Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program
Forecasted
Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program supports Massachusetts municipalities in acquiring land and conservation restrictions to protect open space and expand public passive recreation.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $425,000 per municipality; reimbursement of 52%–70% of eligible project costs
Summary: Supports Massachusetts municipal acquisitions of land or conservation restrictions for conservation and public passive recreation.
Key Information: Municipalities must finance and pay the full project cost before receiving reimbursement.
Description
The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program is funded by Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and administered by its Division of Conservation Services (DCS). It assists municipal conservation and agricultural commissions with purchasing land in fee simple or acquiring conservation restrictions. This is a land-acquisition reimbursement program, rather than research funding.
LAND supports the protection of natural resources and open space, expanded outdoor recreation opportunities, and climate-change resilience. Acquired properties become permanently protected open space under Article 97 and must provide public access for passive recreation. Conservation restrictions on privately owned land must also provide meaningful public access, including accommodations for parking or trails. Limited sustainable agriculture and forestry are permitted when compatible with conservation and passive recreation.
