Bureau of Recreation and Conservation The Community Conservation Partnerships Program Presented by: Don Gephart, Recreation and Park Advisor Southeast Region Office Phone:(215)

Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Mission Statement “To be a leader in establishing community conservation partnerships for advancing the greening of Pennsylvania, for protecting the Commonwealth’s natural and heritage resources and for providing recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanian’s and visitors to enjoy”

The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is Comprised of Four Divisions to Accomplish the Mission Grants Projects Management Greenways and Conservation Partnerships Regional Services Planning, Outreach and Technical Support

The Southeast Region Service Area: 5 counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) Population: 3,849,637 (2000 census) Area: square miles or 4.9% of PA 86,841acres of parks in year 2000 Top Recreation Participation –Sightseeing, Swimming, Picnicking, Jogging/Fitness Walking, Bicycling, Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Basketball, Baseball/Softball (PA’s Recreation Plan ) Top Recreation Needs –Environmental Education, Cultural Arts, Playground Programs, Athletics/Sports Fields, Arts and Crafts/Hobbies, Fitness Programs, Adult Education, Fairs/Ethnic Cultural Events (PA’s Recreation Plan )

The Southeast Region Map Courtesy of Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Community Conservation Partnerships Funding Sources Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act “Growing Greener” - Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act National Recreational Trails (Intermodal Surface Transportation Enhancement Act) Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Snowmobile and All Terrain Vehicles Act

Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund Act Program 293 Keystone Grants worth approximately $24,587,060 were awarded between 1995 and 1999 in Southeast PA to complete projects worth an estimated $85,930,829. For each dollar invested by the program in Southeast PA $3.49 was anticipated to be added from other sources to complete the projects.

Environmental Stewardship Fund “Growing Greener” $6 Million to be distributed in the next year state wide –Examples of projects in Southeast PA $500,000 awarded for a Tidal Schuylkill River Conservation Development Plan (Philadelphia) $100,000 awarded for the acquisition of approximately 60 acres of land along Valley Creek and Cedar Hollow Run in Treddyfrin Township (Chester)

Federally Funded Programs Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund –216 projects on record, of which 73 are in Boroughs and 63 are in Philadelphia National Recreational Trails –Mixed PA Special Appropriation and Federal Intermodal Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)

Eligible Applicants Municipalities, Municipal Authorities, Councils of Governments, Commissions, Appropriate/Authorized Organizations, and Pre-qualified Land Trusts

Appropriate/Authorized Organization An entity involved in research, restoration, rehabilitation, planning, acquisition,development, education, or other activities, which furthers the protection, enhancement, conservation, preservation, or enjoyment of this Commonwealth’s environmental, conservation, recreation or similar resources. The organization must be a tax-exempt institution under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations, or an educational institution involved in these authorized activities.

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Project Types Planning Technical Assistance and Education Projects Acquisition Projects Development Projects Federally Funded Projects

Planning and Technical Assistance Project Types Planning Project Types –Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plans –Conservation Plans –County Natural Area Inventories –Feasibility Studies –Greenway and Trail Plans –Master Site Plans –Rails-to-Trails Plans –Rivers Conservation Plans –Sound Land Use Plans

Planning Implementation and Technical Assistance Project Types Technical Assistance Projects –Education and Training –Circuit Rider Projects –Peer-to-Peer

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Project Types Acquisition –Park and Recreation Areas –Greenways, Trails and Rivers Conservation –Rails-to-Trails –Natural and Critical Habitat

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Development Project Types Park and Recreation Areas Greenways and Trails Rails-to-Trails River Conservation

Federally Funded Project Types Land and Water Conservation Fund Projects Recreational Trails Projects

Additional Technical Assistance Offered by The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Consultations Publications –A multitude of topics from Risk Management to Vandalism Control to Open Space Planning Guides are offered by the Bureau as well as a newsletter Workshops –Grants –Swimming Pool Management –Playground Safety –Citizens Symposium Personnel Referral Service Partnership with the PA Recreation & Park Society

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Match for the Grant Minimum 50% match required for most applicants PA Recreational Trails requires a 20% match Municipal applicants with populations of less than 5,000 persons do not require a match for material costs in development projects unless additional funds are requested above the $20,000 funding limit

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Match for the Grant Cash Non-Cash In Kind Services Donated Services Volunteer Services

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Selection Criteria Needs and Benefits Assessment Planning Site Compatibility/Environmental Impact DCNR Conservation Priorities Partnerships Grant Project Administration Previous Bureau Funding

Heritage Parks Project Grant Program Projects Defined and a Priority in the Management Action Plan for the Heritage Corridor –Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor –Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park

1999/2000 Grants Awarded in Southeast Pennsylvania

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Prior to Application Contact Your DCNR Regional Advisor Southeast PA Regional Advisors Don Gephart and Fran Rubert Phone: (215) (215) Address: Suite 908, State Office Building 1400 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130