Pennsylvania DCNR logo

Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

DCNR Grants News Head Banner

Recreation for all.

Featured Project: Studying Diversity in Pennsylvania's Lumber Industry
An historic photo of loggers gathered at a camp
an historic photo of two women sittong chopped wood in a lumber camp
Last year, the Lumber Heritage Region released a two-part report that studied the historic role of women and diverse or marginalized ethnic and cultural identities in the history of northcentral Pennsylvania’s lumber industry.
Working with historic researcher Hilary Jebitsch, the Lumber Heritage Region sought to document these stories to tell and preserve a more complete and inclusive history of northcentral Pennsylvania.
“One of the tasks I take very seriously is using the past to educate the future,” said Holly Komonczi, executive director of Lumber Heritage Region. “The forest products industry has many opportunities for our young people, right here in our backyards. We are striving to make everyone feel welcome to take advantage of a career in the forest products industry.”
The report is now being used as a model for research elsewhere. Several other Pennsylvania Heritage Areas have begun similar projects in their regions.
To access the report, please use these links to read Part 1 and Part 2.
ATV Grants Announced, New Funding Round Open
person riding an orange snowmobile with spruce trees in the background
two people ride ATVs on a wooded trail
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently announced new grant funding totaling $793,800 for all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related projects.
“DCNR supports projects that improve upon and expand outdoor recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth, and we are excited to announce funding for this round of ATV projects,” Dunn said.
The investments will support construction and acquisition of ATV trails and facilities.
The agency is also now accepting applications for the spring round of ATV and snowmobile funding. The grant round is open February 1 through March 29.
Applications will only be accepted electronically through DCNR's online grant application system.
Proposed projects eligible for these grants include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchase for maintenance, and educational programs related to snowmobile and ATV trails and facilities.
Funding for these grants comes from the ATV and Snowmobile Restricted Accounts, which are funded through registration fees that riders pay.
Featured Project: Partnering to Expand Snowmobile Trails
two people ride snowmobiles on a trail through a forest
Snowmobiling is an exciting winter pastime that draws families, tourists, and thrill-seekers alike.  According to the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA), Pennsylvania has nearly 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails.
DCNR partners with PSSA to maintain and construct snowmobile trails on both public and private land. Over the past 20 years, DCNR has awarded more than $800,000 in grants to PSSA to administer mini-grants to snowmobile clubs.
Funding for the mini-grants comes from snowmobile registration fees.
Snowmobile clubs use these mini-grants to build, maintain, groom, and rehabilitate snowmobile trails and facilities. The mini-grants pay for materials, tools, supplies, and small equipment. Clubs often match the grants with their own volunteer time.
Last Call for DCNR Summer Interns
Are you a college student looking for a summer internship? DCNR has multiple internships available, but you’ll need to apply soon. Most internship postings close next week, on Friday, February 16.
To apply for an internship, visit the Commonwealth’s internships job page. Use the Filter tool to narrow the internships by department.
For those with an interest in writing and graphic design, consider applying for the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s Education and Outreach Internship. The intern will help with bureau communications, including this e-news, and will make bureau documents more accessible to people with disabilities.
Trust for Public Land Hosts Virtual Workshop Series
The Trust for Public Land is hosting a new, national-scale workshop series focused on rural communities.
“Community of Practice: Reimagining Rural Land Conservation and Outdoor Recreation,” will bring together rural municipalities across the U.S. to improve land conservation, support equitable development, and boost economic vitality while preserving local character.
For more information, please see the Trust for Public Land’s Communities of Practice flyer. To sign up, register online by Friday, February 9.
The first workshop takes place on Wednesday, February 14.
Grant Application Tip
dollar sign
The DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program is accepting applications through 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3. In each e-news leading up to the deadline, we’ll share a tip to increase your chances of a successful application.
This issue’s tip: Pay attention to match requirements for the grant type you’re applying for.
Most grants require 50/50, or $1 for $1 match. But not all! Small Community grants, for example, offer lower match requirements for projects in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 people.
A few grants even have zero match requirements. New this year, DCNR has $4 million from the U.S. Forest Service to fund tree planting in disadvantaged communities with no required match.
Your regional advisor can help you choose which grant type makes the most sense for your project. They can also help you identify possible match sources.
Dates to Remember
Calendar icon
powered by emma