Land and Water Conservation Fund State & Local Assistance Grant
Forecasted
The Land and Water Conservation Fund State & Local Assistance Grant supports Virginia public agencies in acquiring and improving outdoor recreation areas to expand public access and protect them for future use.
Funder: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Preapplication)
Funding Amounts: 2026 requests: $150,000–$2.5 million; three-year project period
Summary: Supports acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas in Virginia.
Key Information: Assisted areas must remain open and maintained for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance program is a federal matching reimbursement grant administered in Virginia by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS). It supports acquiring land for public outdoor recreation, developing or renovating outdoor recreation facilities, and projects combining acquisition and development. The program links federal, state, and local partners to expand and improve recreation opportunities across Virginia.
Projects must address priorities in the 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan. DCR’s review considers demonstrated need, expanded access, partnerships and public involvement, long-term resiliency, and readiness to complete the work. Land within an approved LWCF boundary is permanently protected for public outdoor recreation.
