Land and Water Conservation Fund
Land and Water Conservation Fund supports Utah communities in acquiring land and developing public outdoor recreation spaces to expand equitable access and preserve natural landscapes for future generations.
Funder: Division of Outdoor Recreation
Due Dates: July 15, 2027 (Applications open) | September 1, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$2 million, with a 1:1 applicant match (a portion may be in-kind)
Summary: Supports acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation spaces in Utah to expand access and preserve natural landscapes.
Key Information: Funded sites must remain available for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered in Utah by the Division of Outdoor Recreation, supports the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Grants help communities protect public lands, create parks, improve recreational facilities, and preserve natural landscapes for future generations. Projects may acquire land or interests in land, develop outdoor recreation facilities, or combine acquisition and development.
Utah’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) guides project selection. Its priorities emphasize community health, equitable access, conservation of land, air, and water, and community connection. The program links investment in recreation infrastructure with long-term stewardship: grant recipients are responsible for maintaining funded sites and retaining them for public outdoor recreation.
