The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides matching grants to state and local governments to support the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program is managed at the federal level by the National Park Service (NPS) and administered within Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The goal of the fund is to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities for the public while ensuring the preservation of natural resources. Funding is allocated through a competitive application process, with state-level recommendations made by the Michigan DNR and final approval granted by the NPS.

The purpose of the grant is to enhance outdoor recreational spaces by funding land acquisitions and facility developments. Michigan’s 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) serves as the guiding document for funding priorities, assessing existing resources and trends while establishing strategies to improve outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state. Projects seeking funding must align with SCORP’s priorities and meet eligibility criteria outlined in the Recreation Grants Application Guidelines booklet.

The grant supports projects that develop new or improve existing outdoor recreation spaces, such as parks, trails, waterfronts, and natural resource conservation areas. The funding covers a wide range of projects, including land purchases, park expansions, and facility improvements. While there are no set maximum or minimum limits for land acquisition funding, project awards cannot exceed Michigan’s annual allocation from the NPS. For development projects, grant requests must range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $500,000.

Eligible applicants include any legally recognized unit of government, such as counties, cities, townships, Native American tribes, school districts, and other entities authorized to provide recreational services. To qualify, applicants must have an approved five-year recreation plan on file with the Michigan DNR by February 1 of the application year. This requirement ensures that proposed projects align with the broader recreation and conservation goals of local and state authorities.

Applications must be submitted through the MiGrants system by April 1 each year. The process involves an initial review by Michigan DNR staff, who evaluate submissions based on criteria detailed in the Recreation Grants Application Guidelines booklet. Once evaluated, the DNR makes funding recommendations to the NPS, which ultimately approves or denies the grant applications. The evaluation process prioritizes projects that align with Michigan’s SCORP and demonstrate strong community benefits.

Funding for the grant program is derived from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, established to support outdoor recreation through reinvestment in public lands. The program operates under the authority of Part 703 of P.A. 451 of 1994, as amended. Additional details, including application forms and program guidelines, are available through the Michigan DNR website. Prospective applicants can contact Christie Bayus, the program manager, for further information.