Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $90 million in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) funds will be awarded to 330 projects focused on recreation and conservation in the state.

According to a release from Wolf’s office, the grant is the largest single investment in the state’s recreation and conservation agency history. The previous record was $70 million, set last year. 

“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.”

More than $430 million has been awarded by the DCNR, supporting 2,300 projects across Pennsylvania 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,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said at a Sept. 6 event at Clark Nature Preserve in Pequea, Lancaster County, the release states. “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 that the plan will leverage more than $100 million into local and county investments.

Also at the event was Lancaster Conservancy CEO Phil Wenger, whose organization is receiving $318,000 for a mile-long accessible trail loop at the Clark Nature Preserve. It also will include an accessible parking lot and trailhead for people of all physical abilities to use.

“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," he added. "The trail will allow our Clark Nature Preserve to be accessible and welcoming to everyone.”

Investment proposals include 43 trail projects, a projected 7,207 acres of open space, 20 projects for river conservation, planting 214 acres of streamside forest buffers and 141 projects for developing or maintaining recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

Examples of projects include the development of 32 loop trails and pickle ball courts, acquiring 916 acres of Camp Tuckahoe Boy Scout Camp in York and Cumberland counties, and improving water access to five locations in Allegheny, Cambria, Erie and Fayette counties.

There is also an additional fall grant focused on underserved communities that will go toward creating three new state parks to be named later. This is made possible through the state’s budget and applications are due 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.”