In November, Governor Tom Corbett announced an investment of $26.5 million for 198 projects across Pennsylvania that will revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural resources. The grants will support a variety of proposals, including 49 trail projects; protecting 3,238 acres of open space; and 79 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

The grants fall under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding for the projects comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies.

"Many of the projects being funded - improvements to local parks, trails and river access - bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience," Corbett said.

The Keystone Fund was recently saved from elimination through the advocacy efforts of Keystone Trails Association and myriad other conservation and recreation groups throughout the Commonwealth. Your letters, phone calls, e-mails, and visits to your Representatives helped protect the Keystone Fund as well; our cohesive, collaborative, and combined voice, in conjunction with the individual voices of thousands of concerned activists in every Pennsylvania municipality, made a difference in the preservation of this important source of funding. Thank you for helping KTA speak louder in state government!