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Recreation for all.

ATV and Snowmobile Spring Grants Announced
Off-road vehicles drive on a motorized trail in the forest
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently announced more than $2.1 million in new grant funding for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile facilities and trails in Pennsylvania.
The grants were awarded from the spring round of ATV and Snowmobile applications.
“Each year, thousands of avid ATV and snowmobile riding enthusiasts recreate in Pennsylvania, and DCNR invests in projects that improve upon and expand these types of motorized recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth,” Secretary Dunn said.
The investments from the ATV Management Restricted Account and Snowmobile Management Restricted Account will support planning, acquisition, construction, and maintenance of ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. Funding comes from the fees riders pay to register their ATVs and snowmobiles.
For a full list of awardees, please see the ATV and Snowmobile grant announcement press release.
The fall ATV and Snowmobile grant round opened on August 1 and closes on September 30. To apply, please use the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal.

Featured Project: Montgomery Township Cuts Ribbon on New Playground

Officials cut the ribbon on the new playground at Fellowship Park
New interactive sensory panels installed at Fellowship Park
Officials in Montgomery Township, Montgomery County recently cut the ribbon for the newly constructed playground at Fellowship Park.
The playground aims to create a welcoming and engaging space where children of all abilities can play together.
DCNR supported the playground installation with a grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
“DCNR’s commitment to our community has been instrumental in realizing this project,” said Derek Muller, Public Information Coordinator for Montgomery Township.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the playground offers a variety of features that cater to children of all abilities. Key elements include:
  • Sway Fun Glider: Accessible for all children, including those using wheelchairs
  • Interactive Sensory Panels: Engaging tactile and visual elements
  • Spring Riders and Climbers: Fun for kids with various physical and sensory needs
  • Tunnel and Dome Climbers: Perfect for exploration and sensory play
Fellowship Park is conveniently situated in Montgomery Township’s Parkwood neighborhood, making it easy for neighbors to walk or bike to the park for quality family time.

Assistance Opportunity: Recreation Economy for Rural Communities
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program is accepting applications now through Wednesday, October 16.
The program provides planning assistance to small towns and rural communities to help them boost their outdoor recreation economies and revitalize their main streets.
The program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission.
The EPA will host a webinar about the program on Thursday, September 5. Register here for the webinar.
video of an example community that worked with the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program

2024 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit Starts Soon
The 2024 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit is later this month, September 18-20. The summit will be in Sayre and will be co-hosted by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region.
The summit will bring together agencies, organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts who are involved in planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, promoting, and using trails and greenways in eastern Pennsylvania.
Those interested in attending can register using the online form.

EAC Network Fall Gathering Scheduled for October 5
The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Network Fall Gathering will be held Saturday, October 5 at Temple University, Ambler Campus.
The fall gathering offers a full day of training and networking for EAC members, municipal staff, elected officials, and others interested in the work of EACs.
To attend, sign up using the EAC Fall Gathering Registration form. Discounted rates are available if registering before Friday, September 13.

Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference Accepting Session Proposals

WeConservePA is now accepting session proposals for the 2025 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference.
The conference is Pennsylvania’s premier networking, training, and inspirational event for people working to conserve land. The 2025 conference will take place April 2-4, 2025 in State College.
DCNR supports the conference as part of a Partnerships grant to WeConservePA.
Those interested in presenting should complete the request for proposal form. Submissions are due Thursday, October 24.

DCNR Welcomes Delilah Harne Higgins

Delilah Harne Higgins headshot portrait
The DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation welcomes Delilah Harne Higgins to the team. Delilah is a Fellow with the Governor’s Science and Technology Program.
She will work closely with the bureau to complete a comprehensive assessment of our grants program using an equity lens.
Delilah holds a Bachelors in Geoenvironmental Science and a Master’s in Geoenvironmental Science and Sustainability, both from Shippensburg University.
During her time at Shippensburg, Delilah worked with Cumberland Valley Esteem to promote girls entering STEM programs. She also completed internships with Franklin County Planning and Cumberland County Conservation District.
In her spare time, Delilah enjoys cooking, painting, photography, and playing “a barrage of string instruments.”

Dates to Remember
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