Northhampton News

Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that $90 million in grant money will go toward more than 330 projects across Pennsylvania for recreational opportunities, as well as a plan to help underserved communities.

The grant involves creating recreational opportunities while also concerning natural resources and revitalizing communities, according to a Sept. 6 release by Wolf. This is the largest investment in the state’s recreation and conservation agency history, beating last year’s record of $70 million.

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

Since Wolf took office, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has invested in $430 million in grants for more than 2,300 projects. One of these projects during this round was the Lancaster Conservancy, which received $318,000 to create a mile long accessible loop trail with an accessible parking at the Clark Nature Preserve.

“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.”

Cindy Adams Dunn, the DCNR secretary, said improving the quality of parks and trails, as well as access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation reflects the “health and vitality” of the communities across the state.

“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 said.

Dunn said that the projects include improvements to local parks, trails and river access. She said the improvements will lead to less driving and expenses. The investment, she said, will leverage $100 million in local, county and private investments.

These investments include 43 trail projects; protecting 7,207 acres of open space, 20 projects for rivers construction; 214 acres of planting forest buffers; and 141 projects for park rehabilitation.

Examples include building 1.5 miles of the Ghost Town Trail, completing a 32-mile rail trail loop going through Indiana and Cambria counties; purchasing 916 acres of the Camp Tuckahoe Boy Scout Camp in York and Cumberland Counties; and developing 32 loop trails and 15 pickle ball courts to name a few.

Funding for the grants comes from the Keystone Fund through the DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program.

There was also a new round of fall grants through Wolf’s 2022-23 budget that will lead to the creation of three state parks. The fall grant opportunity will help underserved communities, close trail gaps, plant trees and more. The grant round is a lower match requirement of 20% of the grant amount. It is for smaller municipalities of less than 5,000 people. The deadline for applications is Oct. 27.

“This special fall grant round was made possible thanks to the bipartisan investment in conservation and outdoor recreation we secured in the recent commonwealth budget,” Wolf said. “These additional funds will help us support even more local park, trail, water quality, and landscape projects across Pennsylvania.”