On July 13, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the recipients of the 2022 Pennsylvania Water Trail Mini Grants totalling $24,600--

-- Delaware Riverkeeper Network ($4,800) for the Paddle, Hike, and Enjoy the Tidal Delaware River Water Trail project which will introduce new users to the beauty and wonder of the tidal Delaware River water trail and encourage repeat visits for recreation along the water trail.

-- Friends of the Riverfront ($5,000) for new Three Rivers Water Trail Signage with updated rules, reminders to always wear a life jacket, and other paddle safety information for paddlers of all levels

-- Conestoga River Club ($1,700) for a Water Trail Guidebook and other informational and educational materials

-- French Creek Valley Conservancy ($5,000) for the French Creek Boat Launch Improvement Project- Phase Two including a new concrete ramp launch designed for easy access, a new a parking area (including designated handicapped parking), and signage

-- Cochranton Borough ($3,000) for Connectivity Enhancements to Cochranton Landing Along French Creek Water Trail including a bicycle rack; outdoor interpretive panel about how French Creek has shaped local history; a historical marker for “McFate Archaeological Site;” a Monofilament Recycling Bin; and other improvements to Cochranton Landing

-- Venango Borough ($5,000) for the Karl Gerdon Park Improvement Project including developing new access to French Creek, a permanent restroom facility, and ADA access.

Congratulations to these organizations whose projects will improve access, awareness, and connections for communities to their local Pennsylvania Water Trail.

The Pennsylvania Water Trail Program is administered by PEC in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Parks Service and serves to promote and maintain the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program's network of creeks and river.

Projects awarded funding advance program goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing physical and psychological access to and use of Water Trails; linking diverse community members with accessible on-water paddling experiences, improving the paddling experience through education, signage, and mapping, and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.

All projects must occur on or for a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail areas.

The Pennsylvania Water Trail Partnership along with all of the Water Trail Managers work to achieve a common vision that includes:

-- Developing more water trails in Pennsylvania;

-- Strengthening connections between existing water trails to promote a system of trails;

-- Marketing and promoting Pennsylvania water trails more effectively;

-- Sharing technical assistance, tools and resources among local managers for long-term maintenance, stewardship, and sustainable and equitable access

-- Promoting national recognition of Pennsylvania’s water trails; and

-- Promoting water trails as a means to enhance citizen stewardship of local water resources.

PEC has administered the PA Water Trail Mini-Grant program since 2017. Mini-grant funding is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

To learn more about river trails, visit the Pennsylvania Water Trail Partnership webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, PEC Bill/Regulation Tracker, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook.  Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts.  Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and help available to community-based watershed organizations, visit the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers website.  Follow them on Facebook.

(Photo: Shenango River Water Trail, Mercer County.)

NewsClips:

-- TribLive - Mary Ann Thomas: Chattanooga Bakery Donates Moon Pies For ‘Race To The Moon’ On Roaring Run Trail

-- Citizens Voice: Endless Mountain Hike Closer To End Than Beginning On Appalachian Trail

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Blog: PA’s New Budget Includes Historic Investment In Conservation

-- DCNR Celebrates Induction Of Beartown Woods Natural Area, Franklin County, Into Old-Growth Forest Network  [PaEN]

-- DCNR: PA Outdoor Corps Youth Crew Working At Locust Lake State Park In Schuylkill County

-- PennDOT Receives National Recognition For Reconnecting Pittsburgh Communities Thru I-579 Recreation & Open Space Cap Project  [PaEN]

-- Keystone Trails Association: Take Advantage Of A Variety Of Hiking Experiences And Volunteer For Trail Care Events Across PA  [PaEN]

-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership: Introducing New Paddling Guidebook For Lumber History On The West Branch Susquehanna River  [PaEN]

-- Festival Of Wood Returns To Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers Sept. 24 & 25 In Pike County [PaEN]

-- Pike County Tick Borne Diseases Task Force Hosts Health Symposium July 30 [PaEN]

[Posted: July 13, 2022]

7/18/2022