DCNR announces investment in ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities

Sep. 10—Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week announced new grant funding totaling $1,397,400 for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile facilities and trails in Pennsylvania.

"Thousands of avid ATV and snowmobile riding enthusiasts recreate in Pennsylvania annually and DCNR supports projects that improve upon and expand these types of motorized recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth," Dunn said. "The fall grant round opened earlier this month and we encourage municipalities and organizations to apply before the September 29 deadline."

The investments from the ATV Management Restricted Account and Snowmobile Management Restricted Account will support construction or maintenance of ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities.

The 10 grant recipients are:

—Rock Run Recreation, Inc., $677,200 to rehabilitate approximately 30.5 miles of the 140-mile ATV trail system at Rock Run Recreation Area in Chest Township, Cambria County and Chest Township, Clearfield County.

—Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc., $320,000 to design for the development of approximately 6 miles of the Whiskey Springs to Bloody Skillet ATV Connector Trail in South Renovo Borough, Clinton County.

—Tri-County Snowblazers, Inc., $115,000 to purchase equipment to maintain and construct approximately 90 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Warren and Crawford counties.

—McKean Area Snowmobile Club, Inc., $11,000 to purchase equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties.

—Wales Sno-Drifters, Inc., $24,000 to purchase equipment to maintain and construct approximately 50 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County.

—Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $58,600 to construct an equipment storage building at the AOAA facility in Northumberland County.

—Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $82,100 to purchase equipment to maintain and construct approximately 400 miles of ATV trails at the AOAA facility in Northumberland County.

—Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $31,000 to rehabilitate approximately 5 miles of the 400-mile ATV trail system and storm-water management measures at the AOAA facility in Northumberland County.

—Marianna Borough, $37,500 to prepare a trail study to explore the feasibility of an ATV trail system in Marianna Borough, Washington County.

—Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association, $41,000 to coordinate and fund the 2024 Snowmobile Mini-Grant Program.

The department can award grants two times each year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities.

The fall ATV and Snowmobile grant round opened on Aug. 1, and closes on Sept. 29.

Grants are open to municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Proposed snowmobile and ATV related projects eligible for DCNR grants include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to snowmobile and ATV trails and facilities.

No match is required for this funding; however, applications providing matching funding will be given additional consideration.

With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Statewide, Pennsylvania has nearly 35,000 active snowmobiles registered, and more than 286,000 ATVs. Grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from registrations.

More information about ATV and Snowmobile grants can be found on the DCNR website. Check out DCNR's Calendar of Events for events on public lands.

DEP expands environmental justice

protections with improved mapping tool

The Shapiro Administration will adopt an updated Environmental Justice (EJ) Policy, which expands environmental safeguards throughout the Commonwealth, a milestone in updating a 20-year-old policy the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has used to guide protections for communities most vulnerable to environmental challenges.

Environmental justice areas make up 20% of the entire Commonwealth.

"Pennsylvanians' right to clean air and pure water is enshrined in our Constitution and I'm committed to protecting those rights — that's why my Administration is elevating environmental justice work within DEP and implementing a new policy that will protect communities most at risk," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. "The impacts of climate change aren't limited to one community or another — they affect rural and urban areas alike, and every Pennsylvanian deserves to be able to let their children play outside without worrying about air quality and drink their tap water without fear of harmful chemicals."

Following a public comment period, the Environmental Justice Policy is expected to be implemented on September 16, 2023. This updated policy will usher in deeper advancements for the Commonwealth's environmental justice communities and is a critical benchmark towards the final EJ Policy, which is expected to be implemented by 2024.

Additionally, DEP has developed an improved mapping tool to better identify EJ areas within the Commonwealth and has expanded the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) and elevated its leadership to a more senior position within the DEP for the first time in Pennsylvania history to better serve EJ areas.

