The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for 2023 PA Water Trails Mini-Grants.  Applications are due November 3.

Grants are available on a competitive basis for projects that implement the PA Water Trail Program’s eight guiding principles: Partnership, Stewardship, Volunteerism,  Education, Conservation, Community Vitality, Diversity, Wellness and Well-being.

Proposed projects must advance program goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Water Trails; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.

Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency) and all projects must occur on or for a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail.

Applicants can request up to $5,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind).

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.

Therefore, applicants should note that mini-grants may not be used as match for other DCNR-funded projects.

All applications must be submitted online. Applications and instructions are now available at the PA Water Trails Mini-Grants webpage.

PA Water Trails - Background

Pennsylvania's 29 water trails link outdoor recreation and water conservation efforts.

Since 2008, PEC, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Park Service have worked together to promote and maintain the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program's network of creeks and rivers.

The PA Water Trails Program provides technical assistance, shares education and resources, and facilitates opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning for water trail managers.

On average, PEC supports between 6 and 10 projects under this program per year.

Over the years project outcomes have included improved way-finding signage and safety messaging, inclusive cultural storytelling kiosks, water trail promotional material, up-to-date water trail maps, new and enhanced physical access sites, streamside habitat improvement, and environmental education and introduction to paddling opportunities for youth and underserved community members.

PEC has administered the PA Water Trail Mini-Grant program since 2017.

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.

POWR is a supporting organization of the PA Environmental Council.

Related Grant Opportunities

-- Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Boating Facility Grants, Priority For Delaware River Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Erie Access Improvement Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Accepting Applications For Statewide Waterway Access Mini Grants  [PaEN]

-- Great Lakes Protection Fund Seeks Project Proposals To Improve Ecosystem  [PaEN]

-- Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Small Coldwater Stewardship Grants

            Statewide Watershed Conference

-- October 29-30-- Register Now!  PA Statewide Watershed Conference.  Altoona.

[Posted: September 19, 2023]

9/25/2023