Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (LWCF) was established to assist federal, state, and local governments in the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. Administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and at the state level by the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, LWCF grants can provide up to 50% of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects for public outdoor recreation.

  • 2027 Maximum grant award : Amount will be updated soon.
  • No minimum award level, but applicants considering a request of $20,000 or less should discuss their project concepts with program staff before applying.
  • LWCF grants can provide up to 50% of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects for public outdoor recreation.
  • Request Assistance - Eligible agencies are encouraged to contact the Grants and Community Recreation program for assistance and guidance during the application process.

Application Eligibility, Process, and Deadlines

  • Eligibility - Eligible applicants include the state, county, municipal, school, and tribal jurisdictions.
  • Step 1 - Request a project eligibility assessment - This request should be made as soon as possible in your process, but no later than by the end of the calendar year prior to the grant cycle in which you intend to submit an application. Request a Site Inspection Now.
  • Step 2 - Complete the application after the site inspection has been conducted and eligibility confirmed. In accordance with our Application Guidance document, cloud shared access to completed application packets should be submitted via email to LWCF.DACF@maine.gov
    2026 grant cycle application deadline = 5 PM, Friday June 26.
  • Step 3 Acknowledgment Signs Projects that are awarded funds must display acknowledgment signs in prominent locations. Download the Sign Order Form.

Contact Information

Grants and Community Recreation
Bureau of Parks and Lands
124 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333 LWCF.DACF@maine.gov

Required Signs

Sign Order Form

Application Materials

Resources

Maine State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

LWCF Stewardship Obligations