Press release by Tali MacArthur, PEC shared 22 September 2026

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has announced the opening of the 2026 PA Water Trails Mini-Grant cycle. Grants are available on a competitive basis for projects that implement the PA Water Trail Program’s eight guiding principles:

 • Partnership • Stewardship • Volunteerism • Education • Conservation •
• Community Vitality • Diversity • Wellness and Well-being •

Proposed projects must advance program goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Water Trails; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.

Once again, the Mini Grant program will prioritize funding for projects that advance the PA Water Trail Program 2025-2029 Strategic Action Plan‘s goals and strategic outcomes by implementing one or more actions and activities in the Plan.

Applicants are also encouraged to review the new Fishing and Boating Access Strategy released by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), if appropriate to the project. This strategy provides tools and resources to identify new fishing and boating access sites, improve existing sites and maximize accessibility so that all users have access to fishing and boating opportunities.

Applicants will also be required to consider how project impact and success will be determined based on appropriate metrics.

Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency), and all projects must occur on a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail.

Applicants can request between $1,000 and $7,000. All PA Water Trail mini grants require a 20% match of the total project cost, up to the maximum grant award of $7,000. No portion of the match can originate from DCNR funding or a DCNR funded project. Total project cost cannot exceed $50,000.

All applications must be submitted online.

APPLY NOW

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 4, 2026.

PEC is hosting an optional virtual pre-application meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 1 PM. Registration is not required.

Pennsylvania’s 28 Water Trails link outdoor recreation and water conservation efforts. Since 2008, PEC, DCNR, PFBC, and the National Park Service have worked together to promote and maintain the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program’s network of creeks and rivers. The PA Water Trails Program provides technical assistance, shares education and resources, and facilitates networking and peer-to-peer learning for Water Trail managers. Mini grant project outcomes have included improved way-finding signage and safety messaging, inclusive cultural storytelling kiosks, water trail promotional material, up-to-date water trail maps and trip itineraries, new and enhanced access sites, and environmental education for youth and underserved community members.

Mini-grant funding is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

For information about other grant funding opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boat access development or enhancement projects, please visit the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program website, DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program website, and PEC’s Statewide Waterways Access Grant Program application page.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

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 Pittston, PA.