Applications due November 17. Grant recipients will be notified by December 15.
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 by Conservancy donors 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 access or for other improvements.
The Conservancy has funded 103 canoe access site projects along 40 different waterways in 25 counties in the region. Previously funded canoe access sites that have successfully completed their 10-year commitment are eligible to reapply for another grant.
An interactive map on the WPC website allows users to explore some of the region’s WPC-funded access sites.
Our most recent awardees include Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for the Mill Run Reservoir access on Indian Creek and Sewickley Creek Watershed Association for improvements to New Stanton Park access on Sewickley Creek.
Debby Yeager, whose family owns Rose Point Park - Cabins & Camping in New Castle, said a location on their property just above McConnells Mill State Park has long been a popular launch spot for white water boaters.
“The access was a steep, slippery slope, difficult to navigate, in need of improvement and a definite safety hazard,” she says. As a for-profit business, Rose Point Park needed to partner with a nonprofit organization to be eligible for WPC’s CADF grant. “WPC introduced us to the folks at Wild Water Conservancy,” which had done similar projects with WPC.
“We have received a strong outpouring of praise and appreciation from the folks who use the access ramp, which was dedicated June 1,” Debby says, noting that the local paddling community, the Lawrence County Commissioners and Rose Point Park donated additional funds.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Conservancy. This is the first grant I have ever applied for. It was truly a learning experience!”
Kelly Horrell, WPC watershed conservation program administrator, says the fund helps create safe accessibility along our rivers and streams, providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the natural world by getting on the water.
“Kayaking and canoeing is an immersive way to connect with nature and explore Pennsylvania’s waterways,” she says. “More accessibility provides more opportunities for adventure and exploration along our serene waterways.”
A downloadable application, including a complete list of requirements, is available at the WPC Canoe Access Development Fund webpage.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, join them on Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin. Click Here to support their work.
[Posted: October 6, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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