The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced it has $50 million in grants available to communities and non-profit organizations to help fund community recreation, open space, land trust, rails-to-trails, rivers, and conservation projects under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program

Applications are due April 25. DCNR is also sponsoring a series of grant writing workshops in February.

"Investing in Pennsylvania's natural resources is critical for our commonwealth's future," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "Our parks and forests, greenways and trails provide economic opportunities for businesses, communities and our hardworking men and women, and they provide recreational activities for millions of people."

Funding comes from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is administered through DCNR. The department is offering a series of workshops around the state to help interested applicants with the application process.

"We want to help grant writers and managers gain insight into our program priorities and application requirements," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "There are tremendous opportunities for communities to create or improve community parks, greenways, trails, rivers and open space, which not only enhance quality of life, but also economic vitality."

The three-hour workshops, co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on:

· February 5, Hotel Carlisle and Embers Convention Center, Carlisle;

· February 6, Genetti Hotel & Suites, Williamsport;

· February 7, The Inn at Nichols Village, Clarks Summit;

· February 13, Blair County Convention Center, Altoona;

· February 20, Holiday Inn, Clarion;

· February 21, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, Pittsburgh;

· February 26, Scanticon Hotel & Conference Center at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia; and

· February 28, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville.

For more information, or to register for the workshops, contact the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society at 814-234-4272.

For more information, download the workshop schedule, or visit the Community Conservation Partnerships Program webpage for more information.

2/1/2008