Louisiana Outdoors Forever

The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program, administered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, supports outdoor conservation initiatives across the state. The program was established through House Bill 762 during the 2022 legislative session and aims to fund projects that enhance, restore, or preserve Louisiana’s natural landscapes. Through a combination of public investment and private or federal matching funds, the program seeks to protect water quality, expand access to recreational lands, conserve habitats, and support working lands including farms and forests. Since its inception, Louisiana Outdoors Forever has demonstrated its impact, awarding over $10.9 million in state funding and leveraging an additional $32.19 million from other sources to fund a total of 18 projects. The 2026 funding cycle will allocate $1,078,650, combining $1 million appropriated during the 2025 legislative session and $78,650 remaining from the previous cycle. The program operates on a reimbursement model, requiring applicants to initially cover project expenses. Pre-applications will open on November 24, 2025, and close on January 23, 2026. Full applications will be by invitation only and due May 4, 2026, following review by the Technical Advisory Board. Final project selection will be made by the Project Selection Board on May 27, 2026, with award announcements issued shortly thereafter. Applicants must be state agencies, political subdivisions, or nonprofits working in coordination with public agencies. To qualify, projects must fall into at least one of five categories: land conservation, water quality protection, conservation on working lands, recreational land enhancement, or preservation of historic properties related to natural areas. Nongovernmental organizations must demonstrate a partnership or nexus with a public agency, typically through a co-application or partnership letter detailing roles and coordination. Eligible costs under the program include acquisitions, legal fees, environmental reviews, planning and design services, and conservation practice implementation. Projects must adhere to strict appraisal, procurement, and reporting guidelines. There is no formal match requirement; however, projects that bring additional funding or in-kind contributions will receive higher consideration during evaluation. The Project Selection Board evaluates applications based on several criteria including ecological benefit, community impact, stewardship, economic development potential, and alignment with state conservation plans. The application process involves a structured two-phase approach to minimize applicant burden and ensure eligibility before full application development. Pre-applications must include a project narrative, budget, supporting maps, and documentation of match contributions if applicable. If invited to submit a full application, additional materials such as appraisals, engineering plans, and landowner agreements may be required. Upon successful review and approval, awardees will enter a project agreement with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and must complete their projects within 24 months of the Notice to Proceed. For technical support or program inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at LAOutdoorsForever@la.gov. Full guidelines, forms, and instructional resources are available on the program’s website. The program encourages applications that demonstrate long-term conservation benefits, engage diverse communities, and bring significant leverage through partnerships or co-funding.

Projects with strong public agency partnerships and demonstrated match commitment score better. Ensure alignment with state conservation plans and submit all required evaluation materials early.