Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) revealed a $90 million investment to create new recreational opportunities across Pennsylvania.

More than 330 projects will also conserve natural resources and revitalize local communities, according to a press release from the governor's office. The grants represent the largest single investment in recreation and conservation and are $20 million higher than the record set last year. These grants are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the agency's Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Financial backing through the Keystone Fund is generated from realty transfer tax, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the ATV/Snowmobile Fund, and federal dollars, the press release noted. The DCNR awarded over $430 million in grants to approximately 2,300 projects during the time Wolf has been in office.

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

The Lancaster Conservancy received $318,000 in funding to build a one-mile accessible loop trail, an accessible parking lot, and a "trailhead for people of all abilities" at the Clark Nature Preserve, according to the press release. Phil Wenger, president of the Lancaster Conservancy, and various state and local officials attended the event as well.

"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," 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."

Investments were made for 43 trail projects, protecting nearly 7,207 acres of open space, 20 river conservation projects, planting 214 acres of streamside forest buffers, and 141 projects involving the rehabilitation of recreation, park, and conservation areas and facilities, the press release noted. Projects include approximately $300,000 for supporting the Southern Alleghenies and North Central PA planning commissions for mini-grant programs for high-need rural areas, developing 32 loop trails and 15 pickleball courts, and finishing a 32-mile loop trail in Indiana and Cambria counties.

"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."

An additional 2022 fall grant round will help fund the creation of three state parks, which will be named later, according to the press release.

"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."

The fall grant will be used to assist underserved communities, close trail gaps, plant trees, and more, the press release noted. A lower match requirement is in place for communities with under 5,000 people. That match is only 20% of the grant amount. The deadline to apply for the fall grants is Oct. 27.