Berks County News

Rep. Jamie Barton announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has allocated nearly $888,000 to support recreation and conservation initiatives in the 124th Legislative District. The funding is sourced from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Several organizations will benefit from this financial support:

- Appalachian Trail Conservancy receives $40,000 for a trail study aimed at developing a crossing from PA State Game Lands 110 in Tilden Township to Port Clinton.

- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is awarded $184,000 for sanctuary upgrades and an additional $92,900 for raptor migration monitoring with Kittatinny Hawk Watch.

- The Rodale Institute secures $50,000 to establish approximately 2.5 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer within the Lower Delaware River Watershed.

- Schuylkill River Greenway Association is granted $435,000 to further design and develop the Schuylkill River Trail across Berks and Schuylkill counties.

- West Penn Township obtains $86,000 for enhancements to J.E. Morgan Memorial Park.

“Berks and Schuylkill counties are home to some of the most beautiful parts of our Commonwealth,” Barton stated. “This funding will help more people get out and enjoy the outdoors in the short term while laying the groundwork to ensure our area stays beautiful for generations to come.”

The announcement highlights ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship and enhance public access to natural spaces in Pennsylvania.