HARRISBURG – On Wednesday Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn reminded local governments and recreation and conservation organizations that grant applications are now being accepted for recreation and conservation projects.
“Outdoor recreation and healthier living close to home are just two of the many benefits to be funded through these grants for local park improvements, trails and river access,” said Dunn.
“Quality of life is improved for so many by this local emphasis. Also, we know every grant dollar, generally leverages an additional $3 in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good.”
Funded through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, grants benefit planning, acquisition and development of:
- public parks;
- recreation areas;
- motorized and non-motorized trails;
- river conservation and access;
- stream buffers;
- open space conservation;
- regional and statewide partnerships to better develop; and manage resources.
The 2020 grant application round closes April 22.
DCNR has scheduled two webinars to help potential applicants:
- Jan. 29:  Grants for recreation, Conservation, Trail and Riparian Buffer Projects, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [A1]
-  Feb. 19: Statewide and Regional Partnership Grant Program for public recreation, conservation or heritage-area initiatives undertaken across a statewide or regional landscape, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Primary source of grant funding is the Keystone Fund, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018. Since 1993, the Keystone Fund has supported more than 300 trail projects, more than 2,400 community park development projects and conserved more 117,400 acres throughout the commonwealth.
For more information, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program Web site.
Learn more about DCNR’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
