HARRISBURG, PA — Chester County’s Stroud Water Research Center will receive state funding for a canoeing and angling program serving underrepresented young adults as part of nearly $197,500 awarded for fishing and boating education across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission awarded $197,446 through its R3 Education Grant Program to support 16 projects in 13 counties and one statewide initiative. The grants are intended to recruit new fishing and boating participants, retain current participants and reconnect former participants.
Stroud’s Canoeing and Angling Series for Underrepresented Young Adults in Outdoor Recreation was selected as Chester County’s funded project. The commission did not provide individual award amounts for each recipient.
Grant funds may be used for equipment, educational materials, transportation and other expenses tied to developing and delivering the programs. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.
“Opening the door and welcoming people to discover the joys of fishing and boating is among the most important work we do,” PFBC Aquatic Resources Education Manager Walt Dietz said. “The experiences gained by participants in these programs can lead to healthy hobbies, a new appreciation for aquatic resources, conservation, and in many cases, set off a new passion to last a lifetime.”
The commission awarded $196,832 last year for 16 projects in 10 counties. Those programs have reached more than 11,000 participants through 184 sessions and more than 700 hours of instruction.
Other recipients this year include school districts, YMCA programs, Trout Unlimited chapters and nonprofit organizations offering fishing, boating and outdoor education.
Projects in neighboring counties include College Settlement of Philadelphia’s youth fishing and boating program in Montgomery County. Three Philadelphia organizations received funding for public boating, fishing and river-access initiatives.
The statewide Wildlife Leadership Academy also received support for its Stepping Stones, PA Bass and PA Brookies programs.
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