Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with:

Our mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Within the Department are several Bureaus, responsible for various aspects of this mission.  

DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) builds connections between citizens and the outdoors through recreation enhancement, natural resource conservation, and community revitalization efforts. The Bureau partners with communities and organizations across Pennsylvania to provide grants and technical assistance support for local recreation projects, trails and greenways, heritage areas, open space, river conservation, and environmental education programs. Applications for DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants are accepted once a year, typically during the spring. Information about the grant program will be shared during grant workshops offered virtually in November 2024. Those interested in applying for grants in 2024 are strongly encouraged to attend an upcoming virtual workshop. You can find the DCNR grant application here. 

BRC also administers the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program, which aims to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s waterways. Through this program, staff provides technical and financial assistance to partners to carry out activities that improve watershed health and/or provide water-based outdoor recreation opportunities. Although the program name emphasizes rivers work, it supports initiatives that benefit all types of waterways and significant water resources. Initiatives included in the DCNR Rivers Conservation Program are:

For additional information about these initiatives or to contact BRC staff, please visit our Rivers Conservation Program webpage.