October 14, 2014 – Susquehanna Greenway Signage and Interpretation is the theme of a new mini-grant program offered by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). The mini-grant program was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, The Keystone Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (DCNR).

The purpose of the mini-grant program is to advance public and private efforts to connect people with the natural and cultural resources of the Susquehanna and promote a sustainable and healthy environment. Award of the mini-grants is focused on interpretative planning and signage projects that will help to improve the experience of people who are using walking, biking, and water trails, community parks, or visiting river towns within the Susquehanna Greenway. Over $50,000 was awarded for: 1.) Developing plans to interpret and promote a community’s heritage, natural and recreational resources; and, 2.) Designing, fabricating and installing signs based on the Susquehanna Greenway Sign Design Guidelines.

“The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is pleased to partner with the DCNR to award $50,000 in mini-grants to community partners along the Susquehanna,” said SGP Executive Director Trish Carothers. “We have a Vision for the Susquehanna Greenway with over 500 miles of connected walking, biking, and water trails, unique river towns, and conserved land that improves the quality of life for the people who live near it, enhances the economic vitality of the communities that foster it, and preserves the natural resources of the Susquehanna River itself,” says Trish Carothers, Executive Director of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). “The Greenway helps to protect our water quality, encourages healthy lifestyles, and inspires stewardship and civic pride in places where people love to live, work, play and visit.”

A total of ten grants are being awarded ranging from $1,200 to $10,000. The project partners are leveraging the $50,000 in awards with an additional $71,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.

The projects that will be receive grants are:

Addressing the West Branch of the Susquehanna River – River Mile Markers: $8,000 place mile markers along 63 miles of the river along with some overhead bridge signage.

Signage along Clearfield-Grampian Trail: $4,150 for three trailhead orientation panels and trail blazes to help trail users see what opportunities exist along the trail between Clearfield and Grampian. Grantee: Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority

Covered Bridge Wayfinding and Interpretative Signage Project: $2,500 to complete an economic impact study that will validate plans to fund, implement and maintain a comprehensive interpretive and wayfinding signage program for the covered bridges in Columbia and Montour Counties. Grantee: Columbia County

Duncannon Sesquicentennial Historic Interpretive Signs & Walking/Biking Trail Plan: $10,000 to create and install 8 to 12 historically oriented interpretive panels throughout the community that will be connected by a pedestrian/bike trail plan. Grantee: Duncannon Borough

Lock Haven Kiosk: $5,000 to place an information and orientation kiosk at a downtown location to orient visitors to recreation and heritage based assets in the community and provide an overview of the Susquehanna Watershed. Grantee: City of Lock Haven

North Branch Canal Trail Signage: $5,000 to install trailhead kiosks, mile markers, and hazard signs along the North Branch Canal Trail that will inform trail users about the historic canal and greenway. Grantee: Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC)

Ferry Boat Interpretative Sign Upgrade: $4,000 to replace the current ferry boat sign that will orient visitors to information regarding the ferry and its past. Grantee: Millersburg Borough

Historic Interpretive Signage – Muncy Borough: $5,000 to identify up to 25 locations needing interpretive signage throughout its historic district and install interpretive panels. Grantee: Muncy Borough

Greenway Orientation Panel at Creary Park: $1,200 to coordinate the fabrication and installation of a Susquehanna Greenway Orientation Panel at the Creary Park Boat Launch area. Grantee: Shickshinny Borough

Sunbury Riverfront Signage: $3,500 to implement QR code based signage program for their riverfront park focused on nature and local heritage as it relates to the river. Grantee: City of Sunbury

Watsontown Canal Boat Pavilion and Canal Path Signage: $2,341 to develop and install interpretive signage that provides an overview of canal history and promote the 1 mile path along the Watsontown riverfront.