WPC Seeks Applications for Funding of Canoe and Kayak Access Sites

If you’ve got a plan that will help improve the accessibility of Western Pennsylvania’s waterways, we’d like to hear it! The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is currently accepting applications to help fund projects that will establish or improve canoe and kayak access to the region’s rivers and streams. Selected applicants will receive up to $4,000 from WPC’s Canoe Access Development Fund for projects that improve waterway recreation opportunities across Western Pennsylvania.

Applications are available online at www.waterlandlife.org/112/conserving-water. To be considered, applications must be postmarked by July 13, 2009. Sites will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the WPC Watershed Conservation staff and grant recipients will be notified by mid-August.

Funding may be used for the following expenses:

• Adding parking area(s) for a small number of vehicles
• Creating stabilized access areas and paths to the waterway
• Purchase of voluntary conservation agreements and/or riverside properties (where appropriate)
• Paying for a portion of a larger land tract for access (where appropriate)
• Upgrading an existing access location

To be eligibile, the site must be located on a Class 2 or 3 waterway in Western Pennsylvania. Other eligibility requirements are included on the application.

If you have any questions concerning the Canoe Access Development Fund or completing your application, please contact Eli Long at WPC’s Watershed Conservation office at (724) 459-0953 ext. #106.