Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Forecasted
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) supports Wisconsin local and tribal governments, school districts, and the UW System in acquiring land and developing facilities for lasting public outdoor recreation.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 50% of total project costs; applicants provide at least an equal match
Summary: Supports acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation land and facilities in Wisconsin.
Key Information: LWCF-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. It helps local governments, tribal governments, school districts and the UW System acquire land or develop outdoor recreation opportunities. Projects can include parks, trails, canoe and kayak launches, picnic areas, campgrounds, sports facilities and splash pads.
Public access is fundamental to the program: funded sites must be open for outdoor recreation during reasonable hours. Projects compete within regions, with funding allocated in proportion to population. Priorities include serving urban areas and populations with limited recreation opportunities, providing multi-use or multi-season facilities, and enhancing natural beauty.
