Partner Funding and Resources

A New Planning Resource:

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced a new, collaborative statewide public fishing and boating access strategy.

The strategy provides a clear blueprint for state agencies and their partner organizations to follow as they develop, plan, and enhance public access opportunities in their communities.  Partners including heritage areas, watershed organizations, 501(c)3 nonprofit groups, local governments, and water trail managers, can use the tools available through this strategy by visiting the Pennsylvania Fishing and Boating Access Strategy page.

See Appendix 6 in the document for an Access Funding Matrix. Two examples include:

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) created the Boating Facility Grant Program to provide grants for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. The goal of the program is to ensure Pennsylvania’s recreational boaters have the highest quality boating facilities.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Canoe Access Development Fund helps to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Watershed groups, conservation organizations, paddle clubs, agencies and other eligible parties can receive to develop canoe and kayak access sites across Western Pennsylvania.

Additional River Access Planning and Design Tools and Guides

The River Management Society, in partnership with several other organizations, created several resources which support work developing and improving river access points and boat launches. Check them out HERE