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.
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...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2019 Contact: Josh Raulerson, Director of Communications Phone: 412-481-9400 Email: jraulerson@pecpa.org PEC Welcomes Trails Program Manager Brett Hollern Pittsburgh — The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has named veteran trail developer Brett Hollern...
100 Communities Support the Circuit Trails! And PEC Helped! 800 miles of multi-use trails that connect important destinations across nine counties in two states is a big, ambitious idea that is not easy to get one’s arms around. And...
The morning of October 12 was cold and windy in Cumberland, Maryland, where the Great Allegheny Passage begins. Despite the weather, the ten PEC staffers and friends milling about at the Mile Zero marker were smiling as they awaited the...
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...
Late Wednesday the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation (House Bill 453) that, if enacted as part of the state budget, would constitute the largest cut to environmental and energy program funds in the state’s history. What does this legislation...
PEC has sent the following communication to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives strongly opposing tax code and administrative code bills that would have devastating impact on state-funded environmental, conservation, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community-based programs. Click here to identify your legislator...
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: January 16, 2018 CONTACTS: Terry Brady (DCNR) 717-772-9101 Janet Sweeney (POWR) 570-718-6507 Clarion River Named PA 2019 River of the Year in Public Voting Harrisburg, PA – A Wild and Scenic River that draws legions...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2018 CONTACT: Janet Sweeney or Angela Vitkoski, POWR PHONE: 570-718-6507 POWR announces 2019 Pennsylvania Sojourn Grants Now Available The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) has announced the opening of the 2019...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2018 CONTACT: Janet Sweeney, Pennsylvania Environmental Council PHONE: 570-718-6507 EMAIL: jsweeney@pecpa.org 2019 “River of the Year” Nominations Open Luzerne – Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2019 Pennsylvania River...
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.
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...
Late Wednesday the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation (House Bill 453) that, if enacted as part of the state budget, would constitute the largest cut to environmental and energy program funds in the state’s history. What does this legislation...