Grant applications from local governments and recreation and conservation organizations are now being accepted through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

“Many of the projects that will be funded, including improvements to local parks, trails and river access, bring outdoor recreation and healthier living close to home,” Dunn said.

“This local focus improves the quality of life for many, while requiring less driving and expense to experience. 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.”

The grants are administered across the state by DCNR through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies.

Grants benefit planning, acquisition and development of public parks; recreation areas; motorized and nonmotorized trails; river conservation and access; stream buffers; conservation of open space; and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources.

The 2018 grant application round opened Jan. 22 and will close April 11. Funds will be awarded for applications that meet priorities established in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The primary source of grant funding is the Keystone Fund, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since 1993, more than 300 trail projects have been built and improved; more than 2,400 community park development projects completed; and 117,400 acres conserved through the Keystone Fund.

Late last year, Gov. Tom Wolf announced an investment of $44 million for 266 projects across Pennsylvania that create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize local communities. Those 2017 investments are benefiting a variety of proposals, including: 49 trail projects; protection almost 8,000 acres of open space; nine projects for planting riparian buffers along streams; 14 projects for rivers conservation; and over 100 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

For details on DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, visit www.DCNR.pa.gov; select Communities, then Grants. For more information on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, visit http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.