Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission awards R3 education grants to 17 fishing groups

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission announced Sept. 9 that it has awarded $196,832 in grant funding through its R3 Education Grant Program.

Through this program, the commission will support 16 education projects in 10 counties to promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in Pennsylvania through the recruit ment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as “R3.”

Last year, the Fish & Boat Commission awarded $203,527 in grant funding to support 19 education projects in 17 counties and one statewide effort.

“Some of the most important work we do is getting people to discover the joys of fishing and boating,” said Kim Garris, agency director of outreach, education and marketing.

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Notes off a soiled cuff: Should kids under age 7 really get tags under Pennsylvania’s Mentored Hunting Program?

Invasive flathead catfish now the apex predator in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River

Pennsylvania Game Commission tracking EHD spread across state

Recipients of the grant successfully applied for and demonstrated ways in which their new or expanded projects advance R3 initiatives and connect Pennsylvanians with commonwealth waterways.

Funds awarded through the grant program will be used to purchase equipment and educational resources, provide transportation, and cover other costs associated with the development and delivery of R3 education programs.

All projects funded for this round of grants must be completed by June 30, 2026.

The 2025 R3 Education Grants include (by county):

• Allegheny: Anglers Fishing Club of Pittsburgh, Anglers of Catfish

• Allegheny: Anglers Fishing Club of Pittsburgh, SMART Anglers Spring Sessions

• Allegheny: Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League, Safe Boating Program

• Allegheny: The New Sun Rising, Urban Family Fishing at Carnegie Lake

• Allegheny: Venture Outdoors Inc., Reel in Your Future: Exploring Aquatic Careers in the Commonwealth

• Bucks: Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Expanding Opportunities and Building Community Through Angling and Kayaking Experiences

• Erie: Regional Science Consortium at Presque Isle, Introducing Students to Fly Fishing

• Fayette: Mountain Watershed Association Inc., Expanding Access to Outdoor Recreation in the Youghiogheny River Watershed

• Mercer: Mercer County Conservation District, Fishing Skills Workshop Series

• Montgomery: Let’s Go Outdoors LLC, Fishing in the Park: Classrooms to Communities

• Montgomery: Schuylkill River Greenway Association, Southeastern Pennsylvania Boating Education

• Montour: Hughesville Fly Fishing Booster Club, Fly Fishing Booster Club’s Youth Fly Fishing Project

• Northumberland: Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Inc., Paddling Patriots

• Philadelphia: CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, Supporting Free Public Fishing & Boating Programs in Environmental Justice Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia: Discovery Pathways, Free Family Fishing and Community Boating

• Tioga: This Is My Quest Inc., AquaQuest

The next round of grants was expected to open for applications beginning Sept. 15.