Land Acquisition and Conservation

The Land Acquisition and Conservation grant opportunity supports the purchase or donation of land to enhance public recreation, protect natural resources, and conserve critical habitats. This program is designed to fund projects that secure land for public parks, greenways, open space, and ecological preservation areas, contributing to both environmental protection and community recreation goals. The funding entity is not explicitly named in the available information, but the reference to DCNR and the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act implies that it is administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), particularly through programs supported by that Act. The eligible applicants for this grant include county and municipal governments, higher education institutions, other educational institutions, and prequalified land trusts that hold 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and are registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. This reflects a focus on both governmental and nonprofit entities with the legal and organizational capacity to manage conservation land projects in Pennsylvania. There are two primary types of projects eligible for funding under this program: community recreation acquisitions and critical habitat or open space acquisitions. Community recreation projects must demonstrate that they provide public access to local park and recreation areas. In contrast, critical habitat or open space projects are focused on protecting land that is ecologically significant, helping preserve essential ecosystems and species habitats. To prepare an application, applicants must complete several steps before submission. These include securing a valid Non-Procurement Vendor Identification Number and Unique Entity ID (UEI), contacting their regional DCNR advisor, collecting relevant county or municipal notification letters, and confirming matching fund commitments. If a land donation is included as part of the required match, a professional appraisal report must be included. Additional required materials include a tax map, a detailed cost estimate and budget, and, if applicable, a formal written Waiver of Retroactivity request to DCNR’s Central Office. All projects must also align with eligibility criteria specified in the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act. Applicants are encouraged to consult DCNR’s extensive support materials and tutorial videos before starting their applications. These include guidance documents, sample timelines, grant instructions, and project criteria question explanations. The grant application must be submitted online through the DCNR system by 4:00 PM on April 2, 2025. There is no specific contact person listed, but it is strongly recommended that applicants engage with their regional advisor for guidance throughout the process.