Land and Water Conservation Fund
Forecasted
The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports Washington communities and public agencies in acquiring land and building or renovating parks, trails, and other facilities for lasting public outdoor recreation.
Funder: Recreation and Conservation Office
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2028 (Comprehensive plan) | April 2028 (Application) | July 2028 (Technical completion)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$2 million per state-competition project; 50% match
Summary: Funding supports acquisition, development, and renovation of land and facilities for public outdoor recreation in Washington.
Key Information: Grant-assisted property must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation forever.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports public outdoor recreation areas, including parks, trails, and wildlife lands. Congress created the fund in 1965 to help states acquire and develop these resources. In Washington, the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board administers the program with support from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO); the National Park Service manages the federal program.
Projects may acquire land, build recreation facilities, or renovate existing sites. Examples include community parks, trails, skate parks, swimming pools, athletic fields, and wildlife habitat areas. Washington’s state competition accepts projects throughout the state. A separate Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership category focuses on underserved urban communities and lands held by federally recognized Native American Tribes.
