College Township Secures $300,000 DCNR Grant For Development of ClearWater Community Conservation Center; Next DCNR Grant Round Opens Jan. 21

On December 3, College Township announced the award of $300,000 in funding for the development of the ClearWater Community Conservation Center in College Township, Centre County.

The award will support essential infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and community engagement at the center.

The funding was awarded by DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which supports environmental projects across the state to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats.

The ClearWater Community Conservation Center will benefit from several accessibility additions, including the construction of a pedestrian walkway, access drive, and parking area, as well as the installation of lighting and utilities.

ADA access will be integrated throughout the site to ensure that individuals of all abilities can fully enjoy the center's offerings. In addition, landscaping, a project sign, and other related site improvements will be made to further enhance the space for visitors.

“Partnering with ClearWater Conservancy, a long-standing champion for conservation and environmental stewardship, to secure funding for the ClearWater Community Conservation Center was a natural fit with the Township’s values of fostering local partnerships in support of environmental responsibility and providing educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” noted Dustin Best, Chair of the College Township Council.

Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed her excitement for the project: "ClearWater Conservancy is so grateful to College Township for partnering with us and to the Community Conservation Partnership Program for making this award, allowing us to add an accessible route from the Community Conservation Center to Spring Creek. Facilitating access to the beautiful streamside makes it easier for everyone to experience nature, and we are so excited to welcome people to our 10-acre conservation demonstration landscape."

Adam Brumbaugh, College Township Manager, shared, “We look forward to welcoming Clearwater Conservancy to their new home in College Township. The new ClearWater Community Conservation Center will not only serve as ClearWater Conservancy’s offices, but also as an important community gathering place, where visitors can interact with nature and learn first-hand about the best practices in environmental protection and land conservation.”

[This announcement follows a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission announced on October 23 [Read more here] and a $750,000 RCAP grant on November 4  [Read more here] for the same project.]

New DCNR 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.

Resource Links:

-- ClearWater Conservancy Celebrates $2 Million Federal Grant For New Community Conservation Center To Enhance Environmental Stewardship, Local Economy [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Awarded $750,000 RCAP Funding For New Community Conservation Center In Centre County  [PaEN]

[Posted: December 3, 2024]


12/9/2024

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