LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND STATE-SIDE GRANT PROGRAM

Apply now! Online applications are available December 1st through March 1st. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act was established by Congress in 1965, thereby creating a federal reimbursement grant program for the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation areas. Federal oversight of the program is provided by the National Park Service; however, the program is administered locally by the State of Utah, through the Division of Outdoor Recreation. Any site/facility that is purchased, developed, or improved with funding from this grant is protected in perpetuity (forever) as a public outdoor recreation area. Prior to making any changes to a project area, review the conversion of use information.

Since its inception, the LWCF program has funded more than 500 Projects in Utah, totaling more than $55 million in assistance. The LWCF is a 50-50 matching reimbursement program. The grant recipient must be able to fund 100 percent of the project while seeking periodic reimbursements for eligible expenses from the program. All projects funded by LWCF will be permanently/perpetually dedicated for public outdoor recreation use.

NPS LWCF Manual

These policies set forth the administrative procedures and guidelines for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) federal assistance (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance #15.916) to the States by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS).  View the National Park Service LWCF manual to help determine if your project meets the guidelines for funding.

LWCF Locations in Utah

View a map of Utah LWCF Grant Locations.

Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

This document provides recreation management priorities for Utah. View the 2019 SCORP document.

Eligible Recipients

  • Local Governments – Counties, Cities, and Towns
  • Tribal Governments
  • State Agencies

LWCF applications are the first stage of a competitive process. All applications are reviewed and the projects are ranked through an evaluation process that has been cooperatively developed by the state and the National Park Service. It is recommended that applicants review the National Park Service LWCF Manual to learn about the type of projects funded.

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION PROCESS (Phase 1)

Reminders:
– LWCF requires a 50% match for all grant requests.
– The minimum grant request is $50,000 ($100,000 total project)
– The maximum grant request is $2.5 million ($5 million project)

Fast-Track Application Process – This application should be used for projects that are renovating existing facilities in parks already encumbered by LWCF grants.  Facilities proposed need to be obsolete and ready to be replaced and/or renovated to comply with existing ADA and construction standards.  The Sponsor must have matching funds available and be ready to begin the project this fall.  Before applying please contact Evan Beitsch: (385) 835-0778.

Regular Application Process – This application should be used for new projects at non LWCF encumbered locations for development, acquisition or a combination of both.

All applications must be submitted through the online grant portal. No paper or email copies of the application will be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Additional Resources

The highest scoring projects are invited to begin the second phase of the selection process, which includes the final environmental screening process and a nomination for approval to the Board of the Division of Outdoor Recreation. If the applicant successfully completes the second phase, their project may become a potential selection for recommendation to the National Park Service for their approval.

POST SELECTION FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS (Phase 2)

This section applies to applicants selected to move forward in the LWCF process. These post-selection requirements are federal requirements for the LWCF grant, including the Application and Revision Form and NEPA Pathway, the LWCF Boundary Map, and Section 106.

Program Coordinator: Evan Beitsch
ebeitsch@utah.gov
385-835-0778

Apply now! Online applications are available December 1st through March 1st. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act was established by Congress in 1965, thereby creating a federal reimbursement grant program for the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation areas. Federal oversight of the program is provided by the National Park Service; however, the program is administered locally by the State of Utah, through the Division of Outdoor Recreation. Any site/facility that is purchased, developed, or improved with funding from this grant is protected in perpetuity (forever) as a public outdoor recreation area. Prior to making any changes to a project area, review the conversion of use information.

Since its inception, the LWCF program has funded more than 500 Projects in Utah, totaling more than $55 million in assistance. The LWCF is a 50-50 matching reimbursement program. The grant recipient must be able to fund 100 percent of the project while seeking periodic reimbursements for eligible expenses from the program. All projects funded by LWCF will be permanently/perpetually dedicated for public outdoor recreation use.

NPS LWCF Manual

These policies set forth the administrative procedures and guidelines for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) federal assistance (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance #15.916) to the States by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS).  View the National Park Service LWCF manual to help determine if your project meets the guidelines for funding.

LWCF Locations in Utah

View a map of Utah LWCF Grant Locations.

Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

This document provides recreation management priorities for Utah. View the 2019 SCORP document.

Eligible Recipients

  • Local Governments – Counties, Cities, and Towns
  • Tribal Governments
  • State Agencies

LWCF applications are the first stage of a competitive process. All applications are reviewed and the projects are ranked through an evaluation process that has been cooperatively developed by the state and the National Park Service. It is recommended that applicants review the National Park Service LWCF Manual to learn about the type of projects funded.

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION PROCESS (Phase 1)

Reminders:
– LWCF requires a 50% match for all grant requests.
– The minimum grant request is $50,000 ($100,000 total project)
– The maximum grant request is $2.5 million ($5 million project)

Fast-Track Application Process – This application should be used for projects that are renovating existing facilities in parks already encumbered by LWCF grants.  Facilities proposed need to be obsolete and ready to be replaced and/or renovated to comply with existing ADA and construction standards.  The Sponsor must have matching funds available and be ready to begin the project this fall.  Before applying please contact Evan Beitsch: (385) 835-0778.

Regular Application Process – This application should be used for new projects at non LWCF encumbered locations for development, acquisition or a combination of both.

All applications must be submitted through the online grant portal. No paper or email copies of the application will be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Additional Resources

The highest scoring projects are invited to begin the second phase of the selection process, which includes the final environmental screening process and a nomination for approval to the Board of the Division of Outdoor Recreation. If the applicant successfully completes the second phase, their project may become a potential selection for recommendation to the National Park Service for their approval.

POST SELECTION FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS (Phase 2)

This section applies to applicants selected to move forward in the LWCF process. These post-selection requirements are federal requirements for the LWCF grant, including the Application and Revision Form and NEPA Pathway, the LWCF Boundary Map, and Section 106.

Program Coordinator: Evan Beitsch
ebeitsch@utah.gov
385-835-0778

CONTACT US

LWCF GRANT PROGRAM
LWCF Coordinator: Evan Beitsch
Phone: 385-835-0778
Email: ebeitsch@utah.gov

NON-MOTORIZED RTP GRANT PROGRAM
Grant Coordinator: Caroline Weiler
Email: cweiler@utah.gov

OHV RECREATION/MOTORIZED RTP GRANT PROGRAM
Grant Coordinator: Rachel Toker
Email: racheltoker@utah.gov

CLEAN VESSEL ACT GRANT PROGRAM
Clean Vessel Act Grant Coordinator: Ty Hunter
Phone: 801-440-5106
Email: tyhunter@utah.gov

BOATING ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM
Boating Access Coordinator: Craig Walker, DWR
Phone: 801 834-1970
Email: craigwalker@utah.gov

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