CENTRE COUNTY, Pa., November 19, 2024 - The Community Conservation Partnerships Program administered by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently awarded a $500,000 grant for further development of trails within Rothrock State Forest. The grant was awarded to Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA), a committee within ClearWater Conservancy, to carry out the next phase of their trail development plan. The funds will be used to build approximately 11 miles of natural surface, single-track shared-use trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. More information about the trail development plan can be viewed on the RTA website (http://rothrocktrails.org).
“Improved access deep into Rothrock is a huge gift to our community,” said Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy. “Rothrock Trail Alliance created these ambitious proposals to improve trails deep into the forest so all of us can find that peace of mind that comes from fresh air and exertion. The ClearWater community is grateful that this project was included in this year's Community Conservation Partnerships Program,” she added.
“The grant from DCNR will allow RTA to implement Phase II of our trail development plan,” said Rothrock Trail Alliance Chair, Jay Ziegler. “Specifically, we’ll be picking up where Phase I ended, creating a connection from the Hubler Gap area to Whipple Dam.”
Generous donations from local individuals and businesses, as well as $50,000 from Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), provided the 20% matching funds needed to secure the grant from DCNR.
RTA anticipates that the Phase II work will begin in Summer 2025.
About Rothrock Trail Alliance
Rothrock Trail Alliance’s mission is to engage in and support efforts that advance trail infrastructure and promote positive experiences for all trail users.
Created in 2018 as the Friends of Rothrock, RTA transitioned to a committee within Clearwater Conservancy in 2023. Clearwater Conservancy and Rothrock Trail Alliance believe that every individual has a right to access and enjoy the natural resources within their community and that these resources need to be nurtured and protected by all of us.
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