Expansion of Recreation, Community Revitalization Effort posted 12 November 2024
ATV and Snowmobile Projects posted 21 August 2024
Credit: Josh VanBrakle, DCNR
$79 Million to Expand Recreation, Community Revitalization Efforts Across Pennsylvania
The Shapiro Administration announced $79.4 million in grants for 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 investments underscore Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening the Commonwealth’s communities — all while driving regional economic growth through projects that enrich cultural, civic, recreational, and historic places throughout Pennsylvania. This not only improves the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also creates dynamic spaces that help to attract visitors to the Commonwealth.
“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 (DCNR) 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.
A complete list of the statewide grants is available by viewing the 2024 C2P2 Fall Grants Final List document.
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.
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 Governor Shapiro earlier this year.
Learn more about DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program grants.
$2.1 Million in New Investments for ATV and Snowmobile Projects Across the Commonwealth
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced new grant funding totaling $2,124,200 for all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile facilities and trails in Pennsylvania.
“Each year, thousands of avid ATV and snowmobile riding enthusiasts recreate in Pennsylvania, and the department invests in projects that improve upon and expand these types of motorized recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth,” Secretary Dunn said. “This is also a friendly reminder that the fall grant round is open and that we encourage municipalities and organizations to apply before the September 30 deadline.”
The investments from the All-Terrain Vehicle Management Restricted Account and Snowmobile Management Restricted Account will support planning, acquisition, construction, and maintenance of all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile trails and facilities.
The six grant recipients are:
- Snow Shoe Rails to Trails Association — $85,600
All-Terrain Vehicles, to assist with preparation of a feasibility study to examine infrastructure, maintenance, and organizational needs and to plan for the development of an all-terrain vehicle storage facility in Snow Shoe Township, Centre County. Work will include an electronic written report - Piney Rail Riders — $937,900
All-Terrain Vehicles, to assist with the acquisition of approximately 550 acres in Piney Township, Clarion County and Brookville Borough, Jefferson County, to provide approximately 24 miles of all-terrain vehicle trail for the development of the Piney Branch All-Terrain Vehicle Rail Corridor - Presque Isle Snowmobile Club, Inc. — $20,000
Snowmobile, to assist with the purchase of equipment to construct and maintain approximately 26 miles of snowmobile trails in Concord, Greene, Union, Wayne and Waterford townships and Corry City, Erie County - Lannding, LLC — $269,000
All-Terrain Vehicles, towards the purchase of equipment to construct and maintain approximately 90 miles of all-terrain vehicle trails at the Lannding All-Terrain Vehicle Park in Pine Township, Indiana County - Mines and Meadows LLC — $741,500
All-Terrain Vehicles, for the development of the 870 acre Mines and Meadows All-Terrain Vehicle Park in New Beaver and Wampum boroughs, Lawrence County. Work to include construction of four new comfort stations and parking spaces, rehabilitation of two campsites, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements - Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association — $70,000
Snowmobile to coordinate and fund the 2025 Snowmobile mini-grant program and the Mapgears trail mapping software program. Work will include an electronic written report
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can award grants two times each year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile trails and facilities.
The fall All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile grant round opened on August 1 and closes on September 30.
Applications will only be accepted electronically through the department’s online grant application system.
Grants are open to municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Proposed snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle related projects eligible for department grants include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails and facilities.
No match is required for this funding; however, applications providing matching funding will be given additional consideration.
With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by the department.
Statewide, Pennsylvania has nearly 32,000 active snowmobiles registered, and more than 288,000 all-terrain vehicles.
Grants are administered by The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with funding provided from registrations.
More information about All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile grants can be found on the the department’s website. Check out the department’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
MEDIA CONTACT
Wesley Robinson
717-877-6315
