Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant
Forecasted
Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant supports Massachusetts municipalities in buying land or conservation restrictions to protect natural resources and provide public passive recreation.
Funder: Division of Conservation Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $425,000 per municipality; reimbursement of 52%–70% of eligible costs
Summary: Supports Massachusetts municipal acquisitions of land or conservation restrictions for conservation and public passive recreation.
Key Information: Municipalities must fund the full project upfront; acquired land receives permanent Article 97 protection.
Description
The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program helps Massachusetts cities and towns acquire land in fee simple or purchase conservation restrictions. Administered by the Division of Conservation Services (DCS) within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), it supports municipal conservation and agricultural commissions in protecting natural resources while providing public access for passive outdoor recreation.
Program priorities include biodiversity protection, landscape conservation, drinking water protection, stewardship of conservation and working lands, and climate resilience. Supported properties must provide passive recreational opportunities, including when a conservation restriction leaves the land privately owned. Limited sustainable agriculture and forestry are permitted when compatible with conservation and public passive recreation.
