On December 30, Gov. Tom Wolf announced an investment of $70 million for 317 projects across Pennsylvania that will revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural spaces. 

“Our outdoor places are among the things that tie us all together – a place to meet for our health, for enjoyment, for recreation and a draw for tourists,” Gov. Wolf said. “Many of the projects being funded – improvements to local parks, trails, and river access – bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience at a time during the pandemic when these opportunities are recognized as critical to our well-being.”

The grants fall under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, fees for ATV/Snowmobile licenses, and federal monies.

“This important $70 million investment in outdoor recreation, infrastructure and conservation will leverage approximately $196 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good,” Gov. Wolf said.

The grants will support a variety of proposals including: 152 projects to rehabilitate or develop recreation, park, and conservation areas and facilities; protect approximately 4,400 acres of open space; 180 acres of streamside forest buffers; and 48 non-motorized and motorized trail projects.

Click Here for the complete list of projects funded by County.

Next Grant Round

The application period for the next round of DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants opens on January 18 and closes on April 6.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

NewsClips:

-- ErieT: Erie Zoo, Asbury Woods, Snowmobile Clubs Among DCNR Grant Recipients

-- ScrantonT: DCNR Grants For Parks, Trails, Forest Preserve In Lackawanna County

-- WBTimes: Over $600,000 In DCNR Grants For 2 Projects In Luzerne County

-- TribLive: Recreation, Conservation Projects In A-K Valley, Westmoreland County Receive DCNR Grants

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Submits Comments Calling For A Full EIS, Comment Extension On Proposed Low-Altitude Combat Training Flights Over The PA Wilds

-- DCNR Sets Feb. 1 Hearing On Wild Resource Conservation Program Funding 

[Posted: December 30, 2021]

1/3/2022