Environmental Justice Policy

The updated EJ policy directs how DEP's inspection, compliance, and enforcement efforts can better include criteria and concerns of Pennsylvania communities most at risk from pollution and other environmental impacts.

Furthermore, the policy outlines the ways in which DEP plans to increase outreach across Pennsylvania and build long-lasting relationships with communities impacted by environmental challenges.

"Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution establishes that all Pennsylvanians have the right to clean air and pure water," said Rich Negrin, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. "The updated environmental justice policy deepens that commitment by reaching out to communities, building trust, and increasing community access to support and assistance before they experience an environmental crisis or have a concern about a new facility."

Following a public comment period and input from stakeholders from across the Commonwealth, DEP looks to finalize its Environmental Justice Policy in 2024.

PennEnviroScreen Mapping Tool

This state-of-the-art mapping tool allows DEP to more accurately identify communities facing environmental justice issues using 32 environmental, health, and socioeconomic indicators.

Starting Sept. 16, the PennEnviroScreen tool will help determine if a permit's facility is located within an environmental justice area. DEP is engaged in a department-wide effort to improve the efficiency and quality of our permitting process. This new approach, in the environmental justice context, will continue to help DEP improve permitting processes while continuing to cut down on wait times.

Nearly $15M announced for

Delaware River Basin restoration

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week announced more than $14.9 million in funding through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, for 36 conservation projects in the Delaware River Watershed.

Support includes more than $4.5 million from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for six projects that will improve public access, recreational opportunities and water quality, as well as enhance shoreline and wildlife habitat.

The Delaware River Watershed is in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the nation, yet it remains 50 percent forested and boasts 400 miles of designated rivers within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

"This year's 36 grants will allow our grantees and their partners to implement projects that benefit communities, fish and wildlife and continue the remarkable progress made over the past decades for a healthier, cleaner and more resilient Delaware River watershed," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "The Delaware River's diverse watershed, which flows through nearly 330 miles of the mid-Atlantic region, is both a source of drinking water for more than 15 million people and provides vital habitat for important wildlife species, including threatened red knots and vulnerable saltmarsh sparrow, forest birds rebounding from decline, as well as previously abundant fish such as river herring, American shad and eastern brook trout."

Game Commission to hold

series of town hall meetings

Want to learn more about wildlife conservation, the habitat work and hunting opportunities available on state game lands or the important role state game wardens play in protecting Pennsylvania's wildlife?

Well, here's your chance.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is hosting a series of town hall meetings, providing three opportunities to engage with those representing your state's wildlife agency.

—The first town hall meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Erie County Conservation District, 1927 Wager Road, Erie.

—A second is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Game Commission's Northeast Regional Headquarters, 3917 Memorial Highway, Dallas.

—A final meeting is planned for Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Headquarters, 253 Snyder Road, Reading.

These meetings all will feature question-and-answer sessions that aim to clearly explain any issues participants want to ask about.

Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said he's looking forward to speaking with the public at these town hall meetings.

"While science guides decisions on wildlife management, there are just as many issues related to wildlife that really come down to people and what they want," Burhans said. "Listening to the public's ideas and better knowing their opinions is an important part of the process in informing the decisions we make, and these upcoming meetings represent yet another chance for hunters and others who care about wildlife to share their thoughts with us and get answers to their questions."

Back Woods Bass Results

Bob Strunk reports results from the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Wednesday night Lunker Tournament, the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament and the Monday Night River Tournament.

Week of Sept. 4

Labor Day Susquehanna

River Tournament

1st Place: John Centak/Chet Williams, 10.78 lbs.

Also won Lunker of the Year and the Day, 3.00 lbs.

2nd Place: Tony & Brad Glazenski, 8.48 lbs.

3rd Place: Ron Russo/Brandan Angley, 7.30 lbs.

4th Place: Josh Smith/Jett Anthony, 6.62 lbs.

5th Place: Bill Daubert/Jimmy Mattioli, 6.61 lbs.

