Pashinski, Flynn, Argall applaud more than $200K in local conservation projects
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski November 13, 2024 | 4:07 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Sens. Marty Flynn and David Argall applauded the award of $206,900 in state grant funding for a development project and a land acquisition project in Luzerne County.
“I am thrilled that our community received this funding,” said Pashinski. “Not only will we have a new trail that runs through Wilkes-Barre City, but also five acres along Whitehaven Road. As always, Sen. Flynn and Sen. Argall both worked to acquire this funding for our community, and I must thank them for their support for this funding.”
“This funding is a great win for our community, allowing us to protect natural spaces and create new recreational opportunities,” said Flynn. “I’m proud to support projects that enhance our quality of life and preserve our region’s beauty.”
“I’m grateful this highly competitive state funding will support the opportunities for outdoor recreation that bring so many visitors to our area,” said Argall.
The two projects receiving funding are:
- $131,900 to Natural Lands, which will go toward the acquisition of approximately five acres along Whitehaven Road in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County for an addition to Bear Creek Preserve.
- $75,000 to Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. to prepare a trail study for the development of approximately 3.1 miles of the D&L Trail in Ashley Borough, Wilkes-Barre City, and Hanover Township in Luzerne County.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program offers a wide range of grant and technical assistance programs to help communities, land conservancies and nonprofit organizations plan, acquire, and develop:
- recreation, park and conservation facilities.
- watersheds, rivers corridors, resources and buffers.
- greenways and trails.
- heritage areas and facilities.
- critical habitat, natural areas and open space.
C2P2 programs are linked with other DCNR efforts to conserve historic resources, protect water quality, enhance tourism, improve physical and mental health and foster community development. Funding for C2P2 comes from various sources, including:
- Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93).
- Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1).
- Heritage Areas Funding.
- Keystone Tree Fund.
- Snowmobile Restricted Account.
- All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account.
- Federal Highway Administration funds to the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails program.
- Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
- Federal Highlands Conservation Act.