The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Canoe Access Development Fund helps to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
Donor Name: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
State: Pennsylvania
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Watershed groups, conservation organizations, paddle clubs, agencies and other eligible parties can receive to develop canoe and kayak access sites across Western Pennsylvania.
Funding Information
Grants for 2025 will provide up to 5,000 for low-profile improvements and a subsequent $1,000 for maintenance over the next decade.
Uses of Funds
The funding maybe used for the following expenses:
- Parking area(s) for a few vehicles
- Creating stabilized access areas and paths to the waterway
- Purchase of conservation land easement and/or riverside access
- Paying for a portion of a larger land tract for access
- Upgrading an existing access location.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in Pennsylvania are eligible. Organizations without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status must identify a qualified nonprofit association to administer the grant’s finances, if awarded.
- Preference will be given to existing sites or to waterways where previously developed conservation plans, assessments, or water trail programs indicate the need for improved stream recreation access. Indications of need may also come from current active development of the above.
- A proposed new access site should be located along a stream or river described in Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia or similar text, or be recognized in the region as a paddling waterway. Provide this information in the “Project Description.” Preference will be given to Class II and Class III streams.
- A previously existing access site seeking improvement(s) should be on a waterway identified in Canoeing Guide Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia or similar text, or be recognized in the region as a paddling waterway. Provide this information in the “Project Description.
- The landowner must be in agreement to allow canoe and kayak access to site for a minimum of 10 years (Landowner information must be included in order for the application to be eligible for review.
- While a cash or non-cash match is not required, preference will be given to applications that show local commitment. Non-cash, in-kind contributions are acceptable and may include volunteer time, donated services, or other donated items, such as heavy equipment, which are directly related to the development of the applicant’s project.
- Eligible streams must be rated as Class III or below, be substantially free of power boat traffic, and be canoeable often enough to justify the investment. Proposed access sites should significantly augment existing or planned access capability.
For more information, visit WPC.
