Press launch on 17 April 2025 by DCNR Newsroom
The 24-mile path in Clarion and Jefferson counties, funded by a $937,900 grant, advances out of doors recreation and financial development in western Pennsylvania – and builds on the success of comparable connectors in different components of the Commonwealth.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Pennsylvania Division of Conservation and Pure Sources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Limestone Township, Clarion County, to have a good time the addition of the 24-mile Piney Rail Hall for motorized and non-motorized recreation. This $937,900 funding — funded by means of DCNR’s All-Terrain Car (ATV) Administration Restricted Account Fund and awarded to Piney Rail Riders — helps the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s dedication to increasing out of doors recreation and boosting rural financial growth throughout Pennsylvania.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is devoted to supporting our rising $19 billion out of doors recreation trade for the advantages it offers to native communities throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Lt. Governor Davis. “A majority of these investments are vital to make sure ATV riders have secure, high-quality alternatives to benefit from the open air and to create new reminiscences in nature.”
The acquisition of the Piney Rail Hall by Piney Rail Riders ensures the long-term conservation and use of the path, whereas contributing to native financial development and group growth. Poised to develop into a premier vacation spot for out of doors recreation in western Pennsylvania, the hall highlights the ability of group motion, sustainable recreation, and the financial advantages that comply with.
“The Piney Rail Hall is a superb instance of how strategic investments in out of doors recreation enhance high quality of life and drive native financial development,” stated Secretary Dunn. “This path will join residents and guests to the pure great thing about western Pennsylvania, creating new alternatives for exploration, recreation, and group growth.”
Stretching throughout roughly 550 acres, the Piney Rail Hall spans six townships and connects with greater than a dozen others in Clarion and Jefferson counties. It’s anticipated to generate important tourism income within the Pennsylvania Wilds and supply a serious enhance to native companies, corresponding to eating places, lodging, and out of doors retailers. For a lot of, the Piney Rail Hall might be a must-see vacation spot when planning a go to to Pennsylvania – The Nice American Getaway.
DCNR already has seen comparable successes in different components of the state. For instance, the Northcentral Regional ATV Path Connector generated $23.5 million in income over two years, showcasing the financial potential of off-highway car recreation.
With over 290,000 ATVs registered in Pennsylvania, these investments guarantee continued development in secure and accessible motorized recreation alternatives in ways in which greatest respect state land.
“This award to Piney Rail Riders by DCNR will considerably increase out of doors recreation alternatives not just for group members in our area however for all Pennsylvanians,” stated Bryan Huwar, Piney Rail Riders Mission Supervisor. “It’s an invite for individuals, irrespective of the place they reside, to come back and go to. On the similar time, it is going to foster the event of a thriving, family-supporting out of doors economic system for our rural communities.”
The Piney Rail Hall might be managed with a deal with environmental sustainability. Piney Rail Riders is devoted to sustaining the hall in an environmentally delicate method and has partnered with native conservation teams to enhance water high quality and handle runoff. The collaboration with the Millcreek Coalition will assist efforts to revive the Piney Creek watershed, bettering the well being of native ecosystems and offering cleaner water for wildlife and leisure actions.
Be taught extra about DCNR’s All-Terrain Car and Snowmobile grants by means of the Neighborhood Conservation Partnership Program.
Go to DCNR’s web site for extra details about ATV driving alternatives in state forests and take a look at DCNR’s Calendar of Occasions for occasions on public lands.
For extra details about Piney Rail Riders, go to https://pineyrailriders.org/about-us/.
