Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program is administered by California State Parks through the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). Since 1965, this federal-state partnership has provided funding for the acquisition and development of public land to support outdoor recreation across California. With a mission centered on promoting outdoor access and public health, LWCF funds have helped establish or enhance over a thousand parks in California. This grant aims to expand recreational opportunities, improve community health, and support park development while ensuring long-term conservation and public benefit. In 2025, $35 million is available for local agency applicants, with individual grants capped at $6 million. A 50% match is required, meaning applicants must provide matching funds equal to half the total project cost. Eligible entities include cities, counties, federally recognized Native American tribes, non-state public agencies, special districts with recreation authority, and joint powers authorities formed for parks and recreation. For state agencies, such as the Department of Parks and Recreation or Department of Fish and Wildlife, separate funding apportionments apply, and their next anticipated application deadline is September 2025. State agencies must submit a letter of intent by June 2, 2025, to be eligible for the Director’s Contingency Fund. Applications for local agencies are due by August 5, 2025, before 5:00 PM. The application must be submitted online using provided forms including a budget narrative, CEQA compliance certification, boundary map checklist, and project description materials. A fillable application form and certification documents are available for download, alongside instructional videos and SCORP priorities. Project selection will be based on multiple criteria, including demographics, park proximity, and acreage ratios, aligned with the SCORP (Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan). For the 2024 cycle, the average annual median household income was $67,278, with 21% of residents living more than a half-mile from a park and 61% residing in areas with under three acres of parkland per 1,000 people. A virtual webinar was held in February 2025 to assist applicants in navigating the process. While the live session has passed, a recording is available for review, and technical support can be requested from the appropriate National Park Service project officer by county. The grant is recurring and part of an open project selection process, meaning OGALS announces new cycles approximately six months in advance. The program is governed by the LWCF Grant Administration Guide (August 2023), and projects must remain accessible for public outdoor recreation within their designated LWCF boundary area in perpetuity. Post-selection, grant recipients must comply with federal requirements for project completion, including signage installation and stewardship responsibilities. Any significant changes to park use or boundaries must be reviewed by OGALS and may require federal approval. In case of project cost overruns, amendments to grant amounts may be considered under certain federal conditions. All communication and submissions should be directed through OGALS, which provides ongoing compliance inspections to ensure sustained public access and use.