PA Environment Digest Blog: Western PA Conservancy Now Accepting Applications For Fall Round Of Grants For Canoe, Kayak Access Projects In Western PA

On October 15, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced it is now accepting applications for a fall round of Canoe Access Development Fund Grants to support projects that will improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways.

The deadline to apply is November 18.

The Conservancy’s CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the construction and enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations.

Founded in 2008 and funded by longtime Conservancy members and outdoor enthusiasts Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, CADF provides grants to watershed organizations and other community groups to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation by developing and improving access sites for canoeists, kayakers and anglers.

Grant funding could be used to stabilize access areas to rivers or streams, add nearby parking areas, purchase riverside land for an access site or other improvements.

The Conservancy has funded 97 canoe access site projects along 39 different waterways in 24 counties in the region.

An interactive map on the Conservancy’s website allows users to explore the region’s WPC-funded access sites.

The most recent awardees include Sheffield Township Supervisors for an access on West Branch Tionesta Creek in Warren County, and Tionesta Lake Army Corps of Engineers for improvements to Kellettville access and Jughandle access on Tionesta Creek in Forest County.

Curt Bowley, a lifelong resident of Sheffield Township, helped to get a canoe launch built by the township on West Branch Tionesta Creek in 1994.

In spring 2024, the Conservancy made a CADF grant of $4,890 to Sheffield Township for improvements to the launch, which Curt volunteered to manage.

“Over the past 30 years, it’s been well-used by people to fish, kayak, canoe and float,” Curt says. Recent improvements included removing a mesh lining beneath gravel that was posing a safety hazard, and widening the ramp by installing eight concrete planks. “I’d encourage any organization or community to apply,” Curt adds. “We have much better ease of access now.”

Kelly Horrell, watershed conservation program administrator at the Conservancy, says the fund also helps the communities located along the streams where access points are installed.

“Building and improving canoe access points connects communities along Western Pennsylvania’s water trails, encourages recreation and tourism, and allows for a nice day trip or multi-day camping trip,” Kelly notes. “And, they restore and stabilize the streambank, reducing erosion and sedimentation into the streams.”

Visit WPC’s Canoe Access Development Grant webpage for all the details. Questions should be directed to: Kelly Horrell, WPC Watershed Program Administrator, at khorrell@paconserve.org or 724-471-7202, ext. 5100.

Grant recipients will be notified by December 16, 2024.

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