Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (LWCF) was established to assist federal, state, and local governments in the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. Administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and at the state level by the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, LWCF grants can provide up to 50% of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects for public outdoor recreation.

  • Maximum grant award = $1,000,000.
  • No minimum award level, but applicants considering a request of $20,000 or less should discuss their project concepts with the grant manager before applying.
  • LWCF grants can provide up to 50% of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects for public outdoor recreation.
  • Request Assistance - Eligible agencies are encouraged to contact the Grants and Community Recreation program for assistance and guidance during the application process.

Application Eligibility, Process, and Deadlines

  • Eligibility - The only eligible applicants are the State of Maine, counties, municipalities, school districts, and tribal nations.
  • Step 1 - Request a project eligibility assessment - This request should be made as soon as possible in order to allow enough time to complete the application. It also should be done before the municipal town meeting cycle if at all possible. Request a Site Inspection Now.
  • Step 2 - Complete the application after the site inspection has been completed and eligibility confirmed. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday in June for each grant cycle year. Example: June 28, 2024 = Application deadline for the 2024 grant cycle.
  • Step 3 Acknowledgement Signs Projects that are awarded funds must display acknowledgment signs in prominent locations. Download the Sign Order Form.

Contact Information

Grants and Community Recreation
Bureau of Parks and Lands
124 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

Douglas Beck, Outdoor Recreation Program Manager
E-mail address:Doug.Beck@maine.gov
(207) 592-0439

Mathew Henion, LWCF Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialist
E-mail address: Mathew.B.Henion@maine.gov
(207) 557-1683

Required Signs

Sign Order Form

Application Materials

Resources

Maine State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

LWCF Stewardship Obligations