Pittsburgh, Pa. – October 2, 2025 –The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking grant applications for its Canoe Access Development Fund (CADF), which supports projects that will improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways.
The Conservancy’s CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the construction and enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations.
Founded in 2008 by Conservancy donors and outdoor enthusiasts Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, CADF provides grants to watershed organizations and other community groups to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation by developing and improving access sites for canoeists, kayakers and anglers. Grant funding could be used to stabilize access areas to rivers or streams, add nearby parking areas, purchase riverside access or for other improvements.
The Conservancy has funded 103 canoe access site projects along 40 different waterways in 25 counties in the region. Previously funded canoe access sites that have successfully completed their 10-year commitment are eligible to reapply for another grant. An interactive map on the WPC website allows users to explore some of the region’s WPC-funded access sites. Our most recent awardees include Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for the Mill Run Reservoir access on Indian Creek and Sewickley Creek Watershed Association for improvements to New Stanton Park access on Sewickley Creek.
Debby Yeager, whose family owns Rose Point Park – Cabins & Camping in New Castle, said a location on their property just above McConnells Mill State Park has long been a popular launch spot for white water boaters. “The access was a steep, slippery slope, difficult to navigate, in need of improvement and a definite safety hazard,” she says. As a for-profit business, Rose Point Park needed to partner with a nonprofit organization to be eligible for WPC’s CADF grant. “WPC introduced us to the folks at Wild Water Conservancy,” which had done similar projects with WPC.
“We have received a strong outpouring of praise and appreciation from the folks who use the access ramp, which was dedicated June 1,” Debby says, noting that the local paddling community, the Lawrence County Commissioners and Rose Point Park donated additional funds. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Conservancy. This is the first grant I have ever applied for. It was truly a learning experience!”
Kelly Horrell, WPC watershed conservation program administrator, says the fund helps create safe accessibility along our rivers and streams, providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the natural world by getting on the water. “Kayaking and canoeing is an immersive way to connect with nature and explore Pennsylvania’s waterways,” she says. “More accessibility provides more opportunities for adventure and exploration along our serene waterways.”
A downloadable application, including a complete list of requirements, is available at WaterLandLife.org/canoe-access-development-fund-cadf/. Applications open October 1 and must be postmarked by November 17. Grant recipients will be notified by December 15, 2025.
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About the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy:
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places. A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped establish 11 state parks, conserved more than 290,000 acres of natural lands, protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, and assessed thousands of wildlife species and their habitats. The Conservancy owns and operates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolizes people living in harmony with nature. In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 130 community gardens and other green spaces and thousands of trees that are planted with the help of more than 7,000 volunteers. The work of the Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members. For more information, visit WaterLandLife.org or Fallingwater.org.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Sumoske
Communications Specialist
412-586-2328
jsumoske@paconserve.org