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DCNR Announces $79.4 Million In Grants To Support 307 Recreation, Land Conservation, Tree Planting Projects Across Pennsylvania; Next Grant Round Opens Jan. 21

On November 12, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the investment of $79.4 million in grants to support 307 projects across Pennsylvania, aimed at expanding recreational opportunities, conserving natural spaces, and revitalizing communities.

These grants will support a wide range of projects, including improving local parks, expanding trails and river access points, and creating more green space in local communities.

These grants are part of the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats.

With increased state and federal support, $10.5 million of this funding round will go toward tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions statewide.

Funding is being provided for projects in 57 of 67 Pennsylvania counties in this round and is provided by the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund, and federal sources.

Click Here for a complete list of projects funded.

“Every day, my Administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we’re proud to support hundreds of projects across the Commonwealth that not only enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Governor Shapiro. “Investing in these projects – from improving our parks and trails to planting trees in our neighborhoods to increasing access to our rivers – attracts visitors to Pennsylvania, boosts local businesses, and strengthens our communities.”

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited James Logan Elementary School in Philadelphia to spotlight a $500,000 grant to the School District of Philadelphia.

This grant will engage communities, school staff, and students in planting approximately 600 trees across 30 school campuses in environmental justice areas, while also building local tree stewardship capacity in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tenders Program.

“Trees help combat urban heat and flooding, and their planting fosters a connection to nature,” said Secretary Dunn. “In Philadelphia alone, over $5 million in grants will support urban tree planting, park and playground improvements, trail development, and water access. These projects are part of broader efforts to prepare Fairmount Park and other sites for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.”

“Schools are an integral part of our Philadelphia communities and serve as areas where students, parents, and community members can gather and connect,” said Oz Hill, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the School District of Philadelphia. “As one of the largest landowners in Philadelphia, increasing the tree canopy around schools will positively impact the health and well-being of our students. Thanks to a grant from DCNR, we are thrilled to expand our tree canopy.”

Statewide, the investments will facilitate the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of over 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support trails, including nine projects aimed at addressing critical trail gaps.

Click Here for a complete list of projects funded.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Next Grant Round Opens Jan. 21

DCNR will start accepting the next round of Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program on January 21. The deadline for applications is April 2.

Click Here for a list of related DCNR grants opening.

Click Here for a list of Grant Application Workshops On Demand.

Pennsylvania has more than 6,400 local parks and 124 state parks, more than 12,000 miles of trails, and more than 83,000 miles of waterways.

Together with more than 2.2 million acres of state forests, the Commonwealth has among the largest expanses of public lands in the eastern United States that offer outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons – making Pennsylvania The Great American Getaway, launched by Gov. Shapiro earlier this year.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, 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.

Resource Link:

-- DCNR Grants Update: Grant Application Workshops Available; Conservation Easement Assistance Grants; Other Funding Opportunities

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Announces $79.4 Million In Grants To Support 307 Recreation, Land Conservation, Tree Planting Projects Across Pennsylvania; Next Grant Round Opens Jan. 21 [PaEN]

-- DCNR Grants Update: Grant Application Workshops Available; Conservation Easement Assistance Grants; Other Funding Opportunities

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