PROJECT NARRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
COMMONWEALTH OF
PENNSYLVANIA
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grants
DCNR-2015-C2P2-INST2.5
TRAILS – (All Project Types)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
At least 75% of the total project cost must be directly related to the trail or trail facilities.
Trail: A designated route on land or water with public access for recreation and/or alternative
transportation opportunities such as walking, jogging, hiking, fitness, backpacking, cross country
skiing, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, four-wheel driving, all terrain
off-road vehicles, canoeing, kayaking, etc. for users of all ages and abilities.
Trailhead: An access point to a trail or trail system often accompanied by various public
facilities; parking areas, restrooms, pavilions, water, directional and informational signs, etc.
Trail Amenities: Elements used to enhance the user’s experience and comfort along a trail or
at a trailhead; interpretative signs, benches, kiosk, tables, etc.
Regardless of the type of trail project, please use these instructions to complete your
Project Narrative Form.
On the Narrative Tab within the RACERS application, please describe the proposed project as
it relates to the DCNR priorities outlined in the four Selection Criteria listed below. Ensure that
your project narrative is thorough, concise and follows the numerical order provided. It is
strongly recommended that high quality maps, photos and site drawings, as appropriate for your
project, be uploaded to your RACERS application, to more fully illustrate and support the
information provided in the project narrative.
Please note that your application will be rated and ranked based on the responses you provide
on your Project Narrative, as well as your responses on other sections of the application.
Please provide specifics related to your proposed trail project, as well as, information related to
the connection to or with a larger, trail system.
1. PROJECT NEEDS AND BENEFITS
(Points: Maximum 45)
1. Briefly describe your project and the scope of work. Please provide the following
specific information about your project: type of work (development, maintenance,
planning, land acquisition, equipment purchase, etc.), name of the trail, length of trail
included in the scope of work, identify the starting and ending points and list municipal
locations (if project area includes more than one county or municipality, list all in the
project area). Additionally, provide information related to all proposed trail head and trail
amenities. This information must be consistent with your project description and scope
of work.
2. List and describe the community, recreation and/or conservation needs, issues, and
urgencies that this project will address.
Project Narrative Instructions – Trails – 2015
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For DEVELOPMENT or LAND ACQUISITION, describe and address how the project:
A. Enhances existing trail opportunities.
B. Will address the urgent and time sensitive nature of this trail project (e.g. timing of
land donation, tied to the acquisition of right-of-way, easement, etc.).
C. Meets trail needs, based upon the demographics of the community/region, including
low income, minority and limited English proficient populations.
D. Implements a phase of a larger trail development project and if so, concisely
describe this phase and how it relates to existing and future phases of trail
development (e.g. Master Site Plan), as appropriate.
 If non-routine Maintenance, describe the situation that created the need for
non-routine maintenance (e.g. storm event, lack of maintenance, end of useful
life, etc.).
 If an Equipment Purchase/Lease, describe how many miles of trail the
equipment will be used to maintain.
E. Creates and/or enhances ADA access to existing or proposed trails and trail
amenities (e.g. direct accessible routes and connections to the trail, along with ADA
parking).
F. Provides the greatest number of compatible recreational trail uses (e.g. bicycling,
mountain biking, cross country skiing, hiking/jogging/fitness/nature trail activities,
equestrian, water trail activities and off-road motorized activities such as
snowmobiling, motorcycling, four-wheel driving or ATV riding). Identify all trail uses.
G. Creates or enhances connections and linkages to other natural, cultural, historic or
recreational areas; other transportation modes (e.g. rail, bus, public transit);
community assets such as main streets, parks, schools, rivers, residential
developments, business centers, state lands and other communities. Identify all
connections.
For PLANNING, describe and address how the plan:
A. Will lead to a shared trail/greenway vision among all stakeholders and guide future
implementation; to include local municipalities, community organizations, non-profits,
etc.
B. Will address the urgent and time sensitive nature of this trail project (e.g. timing of
land donation, tied to the acquisition of right-of-way, easement, etc.).
C. Will address trail needs based upon the demographics of the community/region,
including low income, minority and limited English proficient populations.
D. Implementation will be monitored and evaluated.
E. Will address ADA access to existing or proposed trails or trail amenities (e.g. direct
accessible routes and connections to the trail, along with ADA parking).
