Keystone Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded $90 million toward 330 recreation-based projects statewide. Gov. Tom Wolf described the grant as a "historic investment."

According to a press release, the projects focus on creating new recreational opportunities, natural resource conservation and revitalizing local communities. The grant eclipsed the $70 million awarded in 2021.

Wolf said that Pennsylvania has some of the most beautiful spots in the country that should be cherished by residents and visitors. 

“By investing in the upkeep and expansion of our recreational areas, we are not only improving the quality of life for citizens,” Wolf said. “We are making Pennsylvania an even better destination for visitors who will contribute to the economic health of communities all across the commonwealth.”

The grants came from the DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program, with funding from the Keystone Fund. This is through part of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund; and money from the federal government. 

“The health and vitality of our communities are reflected in the quality of parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said at an event on Sept. 6 at Clark Nature Preserve in Pequea. “This grant round is historic, as it is the largest amount we ever issued to help protect and enhance our natural amenities throughout Pennsylvania.”

Dunn added, “Many of the projects being funded – improvements to local parks, trails, and river access – bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience. This $90 million investment will leverage more than $100 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good.”

The Lancaster Conservatory will receive $318,000 to create a mile-long accessible loop train in the Clark Nature Preserve. The project includes an accessible parking lot and a trailhead "for people of all abilities."

“The Clark Nature Preserve, jutting out on the Lower Susquehanna River, is a remarkable property with varied geography and unique geology including cold Wind Caves and the amazing viewing platform called House Rock,” Lancaster Conservancy CEO Phil Wenger said.

“The Conservancy Board made a decision to build a new universal access trail on this site to improve access for all. We find many of our older and physically disabled visitors highly value the ability to access our meadows, forests and views, immersing themselves in the benefits nature provides. The trail will allow our Clark Nature Preserve to be accessible and welcoming to everyone,” Wenger said.

There are 43 trail projects; the protection of 7,207 acres of open space; 20 river conservation projects; 214 acres of streamside forest buffer planting with 47 being multifunctional; and 141 projects for rehabilitating recreation, park and conservation sites.

Other projects include creating 1.5 miles of the Ghost Town Trail to complete the 32-mile loop ranging between Indiana and Cambria Counties; acquiring 916 aces of the Camp Tuckahoe Boy Scout Camp in York and Cumberland counties; developing 32 loop trails and pickleball; a pilot project by the Friends of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in Philadelphia focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in outdoor recreation; and $300,000 supporting Southern Alleghenies and North Central PA planning commissions for programs in “high need rural area.”

More grant funds will be provided in the fall from the 2022-23 state budget. They will go toward three new state parks to be named this fall, and the goal is to help underserved communities, close trail gaps and plant trees. Small communities have a match requirement of 20%, and the funds are through $8 million in Keystone Tree Fund money and other watershed and forestry-related funds. 

Applications are due on Oct. 27 for the fall grant.