Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission gets big grant for the Delaware watershed

Harrisburg — Pennsylvania projects will benefit from a significant new investment in conservation and outdoor recreation recently announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Delaware River watershed.

In 2026, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will receive $500,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Delaware River Watershed Conservation Fund to enhance public access and recreational opportunities throughout the Pennsylvania portion of the Delaware River and watershed.

The commission will provide required matching funds and administer sub-grants to local governments and nonprofit partners to advance priority improvements to public boating facilities, strengthening access and supporting outdoor recreation throughout the region.

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“The Delaware River watershed is one of Pennsylvania’s greatest natural assets,” said Tim Schaeffer, Fish & Boat commission executive director.

“Thank you to our federal partners for their continued investments to improve public access, strengthen conservation efforts, and expand recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters across the region.”

The grant awarded to the commission is part of a $4.3 million investment that will benefit Pennsylvania projects through this program in 2026, which includes multi-state partnerships in the Delaware River Watershed.

When combined with $4.7 million in matching partner funds, the total investment in the commonwealth will total $9 million. In total, $12.5 million has been awarded across Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware in 2026.

From 2020-25, the Fish & Boat Commission received $2.1 million in grants from NFWF through the Delaware River Watershed Conservation Fund, which has been leveraged to generate more than $12 million in total investments in the Delaware River Watershed.