Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grant

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), through a funding agreement with Helix Ironwood, LLC, invites eligible entities to apply for the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grant. This grant supports efforts to enhance fisheries and aquatic habitats specifically within the Tulpehocken Creek and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds in Pennsylvania. The goal of the program is to improve water quality, aquatic life habitat, recreational fishing and boating access, or conduct studies directly related to these improvements. The program is open to government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, including sportsmen’s groups, watershed associations, and conservancies. Individual landowners are not eligible unless affiliated with an eligible entity. Projects may be stand-alone or part of larger initiatives, provided they deliver meaningful improvements to aquatic ecosystems or recreational access. Eligible project activities include in-stream habitat restoration or enhancement, removal of aquatic barriers to restore species passage, riparian buffer plantings, wetland protection or restoration, fish stocking, and the construction or maintenance of recreational angling or boating infrastructure. Studies related to aquatic ecology, water quality, or recreation are also supported. Applications will be evaluated based on project location within the target watersheds, completeness and clarity of submission, feasibility, cost effectiveness, and potential for environmental or recreational benefit. Grants are intended for projects with budgets under $100,000, and all applicants must provide a minimum of 25% of the total project cost through cash and/or in-kind contributions. This match can include volunteer labor or donated materials, but it must be documented in the project budget. Applications must include a full project description, goals, maps, list of partners, and a detailed implementation plan tied to the budget. The deadline to submit a complete application is **Friday, December 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time**. Submissions may be made via email to jschmid@pa.gov or by mailing a hard copy along with a digital version (on a USB drive) to the PFBC's Bureau of Fisheries in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. All applications must be signed, dated, and received by the deadline to be considered. Questions and correspondence may be directed to Jeff Schmid, the designated contact at PFBC, using the email provided.

Emphasize habitat or recreation outcomes; meet 25% match; include complete, clear documentation