The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is now seeking grant applications for new projects to improve canoe and kayak access to the region’s waterways.  The deadline for applications is November 15.

WPC’s Canoe Access Development Fund helps to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation by making modest grants for developing rustic access sites. The Conservancy is now taking applications for the 2014 season.

Proposed new access sites should be located along a stream or river featured in “Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia,” a similar text or be recognized as a paddling waterway in Western Pennsylvania.

Accepted applicants will receive up to $4,000 per site for the construction and enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations. The funds received by participants could be used in multiple ways, including but not limited to stabilizing access areas to rivers or streams, adding nearby parking areas or purchasing riverside access.

The Canoe Access Development Fund was established by longtime Conservancy members and outdoor enthusiasts Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, who believe in the importance of connecting people to nature through hands-on experiences.

"For years, we have enjoyed canoeing the many varied streams of Western Pennsylvania. Getting others out on the streams provides them a way to connect with the natural environment and appreciate the outdoors. We wanted to make it easier for ourselves and others to do this,” said Mary Shaw.

“When setting up the fund, we wanted to establish it with an organization that was committed to conservation, outdoors, water trails and getting people engaged with the natural world; that had expertise in working with local landowners; that had been around for a while; and that was not dependent on the enthusiasm of one person. Given these criteria, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy was the natural choice."

An online application, including a complete list of requirements, is available at the Western PA Conservancy website. Grant recipients will be notified by December 15.

If you have any questions concerning the Canoe Access Development Fund or completing the application, please contact Eli Long at WPC’s Watershed Conservation office by sending email to: elong@paconserve.org or call 724-471-7202, ext. 5105.

11/4/2013