The 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Development Grant, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS), aims to provide financial assistance for the development of public outdoor recreation facilities in Michigan. The program focuses on enhancing recreational opportunities by supporting local governments and state agencies in developing parks, trails, and other outdoor facilities. The LWCF does not fund land acquisition but prioritizes projects that align with the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), including trails, community recreation, green technology, and universal access.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, local government entities such as cities, villages, townships, counties, regional recreation authorities, trailway commissions, and federally recognized Native American tribes. School districts may qualify if they meet specific eligibility requirements. Colleges, universities, and non-profit organizations are not eligible. To apply, entities must have an approved five-year recreation plan submitted by February 1, 2025, and conduct at least one public meeting within six months of the application deadline to ensure public input.

The minimum grant request is $30,000, while the maximum request is $500,000, with a required 50% match from local funds, donations, or eligible grants. Matching funds cannot include land donations or acquisition costs. The funding covers development projects such as trails, picnic areas, beaches, campgrounds, boating access, and playgrounds. Indoor facilities, historical structures, and projects that could create unfair competition with private enterprises are not eligible.

Applications are submitted through the MiGrants online system, with the application period opening in January 2025 and closing on April 1, 2025. Following submission, applications undergo a review process, including site visits and scoring based on public support, maintenance plans, sustainability, compliance history, financial need, and universal access. Preliminary scores are provided in September 2025, and applicants may submit supplemental information by October 1, 2025. Final recommendations are made in December 2025, with funding decisions subject to approval by the NPS. Project agreements are expected to be issued in spring 2026.

Applicants must comply with long-term obligations, ensuring that LWCF-assisted sites remain in public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. Projects must meet accessibility standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and be designed with universal access principles. Compliance inspections will be conducted to ensure adherence to grant requirements, including project maintenance, signage, and accessibility.

For additional details, applicants are encouraged to consult the LWCF Development Application Guidelines and reach out to DNR Grants Management staff for guidance throughout the application process.