Thursday, August 21, 2025

DCNR Invests $2.1 Million To Expand, Improve ATV, Snowmobile Trails Across PA; Deadline To Apply For Next Round Sept. 30

On August 20, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced $2.1 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile trails and facilities across Pennsylvania — strengthening the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economies.

The funding — provided through the ATV Management Restricted Account, Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program — will support nine projects statewide, ranging from trail construction and equipment purchases to economic impact studies and rider safety programs.

“Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver for our rural communities, and these grants will help expand safe, high-quality ATV and snowmobile opportunities for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in motorized recreation to support local businesses and strengthen communities, and we encourage organizations and municipalities to apply for this funding before the September 30 deadline.”

Projects funded this round include:

-- Lannding, LLC (Indiana County) — $1,389,100 for construction of an ATV training course, parking area, utilities, and stormwater management measures at the Lannding ATV Park in Pine Township

-- Pennsylvania Trails Foundation — $261,900 to coordinate the statewide Sensible, Courteous, Off-Road Enthusiasts (S.C.O.R.E.) “Rules of the Trail” ATV Simulator Training Program

-- Indian Creek Valley ATV Club (Fayette County) — $20,500 for equipment to construct and maintain approximately 43 miles of ATV trails in Saltlick Township

-- Mines and Meadows, LLC (Lawrence County) — $149,200 for equipment to construct and maintain approximately 84 miles of ATV trails at the Mines and Meadows ATV Park in New Beaver Borough

-- Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties) — $48,600 for an economic impact study of the Central Allegheny Highlands ATV Trail System

-- Somerset County — $80,600 to prepare a countywide ATV Trail Plan Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association — $100,000 to fund the 2026 Snowmobile Mini-Grant Program and the Mapgears trail mapping software program

-- PA Snowseekers Snowmobile Club (Elk County) — $54,100 for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 100 miles of snowmobile trails

-- McKean Area Snowmobile Club (Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties) — $26,700 for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails

DCNR awards grants twice a year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. 

Apply For Next Round

The fall grant round opened on August 1 and closes on September 30. 

Eligible projects include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for construction and maintenance, and development of educational programs. Grants are open to municipalities, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. 

While no match is required, applications with matching funds will receive additional consideration.

With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Statewide, Pennsylvania has more than 32,000 active snowmobiles and more than 291,000 ATVs. Grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from registrations. 

From day one, the Shapiro Administration has been dedicated to supporting Pennsylvania’s growing outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economic development. Investments in ATV and snowmobile projects help ensure safe, high-quality trails and facilities that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.

Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Potter County to announce a $162,461 Department of Community and Economic Development grant for the White Pine Country Store, CafĂ© & Lodge to replace its gas pump storage tanks — reopening the only gas pump for miles. 

Located along the 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, the store serves as a hub for riders, anglers, and tourists, with the trail generating $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023.

More information about ATV and Snowmobile grants can be found on the DCNR website.

Click Here for the DCNR announcement.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR, Aging, Health Agencies Unveil New Toolkit To Help Older Pennsylvanians Stay Healthy, Active Outdoors At Codorus State Park, York County  [PaEN] 

-- Keystone Trails Assn. Seeking Volunteers For 2025 Trail Love In Allegheny National Forest Sept. 26-27 In Elk County  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Grants News: 50 Outdoor Ambassadors Complete Training; New Furnace Run Park Nature Center, Franklin County; Registration Opens For PRPS 2025 Urban Exchange 

-- DCNR State Parks Environmental Education News Now Available - Back To School Edition  [PaEN]

-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Announces 2025 Photo Contest Winners  [PaEN]

-- PA Conservation Heritage Project Profile: Tina Terrell, US Forest Service Advocate For Nature And People  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- WTAE: Cucumber Falls, Trail Closed For ‘Foreseeable Future’ After Storms Roll Through Ohiopyle State Park In Fayette County 

-- Post-Gazette: Visitors Evacuate Ohiopyle State Park After ‘Unexpected High Wind Event’ Sunday Afternoon

-- TribLive: Storms Force Closure Of Popular Spots At Ohiopyle State Park 

-- Penn State Extension In-Person Tap Talk Aug. 21 - Exploring York County Waterways And Craft Brews, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

-- WHYY: Nicetown-Tioga Residents In Philly Celebrate Neighborhood Greening Initiatives: 400 Trees, 12 New Gardens

-- Reading Eagle: Lifelong Friendship Of 2 Berks Men Forged On The Horse-Shoe Trail

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Announces New Board Members: Margarita Caicedo, Paul Roth, Mike Teeter

[Posted: August 21, 2025]  PA Environment Digest

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