The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced $10.4 million in grant awards for organizations and projects across the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region that help to advance local efforts to grow the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in a sustainable way. 

The investments were selected through a statewide competitive process as part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), a grant program DCNR administers annually.

This year’s C2P2 grants in the PA Wilds region cover a range of projects and partnerships, from providing funding for regional organizations that are helping to coordinate outdoor recreation, tourism and heritage development partnership networks, programs, mini grant programs and other critical capacity, to specific projects in individual communities related to stewardship, planning, and developing tourism, recreation and heritage assets.

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center) received a grant for $300,000 to coordinate and fund activities of the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape; and promote regional outdoor recreation, public lands, and conservation.

PA Wilds Center CEO Ta Enos applauded the Commonwealth’s continued investments in outdoor recreation and tourism in rural PA. “DCNR has been a foundational investor and partner in the PA Wilds effort for more than twenty years,” Enos said. “The C2P2 program is a way that DCNR invests directly in community-led outdoor recreation and conservation projects that add momentum to our region’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy, as well as in regional organizations, like ours, that are helping to advance sustainable development in this sector.”

The outdoor recreation economy is a $19 billion industry in Pennsylvania, which now supports more than 168,000 jobs statewide, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Outdoor recreation economy stats – which are broader than tourism statistics because they include the manufacturing of outdoor products and other categories – are not available at the regional or county level. Tourism statistics are available, however, and they show that tourism grew to a $2.1 billion industry in the PA Wilds in 2024, according to the most recent Tourism Economics report released by the PA Tourism Office.

“Tourism and outdoor recreation are an important industry for rural PA, and they help make our communities vibrant,” Enos said. “Outdoor recreation helps us attract and retain population and workforce, which is critical for our region and its many industries. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have programs like C2P2, and we applaud our elected officials for supporting the program. We are thrilled to see so many rural communities compete in it and benefit from it every year.”  

The DCNR C2P2 is funded by a variety of state and federal funding sources, including: the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key); the Environmental  Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) subject to National Park Service approval; the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program Fund (PRT); the federal USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (IRA); and the Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA).

Along with the PA Wilds Center, other statewide and regional agencies that received grants within the PA Wilds landscape include the Keystone Trails Association, Lumber Heritage Region, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.

“The PA Wilds is the largest of the state’s eight Conservation Landscapes where multi-county collaboration is offering new economic and environmental improvement opportunities for the region’s rural communities,” said Meredith Hill, DCNR Conservation Landscapes Director, who also serves as the internal lead for the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape at the agency. “DCNR’s support of local efforts and partnerships through the C2P2 program, in concert with infrastructure investments in public lands and facilities, provide an important foundation for the PA Wilds landscape strategy.”

Read the full list of 2025 C2P2 grant recipients in the PA Wilds region below. The full press release from DCNR can be found here and a full list of grant recipients throughout the state here.

County Specific Projects – Total $3,563,600 (does not include multiple counties)

Centre

ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, Inc., $85,800, Coordinate and fund Centered Outdoors program by managing a gear library; expanding transportation assistance; providing skill and wellness workshops; and increasing staffing and professional training. Work to include a written summary report. Bridget Whyte, (814) 237-0400, ESF

ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, Inc., $383,600, Installation of approximately 15 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Susquehanna River Watershed, Centre County. Work to include landowner outreach and engagement; buffer plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. Jennifer Dombroskie, (814) 237-0400, Keystone Tree

Harris Township, $49,200, Development of Tussey Pond Park in Harris Township, Centre County. Work to include construction of fishing access and pedestrian walkways; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Mark Boeckel, (814) 466-6228, Key – Community

Clinton

Lock Haven City, $215,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Hanna Park in Lock Haven City, Clinton County. Work to include renovation of comfort station; construction of pickleball courts, basketball courts and pedestrian walkways; installation of fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Abigail Roberts, (570) 893-5903, Key – Community

Jefferson

Brookville Borough, $307,500, Rehabilitation and further development of Longview Park in Brookville Borough, Jefferson County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkways, basketball and pickleball courts, comfort station and parking area; installation of fencing and utilities; ADA access, landscaping project sign and other related site improvements. Dana Rooney, (814) 849-5320, Key – Community

Brookville Trail Hub, $46,800, Prepare a trail study for the development of the 10-mile Five Bridges Trail Connector in Pine Creek and Warsaw townships, Jefferson County from Allen Mills Road in Warsaw Township to the Brookville Borough line in Pine Creek Township. Work to include an electronic written report. Paul Boboige, (814) 371-4276, ESF

