DCNR to host grant application workshop

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will host a grant application workshop next month for applicants interested in developing project ideas for parks and natural areas across the commonwealth. 

The virtual workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. and is free to anyone interested in applying for agency grants, including municipal officials, consultants, board members, trail managers, land trust staff, and park and recreation professionals.

DCNR is accepting applications for its Community Conservation Grant Program through Oct. 27 with a new round of grants available to applicants beginning on January, 17, 2023. 

The department said that the workshop will educate applicants about what projects can be funded, who can apply, and project specific matters such as planning and land acquisition.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the workshops will “provide valuable insight into the grant process that can help a borough, township, nonprofit, or watershed group turn plans into action.”

Lauren Imgrund, the agency’s deputy secretary of conservation and technical services, said the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which has been used to fund hundreds of projects in every county across the commonwealth, will bring more outdoor recreation options to Pennsylvanians.

“People flocked to parks during COVID,” Imgrund said. “That’s not changing, people have discovered their local parks. And the state is stepping up with additional investments to help communities make those parks great places to play and to enjoy some outdoor activity.”

The Community Conservation Grant Program usually receives between 400 to 500 applications for funding, and usually awards funding to half of them. The fund amount, Imgrund said, depends on the need. 

“We have almost 7,000 local parks in our state, 12,000 miles of trails, and those places need investment,” Imgrund said. “We need to invest to make sure that they’re ready to go when people are there to enjoy their soccer game or enjoy their walk around the park.”