Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program - Planning & Implementation Grants

Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program - Planning & Implementation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program offers funding to enhance and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems. With two grant types—Planning Grants and Implementation Grants—this program aims to foster understanding of watershed dynamics, identify areas of concern, and support conservation efforts. Planning Grants provide up to $10,000 for developing conservation plans, while Implementation Grants offer up to $25,000 for executing approved projects. Eligible applicants include watershed associations and local conservation entities.

Overview

Note: Please contact the CHP program director to discuss your project before applying. Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) is a collaborative effort between the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. The purpose of the Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) is to provide leadership, coordination, technical assistance, and funding support for the evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania's coldwater streams. While Pennsylvania has over 86,000 miles of streams, only 30% are considered high-quality coldwater fisheries. Of that, less than 2% are designated as highly productive waters that contain naturally reproducing wild trout. The CHP's primary focus is to foster protection and improvement of these streams and their watersheds. Goals of the Program Foster a greater public understanding of watershed characteristics and how they affect coldwater ecosystems.Identify special areas of concern, such as areas with exceptional water quality with high potential for impacts.Produce conservation plans that will lead to additional planning or implementation of projects that protect and enhance our coldwater ecosystems.Provide technical assistance and financial opportunities to organizations dedicated to protecting coldwater ecosystems. Two Types of Grants Grants will be awarded to develop a Coldwater Conservation Plan or implement projects recommended in an existing Coldwater Conservation Plan (or similar document) to protect Pennsylvania’s cold-water streams and wild trout resources. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded toward planning projects, while up to $25,000 will be awarded toward implementation projects. The two 18-month grant opportunities are: Planning Grants – Coldwater Conservation Plans are useful in building local awareness and support for the long-term stewardship of coldwater streams and their surrounding watersheds. The objective of these plans is to identify potential problems and opportunities for stream conservation. They often lead to more detailed watershed studies or projects, ultimately improving the health of coldwater ecosystems. Grants up to $10,000 are awarded for the creation of a Coldwater Conservation Plan that will ultimately conserve and protect the coldwater streams of Pennsylvania. Implementation Grants – Coldwater Conservation Plans are useful in building local awareness and support for the long-term stewardship of coldwater streams and their surrounding watersheds. The objective of these plans is to identify potential problems and opportunities for stream conservation. They often lead to more detailed watershed studies or projects, ultimately improving the health of coldwater ecosystems. Grants up to $10,000 are awarded for the creation of a Coldwater Conservation Plan that will ultimately conserve and protect the coldwater streams of Pennsylvania.

Eligibility

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