Pennsylvania to expand and improve ATV, snowmobile trails

Harrisburg — The Shapiro administration announced $2.1 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle 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 – will support nine projects statewide, ranging from trail construction and equipment purchases to economic impact studies and rider safety programs.

“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,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

What causes fibromas in wildlife, and is it a concern for hunters?

Making a hunting or fishing video on public land? You may have to pay or hit pause

Top five favorite fish-catching birds in Pennsylvania

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 municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. The fall grant round closes Sept. 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 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.