On January 22, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opened the latest round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding for communities across Pennsylvania to fund parks, recreation, land conservation and riparian buffer projects.  (formal notice)

The deadline to apply is April 2.

These grants are a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to revitalizing communities and expanding outdoor opportunities, addressing the growing demand within Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry.

Last year, nearly $80 million was invested in over 300 projects, impacting communities all across the Commonwealth.

“These grants are key to achieving our goal of investing in the things that make communities great — public health, safety, and wellness for all Pennsylvanians,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By supporting projects that improve parks, trails, and green spaces, we’re fostering stronger, healthier communities and boosting local economies. Outdoor recreation is a critical part of life in Pennsylvania, and these investments ensure that everyone has access to safe, enjoyable natural spaces.”

Investments made in 2024 supported 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.

Eligible applicants include local governments and recreation and conservation non-profit organizations.

The grants fund:

-- Park and recreation rehabilitation and new development

-- Recreation and conservation planning

-- Trail planning and construction

-- Land acquisition and conservation

-- River access and conservation

-- Community and streamside tree planting

-- Regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources

Grant applications are only accepted through DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal.

A portal tutorial video is available on DCNR’s YouTube channel to help potential applicants learn about grant requirements and how to navigate the application interface.

“These grants are key in helping DCNR accomplish its mission to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment,” said Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “Our committed staff are available to assist throughout the application process and are eager to make connections with communities working to further their conservation efforts.”

DCNR staff can assist with answering questions, visiting potential project sites, and developing competitive grant applications.

Before starting an application, potential applicants should contact a regional advisor who serves the county where their project will be located.

Contact information is available on the Regional Staff Assignment map (PDF).

Funding for Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants comes from multiple state and federal sources, including: Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund; Environmental Stewardship [Growing Greener] Fund; Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program; Keystone Tree Fund; federal Land and Water Conservation Fund; and Recreational Trails Program.

Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants have helped permanently protect more than 435,000 acres across Pennsylvania for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

More than 40 percent of Pennsylvania’s 6,100 local parks have received a DCNR grant.

Click Here for DCNR's announcement.

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.

Related Articles:

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-- DCNR Now Accepting Applications For Recreation, Land Conservation, Riparian Buffers Thru April 2   [PaEN]

-- DCNR-Funded Mini-Grants Will Be Available From 15 Groups Across PA In 2025 To Support Smaller Local Projects  [PaEN]

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NewsClips:

-- Beaver Times - Brian Whipkey: Snowmobilers Discover Ideal Conditions On State Trails, Here’s Why

-- WGAL: Game Commission Seeks Snowmobilers Who Chased, Ran Over Fox In Lebanon County

-- PennLive: Reward Now Tops $2,000  In Search Of Snowmobilers Who Ran Over Fox In Lebanon County

-- LancasterOnline: Middle Creek Wildlife Area May Close Areas To Public If Avian Flu Affects Large Numbers Of Migrating Birds

-- NextPittsburgh: 10-Year Vision For Three Rivers Water Trail Seeks To Expand, Improve Trail Access

-- WHYY: Philadelphia Receives Federal Funding To Expand Schuylkill River Trail

-- WHYY: Philly’s Rail Park Raises Millions For Next Phase From State, Federal Grants

-- TribLive: Iron Horse Bridge Rehab Seen As ‘Linchpin’ In Effort To Expand Trails And Connellsville’s Economy

-- NextPittsburgh: Train Delays Highlight Growing Problem At Etna Park Blocking Use

-- Post-Gazette: Why You Should Learn To Love Lichen And Leave It On Trees

-- Erie Times: When Snowy Owls Come South, Some Stop At Presque Isle State Park

[Posted: January 22, 2025]

1/27/2025