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INDIANA, Pa. -- The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking grant applications for its Canoe Access Development Fund, which supports projects that will improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania's waterways.
The Conservancy's CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the construction and enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations.
Founded in 2008 by Conservancy donors and outdoor enthusiasts Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, CADF provides grants to watershed organizations and other community groups to make the region's rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation by developing and improving access sites for canoeists, kayakers and anglers. Grant funding can be used to stabilize access areas to rivers or streams, add nearby parking areas, purchase riverside access or for other improvements.
The Conservancy has funded 108 canoe access site projects along 40 different waterways in 25 counties in the region. Previously funded canoe access sites that have successfully completed their 10-year commitment are eligible to reapply for another grant. An interactive map on the WPC website allows users to explore some of the region's WPC-funded access sites.
The most recent awardees include Shenango River Watchers for the Riverside Park Launch on the Shenango River and Glendale Industrial Development Association for improvements to Van Ormer Canoe and Kayak Launch on Clearfield Creek.
The Jefferson County Conservation District has received two CADF grants. In 2017, JCCD installed a launch on Sandy Lick Creek in Reynoldsville. In 2026, with the help of a second CADF grant of $5,000 and other funding sources, the organization installed the Heath Township Canoe Launch on Callen Run in Heath Township. Ben Smith, JCCD watershed specialist, notes the organization has received technical assistance from WPC with streambank designs, landowner questions and questions on grant funding.
The Heath Township launch provides access to the Wild and Scenic Clarion River at the mouth of Callen Run, just off PA Route 949, six miles north of Clear Creek State Park. Ben says CADF funds were used for permitting, purchasing materials and hiring a contractor to install the ramp.
"This project has received great support from the community," Smith says. "The Heath Township Sportsmen's Club has taken on maintenance responsibilities, keeping the community involved. The launch has been very busy with paddlers and anglers, including a group that showed up as we were finishing construction!"
Kelly Horrell, WPC watershed conservation program administrator, says the fund helps create safe access along our rivers and streams, such as stabilized paths and access areas, providing people of all ages opportunities to explore the natural world by getting on the water. "Kayaking and canoeing is an immersive way to connect with nature and explore Pennsylvania's waterways," she says. "More accessibility provides more opportunities for adventure and exploration along our serene waterways."
A downloadable application, including a complete list of requirements, is available at WaterLandLife.org/canoe-access-development-fund-cadf/.
Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 13. Grant recipients will be notified by Dec. 14, 2026.