On September 6, the PA Environmental Council announced it is now accepting applications for PA Water Trail Mini-Grants.  The deadline to apply is November 1.

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 Trails.

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.

All applications must be submitted online. Applications and instructions are now available online

For all the details, visit PEC’s PA Water Trail Mini-Grants webpage.

Sept. 23 Webinar

PEC is hosting an optional virtual pre-application meeting on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11 AM. Registration is not required.

Click Here to join the webinar.

Background

Pennsylvania's 28 water trails link outdoor recreation and water conservation efforts.

Since 2008, the PA Environmental Council, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania 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 and trip itineraries, 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.

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 a match for other DCNR-funded projects.

Other Grant Opportunities

For information about other grant funding opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized boat access development or enhancement projects, please visit the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program webpage, DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program webpage, and PEC’s Statewide Waterways Access Grant Program application 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.

Related Articles:

-- Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Boating Facility Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In August Now Available  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 6, 2024]

9/9/2024