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Program Overview: The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) became effective in January 1965 to create parks and open spaces, protect wilderness and forests, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Funds are derived from federal recreation fees, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues from leasing oil and gas sites in coastal waters, federal surplus real property sales, and a portion of federal motorboat fuel taxes. Funds are apportioned to federal agencies, and to the 50 states and 6 territories through the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS). In Vermont, LWCF is administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. LWCF grants provide up to 50% matching assistance to the state and local governments.

Project applications will be scored and ranked by a 5-member project application ranking committee following the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP) using established criteria. Resulting recommendations are reviewed and approved by the ranking committee. All applications must meet an identified need within the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and address local and regional needs. Municipalities must agree to dedicate the park or area where the project is located for public outdoor recreational use in perpetuity. In addition, the grantee must also agree to develop, operate and maintain the development to acceptable National Park Service (NPS) standards for public outdoor recreation. Grants are subject to approval by the National Park Service (NPS).

Next Application Deadline: Friday, April 16, 2010

Eligible Applicants: Funds are for municipalities only (i.e., towns, cities, regional park districts, school districts and state agencies).

Eligible Projects: Acquisition of land for parks and public outdoor recreation, or development of new facilities and/or renovation of existing facilities for outdoor recreation.

Funds Available: Funds are subject to a federal appropriation. It is currently not known how much money will be available for municipal grants in federal fiscal year 2010.

Program Timeline:

January LWCF grant applications for 2010 become available.

March Statewide grant workshops offered to potential applicants.

April Grant Applications are due to FPR by 12:00 PM (noon) Friday, April 16, 2010

May Application Review Committee meets to score applications and make funding recommendations to the Commissioner. Project sponsors will be invited to present their projects and answer any questions of the committee.

Summer Funding recommendations announced by FPR. Applications now begin the federal approval process. Sponsors and grant staff obtain necessary permits and clearances for projects recommended for funding. FPR sends federal application to NPS to obtain approval for these projects.

Fall Final approval expected by NPS and a grant agreement will be signed by FPR.