Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund from Maine DACF funds science-driven acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities across Maine.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Project Eligibility Assessment request deadline) | June 25, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per project; covers up to 50% of eligible costs; total pool approx. $2.5M annually.
Summary: Supports acquisition or development of public outdoor recreation facilities in Maine through matching grants to eligible government entities.
Key Information: Project eligibility assessment must be requested before applying; only Maine state, county, municipal, school district, or tribal agencies are eligible.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered in Maine by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands with federal oversight from the National Park Service, provides matching grants to state, county, municipal, school district, and tribal government agencies for the acquisition or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. The program aims to increase and enhance public access to outdoor spaces across Maine, supporting projects such as park acquisition, development, or renovation. LWCF grants are reimbursement-based and require a 1:1 local match.
