisition of land or conservation easements for 3,732 acres, and 17 planning projects for regional parks, greenways and rivers conservation.

These grants also will continue the popular river sojourns that increase public awareness about rivers and watersheds and provide training and education to municipalities about Conservation by Design planning concepts.

The largest grants are $1 million to Berks County for acquisition of 560 acres including Antietam Lake in Lower Alsace Township, Berks County, and to the Natural Lands Trust for the protection of three properties totaling 261 acres in Newlin Township, Chester County.

A complete list of grants awarded is available online.

9/29/2006