Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grant

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) offers Coldwater Conservation Planning and Implementation Grants to promote the evaluation, conservation, and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams and wild trout populations. The CHP is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. The program is designed to support both the development of comprehensive coldwater conservation plans and the implementation of specific projects identified in such plans or in comparable watershed or rivers conservation documents. Planning grants, which provide up to $10,000, are intended to support the creation of Coldwater Conservation Plans. These plans aim to identify threats, opportunities, and strategies for protecting and restoring coldwater resources. Grantees are expected to engage stakeholders through public meetings, gather and analyze watershed data, and develop detailed recommendations. Required components of the final plan include watershed descriptions, data analysis, identification of areas of concern, and actionable strategies for conservation. A planning grant must include two public meetings—one early in the process and one near completion—to ensure community engagement and feedback. Implementation grants, offering up to $25,000, are for projects that act on recommendations found in completed Coldwater Conservation Plans or equivalent documents. Eligible activities include streambank and habitat restoration, stormwater management, fish passage improvements, acid abatement, mine drainage remediation, and public education efforts. These projects must occur within watersheds that have valid and comprehensive conservation plans. Importantly, buffer plantings alone are no longer eligible unless they represent a small (≤15%) component of a broader restoration effort. The program emphasizes community involvement and expects strong partnerships, with preference given to projects in areas with native brook trout, special protection designations under Chapter 93, and public recreational access. Both planning and implementation grants require a 25% match, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions such as volunteer time and donated services. The total project budget must not exceed $50,000. Of the total grant award, 90% will be disbursed upon contract execution, with the remaining 10% released after final reports and budget documentation are submitted and approved. Awarded projects must be completed within 18 months of the grant start date. Applicants must either be Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) organizations or work through an eligible fiscal sponsor. All applicants must be registered with the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations, unless they are municipalities or counties. The application process is conducted via email and includes a grant narrative, cover page, proposed budget, maps, and supporting documentation. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle (Round 31) are due by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. Proposals must be submitted to Eric Null, Executive Director of the Coldwater Heritage Partnership, at [email protected]. Late applications or submissions lacking required components will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to contact CHP prior to submission to discuss project eligibility. Additionally, projects located in 18 counties affected by the Mariner East 2 and Revolution pipeline construction may qualify for alternative or supplemental funding through a settlement agreement administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The list of eligible counties and applicable project criteria is included in the official application guidelines. All applicants must adhere to DCNR and Attorney General grant terms and reporting standards.

Prioritize native brook trout habitat, engage local stakeholders, confirm plan eligibility, ensure project metrics are measurable and stream-linked.