On December 18, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the award of five grants totaling $647,300 to support more than 157 new miles of all-terrain vehicle trails increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“These investments will support new miles of ATV trails for residents and visitors to enjoy, boosting the economic impact on nearby communities,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “The funds are generated when ATVs are registered, and are then put back into increasing opportunities for this outdoor recreation.”

The grants by county are:

-- Cambria and Clearfield -- Rock Run Recreation, Inc., $121,300, for purchase of equipment to construct and maintain approximately 140 miles of trail at Rock Run Recreation Area in Chest Township.

-- Lawrence -- Mines and Meadows LLC, $390,600, to help with the acquisition of approximately 213 acres in New Beaver Borough for the expansion of Mines and Meadows ATV Park.

-- Luzerne -- Earth Conservancy, $62,000, to prepare a feasibility study for an ATV facility in Newport Township.

-- Northumberland -- Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $19,000, to include development of approximately 4 miles of trail on the Western Reserve of the AOAA in Coal Township.

-- Susquehanna and Wayne -- Northeast PA Sno Trails, Inc., $54,400, to prepare a trail study for the development of approximately 13 miles of the former Ontario & Western Railroad corridor for ATV use.

DCNR’s ATV grant program can help to buy land; develop plans and surveys; construct and maintain ATV trails; buy equipment; and conduct educational programs relating to ATV use.

The department can award grants from the ATV Management Restricted Account two times each year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV trails and facilities.

With a few limited exceptions, all ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Pennsylvania has around 285,000 registered ATVs. The grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from ATV registrations.

Visit DCNR’s ATV Riding webpage for more information.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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[Posted: December 18, 2019]

12/23/2019