A Centre Region municipality and a local nonprofit will receive a combined $518,600 in state grant funding to support three conservation, recreation and outdoor education projects.
Harris Township and ClearWater Conservancy were awarded the funds on Monday from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
ClearWater Conservancy received $383,600 for the installation of approximately 15 acres of riparian forest buffers within the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre County. Work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings and post-planting establishment.
“Riparian buffers are a smart, science‑based investment,” state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, said in a statement announcing the local grants. “They reduce pollutants and sediment entering our waterways, protect streambanks from erosion, improve groundwater recharge, and create habitat for wildlife. This project will strengthen the health of the Susquehanna watershed and benefit our communities for years to come.”
The conservancy also received $85,800 for the Centred Outdoors program. The funding will support management of the program’s gear library, expanded transportation assistance, skill and wellness workshops and increased staffing and professional training. Work under the grant also will include a written summary report on program outcomes.
“This grant will help remove barriers that keep people from enjoying the outdoors,” Takac said. “By lending gear, expanding transportation options, and offering workshops, Centered Outdoors will make it easier for families, students, and seniors to connect with nature and build healthier lives.”
Harris Township, meanwhile, was awarded $49,200 for the development of Tussey Pond Park. The project will include construction of fishing access and pedestrian walkways, ADA access, landscaping and related site improvements. The fishing piers and ADA access are part of the master plan created in 2018 for Tussey Pond Park, which was dedicated to the township in 2013.
“Investing in local parks like Tussey Pond Park strengthens our neighborhoods and creates safe, accessible places for families to gather, recreate, and enjoy the outdoors,” Takac said. “These improvements will expand recreational opportunities and make our community more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.”
The projects are among 295 in 58 counties receiving nearly $82 million from this round Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants, according to DCNR. The grants are designed to support projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces and protect natural habitats.
“These investments open the door for more people to enjoy the parks, rivers, and trails that make Pennsylvania special — no matter where they live,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a statement. “When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier. Strong local parks and trails don’t just improve daily life, they help our towns and cities thrive for generations to come.”
