Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal grant program administered by DNR in conjunction with the Stewardship local assistance grants. This program funds projects that provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. These federal programs have unique opportunities and requirements, relative to Stewardship grants. The LWCF program is pass-through federal funding to state and local partners. The annual availability of grants under these programs depends on the federal budget process. Contact the Statewide Grant Manager or your Regional Project Manager for more information. Applications must be received or postmarked by 11:59 pm on May 1 to be considered. Per s. 990.001(4)(c), Wis. Stats., if any grant application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or State Holiday, the deadline is moved to the next State working day.

LWCF grants support land acquisition and development of high-quality outdoor recreation amenities in local communities. Some criteria for project funding are:
• Meets deficiencies in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, or a in local comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.
• Supports multiple uses including; playgrounds, ballfields, and sports courts
• Supports multiple seasons of use.
• Renovation of existing facilities.
• Projects that serve a wide segment of the public.

Eligibility

State, tribal, and local governments and school districts are eligible for LWCF grants. A key consideration in eligibility for Stewardship Local Assistance and LWCF grants is whether or not an applicant has an adopted and current local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) or if the project is identified in the CORP approved by a unit of government other than the applicant. Applicants that do not have a current CORP (completed and adopted in the last 5 years) should contact their Regional Project Manager for information and assistance.

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