Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Forecasted
The Land and Water Conservation Fund by the Minnesota DNR funds planning, acquisition, and development of public outdoor recreation facilities across Minnesota.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Matching grants; typical awards range from $10,000 to several hundred thousand dollars for outdoor recreation facility planning, acquisition, or development.
Summary: Supports protection and enhancement of Minnesota’s public outdoor recreation facilities through grants for planning, acquisition, and development.
Key Information: All supported lands must remain dedicated to outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is a federally funded program supporting the planning, acquisition, and development of outdoor recreation facilities across Minnesota. The program aims to enhance public access to parks, trails, and natural areas, ensuring these lands are permanently protected for recreational use. LWCF grants have made a significant impact on Minnesota’s recreation infrastructure, benefiting state, local, and educational entities, and fostering high-quality, accessible recreation opportunities statewide. All funded sites must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation in perpetuity, with strict compliance and monitoring requirements.
