DCNR Awards $1 Million for Pittsburgh Region Parks, Trees, Trails

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today said the state will invest $1 million to enhance parks, plant trees and improve trails in the Pittsburgh region.

The money will be awarded to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh for TreeVitalize, and the Regional Trail Corp. for the Great Allegheny Passage.

“As we work to address the impact of global warming, our urban areas offer tremendous opportunities around already existing infrastructure and transportation,” DiBerardinis said at an event at Mellon Square announcing the grants. “It’s the parks, trees and recreational opportunities that make them places where people want to work and live, and that’s what we are supporting with our investments today.”

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants administered through DCNR will be awarded to:

   —  Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, $250,000 to help restore historic trails       and bridges in Frick, Highland, Schenley and Riverview parks and to       erect new signage to increase accessibility by identifying the parks       and their key features;   —  The City of Pittsburgh, $250,000 for the TreeVitalize partnership with       the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Allegheny County and others to       continue efforts to increase the region’s tree canopy; and   —  The Regional Trail Corp., $500,000 to help construct 1.3 miles of the       Great Allegheny Passage which includes a new bridge to cross over an       active rail line.   

Funding for the grants comes from the Growing Greener II bond issue and Keystone ’93, a DCNR fund generated from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax.

“We are very grateful to DCNR for this generous grant,” said Meg Cheever, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “This funding enables us to conduct much-needed repairs to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce soil erosion along trails in Frick, Highland, Schenley and Riverview parks. It will also help cover the costs of installing new signage that will significantly enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the parks.”

“TreeVitalize is making an immediate impact on the quality of life by improving the environment in urban areas,” TreeVitalize Director Marijke Hecht said. “DCNR’s leadership on this project has been invaluable for making TreeVitalize a reality.”

“DCNR has been our most important partner in this 30 year saga of building the Great Allegheny Passage and has provided tremendous financial support throughout these decades,” said Hannah Hardy, president of the Regional Trail Corp. “We are close to completing the last section through the Mon Valley and this grant will be a tremendous help.”

“Our local partners are critical to our successful efforts to protect our natural areas,” DiBerardinis said. “Our grants help them meet the vision they have for their communities and regions.”

The announcement of these grants coincides with the International Urban Parks Conference occurring in Pittsburgh, Sept. 21-24.

For more information about DCNR’s grant program, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ and click on the “Recreation and Conservation” quick link.

CONTACT: Christina Novak, DCNR

(717) 772-9101

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

CONTACT: Christina Novak of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservationand Natural Resources, +1-717-772-9101

Web Site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/