Applications for state grants to fund conservation and recreation projects are now being accepted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Community Conservation Partnership Program offers funding for a wide range of projects including rehabilitation and new development of parks, recreation and conservation planning projects, trail planning and construction, land acquisition, river access projects, riparian planting projects and resource management partnerships.

Last year, the city of Warren was awarded two grants. One provided $50,000 toward rehabilitation work at Betts Park including renovations of a comfort station, construction of walkways, installation of utilities, access for those with disabilities, landscaping and signage installation.

The other provided $147,600 toward acquisition of property for riverfront development of a trail, river access and related parking along the Allegheny River.

Grant applications will be accepted at apps.dcnr.pa.gov/grants until 4 p.m. on April 3.

“We are excited to open up the Community Co​nservation Partnerships Program grants for 2024 and look forward to reviewing worthy applications from across the commonwealth,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams said in a release.

According to the release, DCNR staff are available to assist with answering questions, visiting potential project sites and developing competitive grant applications.

In the northwest region of the state applicants need to contact regional advisor Erin Wiley-Moyers at 412-584-8999 or by email at ewiley@pa.gov before submitting an application.

“We encourage all manner of projects to apply for these grants to help support important community conservation projects,” DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz said in the release. “These grants are key in helping DCNR accomplish its mission to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment, and our staff is available to assist throughout the application process.”

Grant funding comes from a number of federal and state funds.