Lycoming

Jersey Shore Borough, $82,800, Development of Richmond Park in Jersey Shore Borough, Lycoming County. Work to include construction of pavilion, internal loop trail and parking area; installation of lighting; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Sean M. Simcox, (570) 660-7847, Key – Community

Loyalsock Township, $110,800, Further development of James Short Park in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County. Work to include construction of an amphitheater and pedestrian walkway; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Shannon Lukowsky, (570) 567-7525, Key – Community

Tioga

Blossburg Borough, $412,400, Rehabilitation of Island Park in Blossburg Borough, Tioga County. Work to include rehabilitation of multi-purpose field and track; installation of fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Cheryl Bubacz, (570) 638-2452 ext. 1, Key – Community

Elkland Borough, $25,000, Prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 4.25-acre community park in Elkland Borough, Tioga County. Work to include an electronic written report and site development drawing. Matt Sherman, (814) 258-7322, Key – Community

Mansfield Borough, $44,700, Prepare a Feasibility Study for the rehabilitation of the Mansfield Community Swimming Pool in Mansfield Borough, Tioga County. Work to include an electronic written report. Casandra Cowles, (570) 662-2315 ext. 4, Key – Community

Wellsboro Borough, $1,200,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Wellsboro Community Pool in Wellsboro Borough, Tioga County. Work to include renovation of the main pool circulation and filtration system, gutter system and decking; construction of an ADA accessible beach and water features; ADA access, landscaping and project sign. Brian Kennedy, (570) 724-3186, LWCF

Warren

Warren City, $500,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Mulberry Park in Warren City, Warren County. Work to include construction of comfort station, pedestrian walkways, pavilion, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Kassie Damcott, (814) 723-6300 ext. 120, Key – Community

Youngsville Borough, $100,000, Development of Fairmont Park in Youngsville Borough, Warren County. Work to include construction of plaza, stage, pedestrian walkways and parking area; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. John Papalia, (814) 723-3050, Key – Community

Multiple-County Specific Projects – Total $1,960,200

Multiple (Allegheny, Armstrong, Clarion, Forest, Venango and Westmoreland)

Port of Pittsburgh Commission, $86,200, Prepare a Recreational Impact Study of the Allegheny River from Kinzua Dam in Warren County to the Point in Allegheny County. Work to include an electronic written report. Matthew Pavlosky, (412) 201-7335, Key Rivers

Multiple (Berks, Bradford, Centre, Chester, Crawford, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mercer,

Montgomery, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Tioga, Venango, Warren and Wyoming)

Stroud Water Research Center Inc, $1,800,000, Installation of approximately 208 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in Berks, Bradford, Centre, Chester, Crawford, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mercer, Montgomery, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Tioga, Venango, Warren and Wyoming Counties. Work to include landowner outreach and engagement; buffer plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. David Wise, (610) 268-2153 ext. 307, Monsanto

Multiple (Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, Lycoming, Snyder and Union)

Chesapeake Conservancy Inc., $74,000, Installation of approximately 9 acres of riparian forest buffers and post-planting establishment for 15 acres in the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, Lycoming, Snyder, and Union counties. Work to include landowner outreach and engagement; buffer plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. Logan Stenger, (570) 259-3323, Monsanto

Other Statewide/Regional – Total $4,887,500, some of which may include counties outside of PA Wilds region

Chesapeake Conservancy Inc., $115,000, Coordinate and fund the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership in Pennsylvania 2026-2027. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Ben Alexandro, (443) 321-3610, ESF

HeritagePA, $118,000, Coordinate Heritage PA initiatives including implementation of the Heritage PA Strategic Plan and develop a marketing and communications plan. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Mindy G. Crawford, (717) 234-2310 ext. 1, HA

Keystone Trails Association, $229,600, Coordinate and fund trail-related events and other communications that engage the public; establish a volunteer management structure to increase the number of volunteers and volunteer opportunities; improve safety for staff and volunteers; and increase in-person and online trainings. Work to include an electronic written summary report. David Lenker, (717) 766-9690, ESF

Lumber Heritage Region of PA, Inc., $572,500, Manage the heritage area and heritage area initiatives including the 2026 mini-grant program; conduct education and outreach programs; develop a master site plan for Zindel Park in Wayne Township, Clinton County; complete a feasibility study for National Heritage Area designation; and support tourism promotion and marketing campaign. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Holly F. Komonczi, (814) 761-4207, HA

National Audubon Society, Inc., $300,000, Coordinate and fund capacity building activities to improve priority bird habitat and climate resiliency on private forest lands; engage in landowner outreach and technical assistance; and promote partnerships to improve forest management objectives. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Christine Proctor, (443) 745-0913, ESF

Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts Inc., $500,000, Installation of approximately 20 acres of riparian forest buffers and 30 acres of lawn to habitat along waterways throughout Pennsylvania. Work to include 2026 mini-grant program; landowner outreach and engagement; watershed forestry plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. Holly Miller, (717) 238-7223 ext. 105, Monsanto and ESF

Pennsylvania Audubon Council, $26,700, Coordinate and fund the 2026 Bird Town Pennsylvania mini-grant program and support Bird Town Clutch regional meetings. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Heidi Shiver, (215) 262-7294, ESF

Pennsylvania Downtown Center, $142,500, Coordinate and fund the 2026 and 2027 WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning mini-grant program and support the Statewide Active Transportation Summit. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Samantha Pearson, (717) 233-4675 ext. 4006, ESF

Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Inc., $180,000, Conduct a mountain bike trail assessment for the PA Wilds; produce a branding and signage plan for mountain bike trails in Altoona; support the development of priority trail connections in south central PA; support the development of the PA Trail Finder; provide leadership and guidance on gravel cycling; and conduct a trail sustainability assessment in the Circuit Trails Region. Work to include an electronic written summary report and an electronic written signage plan. Brett Hollern, (412) 481-9400, ESF

Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Inc., $110,000, Coordinate and fund the PA Water Trails Program including the 2026 mini-grant program and provide outreach and technical assistance to water trail managers. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Tali MacArthur, (570) 285-8013,

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, $170,000, Conduct natural resource volunteer training and stewardship projects including the Climate Stewards program and coordinate and fund the 2026 Master Naturalist and Climate Stewards Training mini-grant program. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Michele Richards, (570) 441-3364, ESF

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Inc., $262,000, Coordinate and fund the 2026 Pennsylvania River Sojourn and River of the Year programs and provide outreach and technical assistance to watershed organizations. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Janet Sweeney, (570) 718-1635, ESF

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Inc., $220,900, Provide technical assistance, training and support to friends groups, volunteers, and state parks and forests; promote recreation, visitation and engagement through public outreach activities; collaborate with the PA Outdoor Corps to expand implementation of a mentoring program; coordinate the Conservation Heritage Project and Healthy Lands Week initiatives; and produce resources, materials and special events to support park and forest activities. Work to include a written summary report. Marci Mowery, (717) 236-7644, ESF

Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, Inc., $299,900, Coordinate and fund recreation and park education and technical assistance programs including the statewide “Good” marketing campaign; support professional development including the 2027 PRPS Annual Conference; further implement the PA Park Maintenance Institute’s business plan; facilitate DCNR staff development; revise and republish a series of recreation and park resource manuals; and administer the Recreation and Parks Technical Assistance Program. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Niki Tourscher, (814) 234-4272, ESF

Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, $462,300, Manage the heritage area and heritage area initiatives; develop PA Route 6 design guidelines; continue to develop bicycle tourism assets; support tourism promotion and marketing campaign; provide technical assistance to PA Route 6 Heritage Communities with additional support for PA Heart & Soul Program; and continue to promote the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Candace Hillyard, (814) 435-7706, HA

Pennsylvania Trout, Inc., $179,700, Coordinate and fund activities of the Pennsylvania Coldwater Heritage Partnership including the 2026 mini-grant program; plan and host the 2028 Keystone Coldwater Conference; and provide training and technical assistance on Pennsylvania’s coldwater stream issues. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Eric Null, (724) 640-1022, ESF

Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., $300,000, Coordinate and fund activities of the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape; implement recreation mapping plan; and promote regional outdoor recreation, public lands, and conservation. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Lyndsey King, (814) 779-1369, ESF

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, $299,900, Coordinate and fund activities of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership including the 2026 mini-grant program; implement the communications plan; manage the West Branch and Lower North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trails; and coordinate programs for River Towns. Work to include an electronic written summary report. Leslie Warriner, (570) 478-1317, ESF

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, $398,500, Installation of approximately 50 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Susquehanna and Potomac River Watersheds. Work to include landowner outreach and engagement; watershed forestry plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. Jennifer Farabaugh, (814) 696-9356, ESF and Monsanto

ABOUT THE PA WILDS

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds is home to the greatest concentration of public lands in the Commonwealth. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Based in the region, the Center is the lead nonprofit for the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape effort, a 15+year collaborative effort by local, state and federal partners to establish the region as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, attract investment, inspire stewardship, improve quality of life and attract and retain the region’s working-age population. PA Wilds Center works closely with PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the region’s county governments, and other investors in the regional strategy.

For more information on the PA Wilds Center and the Wilds Cooperative, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. Explore the PA Wilds and find locally made products at www.PAWilds.com.