Coldwater Conservation Grant Program

Coldwater Conservation Grant Program

Program Status: Open (Round 31, 2026)

Funding Available: Approximately $215,000

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania statewide, with additional funding for 18 counties impacted by Mariner East 2 and Revolution pipeline projects (Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Huntingdon, Indiana, Lancaster, Lebanon, Juniata, Perry, Washington, Westmoreland, and York)

Focus Areas

Projects aimed at protecting and enhancing watersheds across Pennsylvania with a focus on wild trout resources, including:
• Installation of GP-1 stream habitat improvement structures
• Bank stabilizations
• Strategic wood additions
• Riparian buffer installations
• Other cold-water conservation activities

Eligibility

• Non-profit organizations
• Conservation districts
• Municipalities
• Other eligible applicants (specific list on application)

Award Amounts

• Planning grants: Up to $10,000
• Implementation grants: Up to $25,000
• Maximum total project budget: $50,000

Match Requirement

• Minimum 25% match (cash and/or in-kind services) of requested grant amount
• Mini-grants cannot be used as match toward any other DCNR-funded projects

Funding Partners

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
• Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2)
• Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
• Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (for settlement funding)

Contact Information

CHP Executive Director: Eric Null
• Phone: 724-640-1022
• Email: [email protected]

Website: www.coldwaterheritage.org

Mailing Address:
PA Trout
PO Box 5148
Bellefonte, PA 16823

Additional Information

• Website includes interactive map and searchable list of existing plans and projects
• Applicants should contact Eric Null prior to applying to discuss potential projects
• Larger projects requiring more funding can apply through:
- Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Plus Grant - Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants (C2P2) - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation