HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania rolled out a one-two punch for outdoor recreation this past week, announcing $1.4 million to expand and upgrade all-terrain vehicle trails and facilities statewide, then revealing that the Conestoga River had surged to the top of a public vote to become the Commonwealth’s 2026 River of the Year.
The Shapiro Administration said Wednesday’s grant awards are aimed at improving access and safety for riders while fueling what officials described as a $19 billion outdoor recreation industry with outsize importance in rural communities.
“These grants expand safe, high-quality ATV opportunities and help support outdoor recreation and its role in strengthening and supporting rural economies across Pennsylvania,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
DCNR said four projects were selected for funding in the latest round, supporting trail acquisition, planning and construction:
In Mercer County, the Mercer County Regional Planning Commission received $124,600 for a trail study exploring the feasibility of ATV trails.
In Clarion County, Piney Rail Riders received $403,700 to build a bridge over Little Piney Creek on the Piney Rail Corridor in Limestone Township.
In Potter County, the Potter County ATV UTV Club received $205,100 to acquire about 61 acres in Keating Township to expand ATV trails.
In Cambria and Clearfield counties, Rock Run Recreation Area, Inc. received $749,978 to build comfort stations, upgrade electrical utilities and expand the trail system in Chest Township.
The grant money is provided through the ATV Management Restricted Account, Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, with funding tied to registrations. DCNR said Pennsylvania has more than 32,500 active snowmobiles and nearly 288,000 ATVs.
With limited exceptions, DCNR said snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered through the agency. While no match is required for grants, DCNR said applications that include matching funds receive additional consideration.
DCNR awards grants twice a year, with the spring grant round opening Monday and closing Tuesday, March 31. Eligible projects include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchases for construction and maintenance, and educational programs. Municipalities, non-profits and for-profit organizations can apply.
The agency also highlighted a separate effort to broaden riding access through roadway designations. It said Route 49 in Westfield Borough, Tioga County is the first example of a new process allowing municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
A day later, DCNR shifted attention from motors to waterways, announcing Thursday that the Conestoga River in southeastern Pennsylvania had captured the Commonwealth’s 2026 River of the Year title through an online public vote administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, known as POWR.
“Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year is the Conestoga River, and we are excited to spend the year celebrating the beauty and majesty of this wonderful waterway,” Dunn said. “This once-polluted river is an example of what can happen when we prioritize clean, healthy waterways. Its transformation has made the Conestoga a hub for outdoor recreation, providing a boost to the region and demonstrating that rivers build thriving communities.”
The Conestoga flows more than 61 miles from headwaters in Berks County to the Susquehanna River below the Safe Harbor Dam, threading through farms, small towns and historic covered-bridge country. Officials described it as a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing, while noting the watershed’s mix of agriculture, towns and growing suburbs brings ongoing restoration challenges.
POWR said 5,604 votes were cast, with the Conestoga River receiving 2,510 votes. The Lower Schuylkill River finished with 2,312 votes, and Chillisquaque Creek received 782.
“POWR would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s nominated rivers and especially those who showed such strong enthusiasm for the Conestoga River,” said POWR Vice President Janet Sweeney. “The River of the Year program continues to engage communities across Pennsylvania by highlighting the unique stories and value of our waterways. As Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, the Conestoga River will be celebrated for its rich history, its importance to local communities, and the ongoing efforts to restore and protect this vital resource for future generations.”
The Conestoga River Club, which nominated the river, will receive a $15,000 leadership grant to support a slate of 2026 events, according to DCNR and POWR. The organizations also said they will work with local partners to create a free commemorative poster celebrating the selection.
“The Conestoga River being named 2026 River of the Year is an honor that celebrates a history woven into the fabric of life in Lancaster County,” said Conestoga River Club Executive Director Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck. “From the legacy of the Conestoga people to the iconic wagons that helped shape a nation, to the community families that recreate in its meandering shallows, the Conestoga River is deeply beloved. This designation will draw attention to her evolving narrative, from a history marked by pollution to a powerful, collaborative turnaround that can serve as a model for the nation. We unite our voices — Plain Sect, urban, and rural alike — to craft a shared story of sustainability and collaboration. Together we commit to making the Conestoga clean and clear for all. Our deepest thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers for making this opportunity possible.”
The club said the year-long celebration will also honor the memory of Ad Crable, a local journalist credited by organizers with championing careful stewardship of the river.
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