6th Place: Jimmy & Hunter Lacomis, 6.57 lbs.

7th Place: Matt Miller/Ryan Fox, 6.27 lbs.

8th Place: Jerry Vitale Jr & Sr, 5.93 lbs.

9th Place: Joe & Donna Frederick & sons, 5.29 lbs.

10th Place: Paul Smith/Phil Delsordo 5.00 lbs

Harveys Lake Wednesday

Night Lunker League

1st Place: Steve Hovanec, 4.87 lbs.

2nd Place: Jim Roberts, 3.99 lbs.

3rd Place: Kenny Kosloski, 3.49 lbs.

4th Place: Joe Kosloski, 3.44 lbs.

5th Place: Ron Burd, 3.09 lbs.

6th Place: Greg Mikulski Sr, 2.89 lbs.

7th Place: Jake Rolands, 2.78 lbs.

8th Place: Dave Brill, 2.60 lbs.

9th Place: Jarret Wolfe, 2.60 lbs.

10th Place: Gary Mikulski, 2.48 lbs.

Harveys Lake Friday

Night Tournament

1st Place: Nick Dudock/Steve Carter, 11.20 lbs.

2nd Place: John & Evan Stravinski, 10.92 lbs.

3rd Place: Johnny Niezgoda, 10.81 lbs.

4th Place: Duane Deno, 10.33 lbs.

5th Place: Silas Farrow/Mike Purdy, 9.24 lbs.

6th Place: Jacob & Kevin Seymour, 8.65 lbs.

7th Place: Bob Strunk/Bruce Bonham, 8.44 lbs.

8th Place: Kenny Kosloski/Ron Dopko, 8.29 lbs.

9th Place: Aaron & Gary Hayman, 6.89lbs.

10th Place: Matt Fredmonski, 6.71 lbs.

Week of Aug. 28

Monday Night River Tournament

1st Place: Jimmy Matioli, 2.14 lbs.

2nd Place: Joe Frederick, 2.12 lbs.

3rd Place: Bill Daubert, 2.07 lbs.

4th Place: Dan Lukashewski, 1.82 lbs.

5th Place: John Centak, 1.80 lbs.

6th Place: Wyatt Frederick, 1.66 lbs.

7th Place: Frank Slymock, 1.27 lbs.

8th Place: Ray Jones, 1.02 lbs.

9th Place: Steve Matello, 1.00 lbs.

Harveys Lake Wednesday

Night Lunker League

1st Place: Joe Zombek, 4.77 lbs.

2nd Place: Greg Mikulski III, 3.97 lbs.

3rd Place: Kenny Kosloski, 3.29 lbs.

4th Place: Jake Rolands, 2.99 lbs.

5th Place: Cody Cutter, 2.98 lbs.

6th Place: George Hogan, 2.79 lbs.

7th Place: Andy Judge, 2.74 lbs.

8th Place: Nate Hazeltine, 2.73 lbs.

9th Place: Brian Cutter, 2.67 lbs.

10th Place: Greg Mikulski Jr, 2.63 lbs.

Harveys Lake Friday

Night Tournament

1st Place: Joe Zombek/Mike Bahnweg, 11.4 lbs.

2nd Place: Jake Seymour/Mike Sholtis, 11.06 lbs.

3rd Place: Gary & Aaron Hayman, 10.78 lbs.

4th Place: Kenny Kosloski/Brian Masi, 9.92 lbs.

5th Place: Silas Farrow/Mitch Bailey, 9.85 lbs.

6th Place: John Niezgoda/Brad Rinehimmer, 8.41 lbs.

7th Place: Travis Sciandra/Gary Collins, 8.08 lbs.

8th Place: Bob Strunk/Bruce Bonham, 6.78 lbs.

9th Place: Randy Ritsick, 6.46 lbs.

10th Place: Joe McGraw/Ryan Neely, 3.88 lbs.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle