Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wetland Restoration Wildlife Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Centre County will sponsor grant application for Soaring Eagle Wetland Phase Three to improve trails and habitat
Summary
The commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 5 authorizing Centre County to sponsor a roughly $250,000 C2P2 grant application from Wildlife for Everyone to fund trail improvements, an elevated boardwalk and observation/fishing platform, trout-habitat work and vehicular access upgrades at the Soaring Eagle Wetland site.
Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 5 of 2026 to sponsor a grant application from Wildlife for Everyone Foundation for Soaring Eagle Wetland Phase Three, a project aimed at improving accessibility, habitat and public amenities at a site on Bald Eagle Creek.
Presenters said the application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ community partnership program (C2P2) would request roughly $250,000. Project elements described include about 370 feet of improved trail, roughly 760 feet of elevated boardwalk with an observation and fishing platform overlooking Bald Eagle Creek, trout-habitat improvements along the creek and improved road/vehicular access and signage. Tom Lavine, a consulting engineer working with the foundation, described the three-part scope (trailwork, habitat improvements, vehicular access) and said county sponsorship strengthens the nonprofit’s ability to obtain state funds. Judy Onifrack, identified in the transcript as executive director of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, stressed accessibility benefits including an ADA‑accessible fishing platform for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Commissioners emphasized the site’s birding value and community uses, thanked planning staff for assistance and moved to adopt the resolution authorizing county sponsorship. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote.
What happens next: staff will assist with the grant portal submission and act as a fiscal sponsor if the grant is awarded; construction and reimbursement would proceed per DCNR rules and the project’s funding plan.
