Land And Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), provides financial support for outdoor recreation projects across Ohio. Established under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the program offers reimbursement-based funding to state and local governmental units such as townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts. Since the inception of the program, Ohio has received over $165 million in LWCF funds, with over half allocated to local park projects. The program provides up to 50% reimbursement for eligible expenses associated with the acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation areas. Funding is awarded to the state by the NPS, and the state determines the allocation to local entities through an annual grant cycle. All funded projects must align with Ohio’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a planning document updated regularly to reflect statewide outdoor recreation needs and priorities. Projects recommended by ODNR for funding are then submitted to the National Park Service for final approval. To qualify for LWCF assistance, applicants must demonstrate property ownership of the site intended for development or rehabilitation. Leased property may only be eligible if the lease is with the federal government or another political subdivision for a minimum non-revocable 25-year term. Funding may not be used for indoor facilities or operational costs; it is strictly reserved for outdoor recreation infrastructure and related improvements. Applications are due by November 14, 2025. The maximum award amount per project is $500,000, and the minimum is $50,000. All awards require a 50% local match. Properties developed or acquired using LWCF funds must remain open for public outdoor recreational use in perpetuity. Any change in land use or property transfer will trigger a replacement requirement. Funded sites are required to display permanent LWCF acknowledgment signage and are subject to periodic compliance inspections. The program is recurring on an annual basis. Interested applicants must ensure that their proposed projects support the SCORP priorities and are fully compliant with LWCF standards. For guidance, applicants are encouraged to review the Procedural Guide and other available resources, including prior year recipient listings. Additional support is available from the ODNR grant staff. For more information, prospective applicants can contact Dee Burlison, Program Manager, at 614-265-6834 or via email. For compliance-related questions, applicants may reach April Rose, LWCF Compliance Manager, at 614-265-6470.