Pennsylvania was named “Penn’s Woods” for good reason. Over 46,000 square miles of mountains, valleys, and forests abound, laced with sparkling streams and majestic rivers that afford quiet refuge, recreational challenge, and inspiring vistas. The impact of centuries of settlement has created rich and distinctive rural landscapes, as well as vibrant cities and towns that make for authentic and memorable places that inspire exploration.
Experiencing Pennsylvania’s rich resources promotes commitment and engages residents and visitors alike in an ethic of an environmental stewardship. We promote environmental stewardship by promoting the planning and development of trails—on both water and land—that crisscross the Commonwealth to enable access and enjoyment for millions of Pennsylvanians.
With a statewide perspective, PEC facilitates regional partnerships of local governments, agencies, and allied non-profits to envision, plan, and implement trail systems and projects. Our years of experience in professional insight into project planning, design, and development accelerates projects from mere concept to reality.
PEC is at the forefront of leading a four-state coalition working to complete and connect a 1,450-mile network of multi-use trails.
PEC is a driving force in The Circuit Trails' creation and has worked to plan and implement key regional trails for more than a decade.
PEC administers the application process for several mini-grant and awards programs.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Trails Forum offers a platform for trail sponsors and supporters to share opportunities, challenges, and solutions.
GoToTrails.com assists in providing an increased level of trail development.
PEC is at the forefront of leading a four-state coalition working to complete and connect a 1,450-mile network of multi-use trails.
It was a mix of business suits and biking shorts at the Marilla Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, where the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC) held its quarterly meeting on Thursday, August, 24th. Trail representatives from Parkersburg to the PA Wilds...
This past September, under many days of sunny skies and mild temperatures, cyclists from throughout the Commonwealth took to gravel roads as part of this year’s edition of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Public Lands Ride. What began as a contingency...
PEC works across Pennsylvania to develop trail networks that connect communities to nature. It’s our mission that all Pennsylvanians have access to environmental and recreational resources. We are aware, however, that just building trails is not enough to make everyone...
The 2020 PEC Public Lands Ride showcases some of the best trail-riding in the state, and this year’s ride features an expanded lineup of routes in state parks and forests. Organizers Helena Kotala and Frank Maguire explain how they overhauled...
PEC sent the following letter to the House Transportation Committee on legislation regarding protected bike lanes.
Congress has missed its last opportunity in 2018 to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a landmark conservation and recreation program that has funded projects throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation since it began in 1965. Despite strong bipartisan...
PEC has sent the following communication to the Pennsylvania Senate strongly opposing a House-approved revenue package that would have devastating impact on state-funded environmental, conservation, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community-based programs. Click here to identify your legislator and let them know you oppose...
PEC administers the application process for several mini-grant and awards programs.
Water trails link recreation and water conservation efforts. We’re now focused on maintaining and marketing a stellar system of trails.
With an interactive website and new waterfront infrastructure for river recreation, PEC has worked to make the Tidal Delaware Water Trail more accessible.
The Youghiogheny River Water Trail is viewed as a great opportunity to foster recreation, stewardship, and visitor spending.
Aided by a trail feasibility process, PEC established the Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail in the mid-2000s.
Along its 47-mile journey to the Allegheny River, Oil Creek winds through the heart of Pennsylvania’s historic Oil Region, birthplace of the commercial oil industry. Here, the world’s first large-scale petroleum production operations began shortly after the discovery of vast crude oil reserves along the Oil...
For Immediate Release: June 18, 2020 Contact: Janet Sweeney, POWR Phone: 570-718-6507 Email: [email protected] POWR announces 2020 Pennsylvania Sojourn Grant Awards Luzerne – The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020...
The five finalists for 2020 River of the Year represent everything that’s right – and everything that’s wrong – with Pennsylvania’s 86,000 miles of rivers and streams. With online voting set to close in a matter of days, we hear...
The annual vote for Pennsylvania River of the Year opened to the public today. In addition to carrying the title in 2020, the river that draws the most public votes will receive a $10,000 leadership grant from the Pennsylvania Department...
PEC submitted the following letter to the House Game & Fisheries Committee in support of House Bill 1003, which will improve the Fish and Boat Commission’s ability to address safety and signage issues with low-head dams.
Congress has missed its last opportunity in 2018 to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a landmark conservation and recreation program that has funded projects throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation since it began in 1965. Despite strong bipartisan...
PEC has sent the following communication to the Pennsylvania Senate strongly opposing a House-approved revenue package that would have devastating impact on state-funded environmental, conservation, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community-based programs. Click here to identify your legislator and let them know you oppose...