The departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Wednesday announced funding is being made available under a new DCNR Riparian Forest Buffer Grant Program to assist landowners with planting trees along streams in Pennsylvania to improve water quality.

The forest buffer program solicitation will be part of DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program grant round led by the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation will open on August 1 and close September 15 for this year.

Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit groups and educational organizations.  A 50-50 match is required and there is a minimum grant award of $50,000, meaning up to 10 grants will be awarded statewide.

Eligible activities covered by these grants include landowner outreach, buffer design, site preparation and buffer installation, plant materials and tree shelters, and short term maintenance (approximately 3 years).

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