Overview

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides funding for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation spaces. Through LWCF grants, communities can protect public lands, create parks, and improve recreational facilities in order to expand access to outdoor recreation, preserve natural landscapes, and ensure that these resources are available for future generations. 

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. Click here for a general overview of the eligibility requirements! 

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

Since its inception, the LWCF program has funded more than 500 Projects in Utah, totaling more than $55 million in assistance. 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.

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 $3 million ($6 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.

• Application Information
• LWCF 2024 Preliminary Application Guidelines
• Property Acquisition Cost Estimates (Complete for Acquisition or Combined Projects not for Fast-Track applications)
• 2024 Application Funding Workbook
• Statement of Compliance
• Preliminary Application Checklist
• Utah’s Open Project & Selection Process
• Scoring/Evaluation of LWCF Pre-Applications

Additional Resources

• 2019 Utah State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
• National Park Service LWCF Manual
• U.S. Census Data
• Frequently Asked Questions

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
[email protected]
385-835-0778