Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally funded program administered in Oregon by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Established in 1965 by an act of Congress, the LWCF has served as a cornerstone in preserving and enhancing outdoor recreational resources across the United States. In Oregon alone, over $80 million in grant funding has been distributed to support the development and acquisition of outdoor recreational areas since the program's inception. Each year, the Oregon LWCF program receives approximately $4 million in federal funding to distribute to eligible local and state entities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, park and recreation districts, METRO, port districts, Indian Tribes, and designated Oregon state agencies such as the Department of State Lands, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Forestry. The program supports both the acquisition of land and water for public recreational use and the development of essential outdoor recreation facilities. Project types funded by LWCF include acquiring new land or expanding existing sites such as parks, forests, and beaches, as well as the construction or improvement of basic outdoor recreation infrastructure. All funded projects must align with the goals outlined in Oregon’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and relevant local land use and park master plans. Compliance with federal accessibility laws, including the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, is also required. LWCF awards up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with the remaining funds provided by the grantee. Acceptable sources of matching funds include local budgets, donations, and the documented value of property, equipment, materials, and labor. Work completed or land acquired prior to project approval is not eligible for matching. Once a grant is awarded, recipients are bound by Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act, which mandates that any site improved or acquired using LWCF funds must remain dedicated to outdoor public recreation in perpetuity unless otherwise approved by the Secretary of the Interior. The 2025 LWCF grant cycle in Oregon opens on September 15, 2025, and applications are due by November 17, 2025. A grant cycle webinar was hosted on September 10, and application resources including manuals, scoring criteria, and system instructions are provided through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s website. Applications are submitted through OPRD’s online grant portal, and all interested applicants must hold or request an account in advance. Projects will be reviewed and ranked by the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee in early 2026, with final funding decisions made by the OPRD Commission in April 2026. Applicants are expected to consult program manuals and attend or review workshop materials for guidance. Annual inspections ensure ongoing compliance with LWCF rules, and the program carries significant legal responsibilities. Additional program information is available through the National Park Service website.

Align projects with SCORP goals and ensure full ADA compliance. Use eligible match sources only during the project period.