PEC Receives ARC READY Grant to Strengthen Trail Organizations and Coalitions

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) received an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) READY grant to strengthen trail organizations and coalitions in Northeastern and Western Pennsylvania.

This grant will provide $195,000 to assist coalitions and organizations in which PEC plays a convening role, including the NEPA Trails Forum and the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition. Both will receive targeted capacity support including training, shared resources, strategic planning support, and opportunities to connect trail efforts to tourism, community development, and economic revitalization. ARC READY aligns with PEC’s priority of supporting outside organizations and ensuring that they are effectively building, maintaining, and promoting connected trail systems.

“We’re thankful to be able to support outside organizations and coalitions doing great work building, connecting, and maintaining trail networks throughout Pennsylvania,” said PEC Vice President for Western Pennsylvania Brett Hollern. “Through ARC READY we can share our knowledge and connections with others and ultimately help improve local communities.”

To guide program goals and ensure they reflect the needs of each region, PEC is forming a Steering Committee consisting of trail leaders, community partners, and local stakeholders. This group will play a key role in shaping priorities, advising on programming, and helping to deepen collaboration across each region’s trail network.

ARC READY is a federally funded grant program that helps Appalachian communities acquire the skills, knowledge, and resources to strengthen local economics. This funding will allow PEC to assist in increasing local tourism through improved access to outdoor recreation while simultaneously boosting opportunities for individual and community economic development.

About PEC

Founded in 1970, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)’s mission is to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. We work closely with government, business, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to advance our shared goals in energy and climate policy, trail development and outdoor recreation, watershed protection and restoration, reforestation, and conservation-focused economic development. PEC is active throughout the Commonwealth, with regional offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Dallas, PA.