F. Will address compatible recreational trail uses (e.g. bicycling, mountain biking, cross
country skiing, hiking/jogging/fitness/nature trail activities, equestrian, water trail
activities and off-road motorized activities such as snowmobiling, motorcycling, fourwheel driving or ATV riding). Identify all trail uses.
G. Will identify and outline connections and linkages to other natural, cultural, historic or
recreational areas; other transportation modes (e.g. rail, bus, public transit);
community assets such as main streets, parks, schools, rivers, residential
Project Narrative Instructions – Trails – 2015
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developments, business centers, state lands and other communities.
connections.
Identify all
3. Based on the entire Trail System, describe the anticipated short and long-term economic
benefits on your community or region (e.g. job creation including construction,
operations, maintenance, programming, professional services; funding or other
investment leveraged; impact on business activity; creation of new business
opportunities; coordination with other economic revitalization activities; promoting
tourism and the economic benefits of incorporating greening practices into the project).
4. Identify if your project is within a DCNR designated Conservation Landscape (CL) or a
PA State Heritage Area. If so, identify if it is a high priority project and/or how it supports
the goals of these initiatives. For more information visit the Conservation Landscape
webpage at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/index.htm and the Heritage Areas webpage
at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/heritageareas/index.htm.
5. Describe your organization’s ability to efficiently and effectively manage grants. Include
in your answer: the ability to complete grant projects; to implement funded studies; to
adequately maintain developed areas and facilities; and to minimize conversions of
acquired/developed lands to non-recreation, park and conservation uses.
2. RELATIONSHIP OF YOUR PROJECT TO STATE, REGIONAL, COUNTY and/or LOCAL
PLANS and PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
(Points: Maximum 20)
1. Describe how your trail project is consistent with and/or advances the goals of a local,
county or regional plan. Specifically, identify if your project is a high priority, an early
implementation project or has some other ranking status. Identify plans by title, date and
relevant page number(s). If the plan is online, please indicate the link to the plan.
Please do not attach or upload the actual plans. Local, county and regional plans
include, but are not limited to:
A. County Greenway Plan, refer to
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/greenways/countygreenwayplans/index
.htm
B. Rivers Conservation Plan, refer to
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/rivers/index.htm;
C. County Park & Recreation Plan;
D. Local Network Greenways, Trails and Open Space Plan;
E. Municipal Comprehensive Plan;
F. Local Comprehensive Park & Recreation Plan;
G. Watershed Plan;
H. Economic Impact Study;
I. Project Feasibility Study and/or Master Site Plan;
J. Conservation Landscape Work Plan;
K. Heritage Area Strategic Plan
2. Describe how your trail project implements the Statewide PA Outdoor Recreation Plan
2009-2013 (SCORP). Reference the plan at www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.
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A. If this project is associated with a trail “gap” identified in the SCORP or subsequent
updates, please identify the gap number. For identification of gaps refer to
http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_2002
8522.pdf
B. Describe if this is the first anticipated trail opportunity in the community.
3. Based on the entire Trail System, identify if your trail is a statewide major greenway,
spur of a statewide major greenway, significant regional greenway or local connector
trail. Please refer to the following definitions:
A. Statewide Major Greenway – Corridors that are 50 miles or more, cross at least 2
counties and are identified in at least one official planning document. A map of the
43 Statewide Major Greenways can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002138.pdf.
B. Spur of a Statewide Major Greenway – Corridors that connect a community, park,
school etc. to a Statewide Major Greenway.
C. Significant Regional Greenway – Corridors that are between 10 and 49 miles
and/or connect several communities.
D. Local Connector Trails – Trails that connect communities and/or connect to parks,
schools, residential developments, etc. but do not meet the definition of a significant
regional greenway.
4. Public involvement is essential in all projects. Describe in detail how the public has been
or will be engaged in the planning, design, implementation, long-term maintenance
and/or stewardship of this trail project.
3. PROJECT PARTNERS and COMMITMENT
(Points: Maximum 15)
1. Describe how this project leverages partners, investments and other resources. It is
essential that you solicit and engage the appropriate partners for your project. List your
major partners and describe the nature of their engagement; such as providing support,
member of a steering committee, providing cash and/or non-cash match. Include all
types of partners – local, municipal, county, state, federal, private foundations, private
business, friends groups, local trail organizations, etc.
Describe how youth conservation/service corps or volunteers will be utilized to
accomplish and/or maintain this project.
2. Upload letters of funding commitment from all partners providing secured cash or noncash match (as itemized on the project budget worksheets). The letters should detail the
amount and timeline of when the match will be provided.
Should you have no funding partners, please provide additional information on your
financial commitment to the project and describe the local and community organizations
that have demonstrated public support for this work.
3. For projects that cross municipal boundaries, provide letters of support from all
municipalities that will be partners or are affected by the proposed project.
4. Describe how the applicant plans to continue the operation and maintenance of the trail
after the grant project is completed.
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5. Describe the written and established operation and maintenance plan.
6. For projects involving Equipment Purchase/Lease of trail construction or maintenance
equipment, outline your short and long-term routine maintenance plan for the Equipment
and Trail, providing information on local community involvement.
4. SUSTAINABLE AND GREEN PRACTICES
(Points: Maximum 20)
The Bureau requires all grant applicants to address and incorporate sustainable and green
practices, as appropriate, to your site and project. Specifically describe what green and
sustainable practices are/will be incorporated into your trail project.
Refer to
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/greening/greeninggrants.aspx for additional resources and
technical assistance information.
Please note that upon award, it is expected that all green practices proposed in this
application will be incorporated into your project.
The following are some examples of how you may address the Sustainable & Green
Practices in your project.
1. Site Location & Site Design- Describe how land disturbance will be minimized, natural
features will be protected or sites will be creatively reused.
Examples:
A. Access is controlled to wetlands, steep slopes, species of concern or other
environmentally and/or culturally sensitive areas.
B. Route is designed with boardwalks or other non-invasive means to observe natural
areas.
2. Water- Describe how water and sensitive riparian ecosystems will be managed,
protected, or restored.
Examples:
A. Riparian areas between the trail and rivers, creeks, streams and lakes are enhanced
or restored.
B. Natural infiltration processes keep water off and away from the trail and amenities
(e.g. porous surfaces, swales, natural culverts, water bars, cross vanes, etc.).
C. Use of permeable surfaces for pathways, parking lots, overlooks, etc.
3. Natural Landscaping- Describe how site vegetation and critical habitat will be
managed, protected, or restored to promote biodiversity.
Examples:
A. Management and control of invasive plants along the trail and at the trailhead.
Landscaping with native plants, shrubs, trees alongside trail or at trailheads to keep
invasive species from reestablishing.
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4. Materials Selection & Construction- Describe how natural and made-made materials
will be reused and/or recycled and how the negative impacts of construction-related
activities will be minimized.
Examples:
A. Trail improvements include the use of recycled content materials or sustainably
harvested wood/certified lumber for boardwalks, kiosks, signage, benches,
observation areas, pathway mile markers, etc.
B. Reuse of salvaged materials (e.g. rocks, soils, plants, etc.).
C. Use regional materials to reduce transportation costs and energy used.
5. Connecting People to Nature- Describe how the project will connect people to nature.
Examples:
A. Trail is aligned along a variety of habitats, vistas and/or landforms.
B. Interpretive signage talks about interesting features and habitats.
C. Fosters sense of responsibility and stewardship ethic by users (e.g. incorporating
volunteer maintenance days, clean-up days, restore vegetation work days, friends of
trail groups, etc.).
6. Operations and Maintenance- Describe how the trail or trail amenities will be
sustainably and efficiently operated and maintained.
Examples:
A. Facilities and fixtures will minimize energy use (e.g. compostable toilets, solar
lighting, solar gate openers, energy-efficient utilities and upgrades, etc.).
B. Use low-mow grass along trail and at trailhead areas.
C. Compost vegetation trimmings and organic matter on-site to generate mulch for
landscaping and minimize transporting trimmings off site.
7. Environmental Stewardship Messaging- Describe how you will interpret/educate the
public regarding green practices implemented by the project
Examples:
A. Install interpretive signage and/or develop programming that educates visitors about
interesting features, habitats and sustainable practices.
B. Signage clearly designates and educates users on the importance of staying on the
trail. Thus minimizing the environmental impact to areas adjacent to the trail,
improving the trail experience for all users.
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