Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program
Forecasted
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program supports Wisconsin communities and DNR projects that acquire and develop land for accessible public outdoor recreation that lasts.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 50% of eligible project costs; applicants provide at least an equal match
Summary: Federal grants help Wisconsin communities acquire and develop land for public outdoor recreation.
Key Information: Funded property must remain available for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program is administered in Wisconsin by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the National Park Service. Funds support both DNR projects and grants to eligible local applicants. The program aims to create and sustain high-quality, accessible outdoor recreation opportunities through land acquisition and development.
Eligible work includes waterfront access, nature-based trails, day-use picnic areas, basic recreation facilities, and renovation of facilities at risk of being lost to public use. Projects can also protect access to distinctive landscapes such as wetlands and floodplains. Applications compete within regions, where funding is allocated in proportion to population.
