Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced $2.1 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile trails and facilities across Pennsylvania — strengthening the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economies.
The funding — provided through the ATV Management Restricted Account, Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program and awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) — will support nine projects statewide, ranging from trail construction and equipment purchases to economic impact studies and rider safety programs.
“Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver for our rural communities, and these grants will help expand safe, high-quality ATV and snowmobile opportunities for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in motorized recreation to support local businesses and strengthen communities, and we encourage organizations and municipalities to apply for this funding before the September 30 deadline.”
Projects funded this round include:
- Lannding, LLC (Indiana County) — $1,389,100 for construction of an ATV training course, parking area, utilities, and stormwater management measures at the Lannding ATV Park in Pine Township
- Pennsylvania Trails Foundation — $261,900 to coordinate the statewide Sensible, Courteous, Off-Road Enthusiasts (S.C.O.R.E.) “Rules of the Trail” ATV Simulator Training Program
- Indian Creek Valley ATV Club (Fayette County) — $20,500 for equipment to construct and maintain approximately 43 miles of ATV trails in Saltlick Township
- Mines and Meadows, LLC (Lawrence County) — $149,200 for equipment to construct and maintain approximately 84 miles of ATV trails at the Mines and Meadows ATV Park in New Beaver Borough
- Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties) — $48,600 for an economic impact study of the Central Allegheny Highlands ATV Trail System
- Somerset County — $80,600 to prepare a countywide ATV Trail Plan
- Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association — $100,000 to fund the 2026 Snowmobile Mini-Grant Program and the Mapgears trail mapping software program
- PA Snowseekers Snowmobile Club (Elk County) — $54,100 for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 100 miles of snowmobile trails
- McKean Area Snowmobile Club (Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties) — $26,700 for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails
DCNR awards grants twice a year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. The fall grant round opened on August 1 and closes on September 30. Eligible projects include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for construction and maintenance, and development of educational programs. Grants are open to municipalities, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. While no match is required, applications with matching funds will receive additional consideration.
With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Statewide, Pennsylvania has more than 32,000 active snowmobiles and more than 291,000 ATVs. Grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from registrations.
From day one, the Shapiro Administration has been dedicated to supporting Pennsylvania’s growing outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economic development. Investments in ATV and snowmobile projects help ensure safe, high-quality trails and facilities that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.
Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Potter County to announce a $162,461 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant for the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge to replace its gas pump storage tanks — reopening the only gas pump for miles. Located along the 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, the store serves as a hub for riders, anglers, and tourists, with the trail generating $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023.
More information about ATV and Snowmobile grants can be found on the DCNR website and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
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