Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a federally funded grant program administered in Oregon by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The national Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program was established to support the preservation, development, and availability of outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations. The program has supported Oregon recreational areas and facilities since 1964, awarding more than 80 million dollars in grant funds in the state. The Oregon program generally receives approximately 4 million dollars annually to award to qualified projects. At the federal level, administration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund was transferred to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service in 1981. The program supports acquisition and development projects for public outdoor recreation. Acquisition projects may acquire land and water for public access, including new areas or additions to existing parks, forests, wildlife areas, beaches, or similar resources. Development projects may establish outdoor recreation activities and support facilities needed by the public, including basic facilities and improvements to basic facilities. Projects must be consistent with the outdoor recreation goals and objectives in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and with applicable elements of local comprehensive land use plans and park master plans. Projects must also comply with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance provides up to 50 percent of project funding. Eligible match sources include local budgeted funds, donated funds, and the value of property, equipment, materials, and labor. Land acquired previously and work completed before project approval cannot be used as match. Pre-agreement design and engineering costs may be eligible, but other project costs and match must occur within the approved project period. Grant-assisted sites are subject to the federal protection requirements associated with the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Property acquired, developed, or improved with program assistance must remain open to the public and maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation. Conversion to another use requires federal approval and is subject to replacement and other applicable requirements. Eligible applicants are Oregon cities, counties, Park and Recreation Districts, METRO, Port District, Indian Tribes, and specified Oregon state agencies. The listed state agencies are the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Department of State Lands, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Forestry. Acceptance of a grant agreement requires the recipient or project sponsor to comply with Land and Water Conservation Fund requirements and applicable state and local laws. Inspections of assisted recreation areas are required to monitor compliance. Sponsors of sites found to be out of compliance are notified in writing and given direction regarding remediation. For the current grant cycle, an online Land and Water Conservation Fund grant cycle webinar is scheduled for September 11, 2026. The grant cycle opens September 14, 2026, and applications are due November 16, 2026. The source identifies an Online Grants System as a program resource. No letter of intent, concept paper, pre-proposal, notice of intent, or other pre-application gating requirement is stated in the provided material. In early spring 2027, on a date to be determined, the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee is scheduled to meet to rank and recommend grant applications. In April 2027, also on a date to be determined, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Commission is scheduled to vote on whether to approve the funding recommendations. The published dates are subject to change. Program applicants should ensure that proposed projects align with applicable statewide and local recreation planning requirements, satisfy accessibility requirements, and account for the program's matching requirements and restrictions on pre-approval costs. Applicants should also understand the permanent protection associated with accepting Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance because assisted sites must continue to serve public outdoor recreation. The source does not provide individual award minimums, maximums, an expected number of awards, a defined performance period, a detailed application question list, or a direct grant guidance PDF URL. The primary program contact is Nohemi Enciso, Land and Water Conservation Fund Program Coordinator, at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092. Julian Fedorchuk is the program coordinator for compliance and may be reached at julian.fedorchuk@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-689-3009. Both contacts are located at 725 Summer St. NE Suite C, Salem, Oregon 97301. Applicants and other interested parties may contact Nohemi Enciso to request addition to the program email distribution list for updates and information.

Align projects with SCORP goals and ensure full ADA compliance. Use eligible match sources only during the project period.