Featured Project: Box Culvert Improves Safety, Traffic Flow at AOAA |
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Formed in 2014, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) in many ways sets the standard for motorized recreation in Pennsylvania. The facility features almost 8,000 acres of diverse riding terrain.
Located along State Route 125 in Northumberland County, the park was built on land that underwent intensive strip mining for coal. Some considered it wasteland. Now it attracts riders from across Pennsylvania and around the world. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, side-by-sides, and full-size offroad vehicles are all common sights at the park.
As AOAA’s popularity grew, a safety concern emerged. Route 125 splits the park in two. It made for a dangerous crossing for road users and park visitors.
That crossing has now been made safe, thanks to the installation of an 80-foot box culvert beneath Route 125.
The recently opened crossing earned AOAA a national award from the Coalition for Recreational Trails, an alliance of motorized and non-motorized trail organizations.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources helped AOAA install the crossing. Grants supported both design of the culvert and its construction.
Funding came from a blend of the state ATV Restricted Account and the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program.
If you have a motorized recreation project in Pennsylvania that could use some support, the fall round of Motorized Trails and Recreation grants is open through Wednesday, September 30.
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DCNR, PFBC Release Fishing and Boating Access Strategy |
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The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) recently announced a new collaborative statewide public fishing and boating access strategy.
“Pennsylvania is rich with more than 85,000 miles of rivers and streams and 4,000 lakes that provide recreational fishing and boating opportunities, and this strategy will help make more of our natural resources accessible to everyone,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Communities across the Commonwealth are recognizing the benefits, socially and economically, when they provide high-quality public access areas to attract more anglers and boaters.”
The strategy provides a blueprint for state agencies and partner organizations as they plan, develop, and enhance public access opportunities across Pennsylvania.
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“By optimizing placement for new public fishing and boating projects, prioritizing areas with limited access, building local support for access projects, and focusing on existing Water Trails, we can work alongside our partners to maximize the useability of our waterways to meet the interests of their communities,” said Mark Sweppinhiser, Director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Boating.
Both the PFBC and DCNR offer grants that can help communities in the development of new or enhanced public fishing and boating access areas. For the PFBC, check out their Boating Facility Grant Program. For DCNR opportunities, visit the Grants Customer Service Portal.
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Featured Project: Spring Grove YMCA Opens |
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| State and local officials recently gathered to cut the ribbon on the new Spring Grove YMCA in York County.
The facility represents a unique, collaborative effort among Spring Grove YMCA, Windy Hill Senior Center, Spring Grove Regional Parks and Recreation Commission, Spring Grove Area School District, and the municipalities within the school district.
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The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) supported the facility in its early planning. In 2020, the Spring Grove Regional Parks and Recreation Commission received a Peer Study grant to create an operations and management plan for a shared recreation facility in the community.
Peer Study grants are available year-round. They’re designed to help municipalities complete special-purpose recreation and conservation plans. If you’re interested in a Peer Study grant, start by contacting your DCNR regional advisor.
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Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Announces Photo Contest Winners |
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| Susquehanna Greenway Partnership recently announced winners of its 15th annual Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest.
Entries came from across the state during the three-month contest period, which ran from May to July 2026.
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Categories included River from Above, Greenway in Motion, Hidden Details, and Wild and Free.
Check out all the winners from each category on the photo contest website.
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