Funding Priorities & Basic Conditions

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was enacted by Congress in 1965 to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high quality outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Over the last 40 years, more than $35 million in federal funds has been apportioned to New Hampshire. This investment was matched by at least an equal amount from State and local governments, achieving over 650 recreation and conservation projects in 70 percent of New Hampshire's cities and towns. Serving community needs through the development of outdoor recreation facilities and the protection of conservation areas continues as the highest priority of the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

The competitive process of project selection is designed to make the best use of the limited funding available. A project evaluation criteria system is used, giving priority to the recreational needs identified in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), New Hampshire Outdoors, 2003-2007 . Reference copies of the SCORP are available at the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of Energy and Planning, the State Library, and many regional depository libraries (see attached Resource List) and online at www.state.nh.us/osp/recreation/NHSCORP.htm .

Emphasis for awarding LWCF grants is placed on projects with the greatest possible impact - projects that: cover a broad geographic scope, include service to special needs populations, increase recreational areas and facilities, protect critical natural or cultural resources, and provide access to water-based, public recreation opportunities. High-impact projects can include:


Development Projects

  • Core recreation areas and facilities where none exist in the community.
  • General purpose recreation projects that involve special needs populations, persons with disabilities, and public-private partnerships.
  • Development of access and facilities for public waters.


    Acquisition Projects

    • In-holdings and important buffer or land contiguous to existing properties.
    • Land that protects critical natural or scenic areas, floodplains, or wetland.
    • Land that provides water access, trail linkages, and natural corridors.
    • Land for the future development of recreation facilities.

    NOTE: Combination Acquisition and Development Projects often score the most points.


    Basic Conditions :

    • The State of New Hampshire and its political subdivisions (counties, cities, towns, and school districts) are eligible to apply to the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant-in-aid program.
    • Projects must be for outdoor recreation . Land acquisitions can include purchase for new or additional parklands, access to water-based public recreation opportunities, conservation and natural area preserves, open space and scenic area protection, and lands for future development of outdoor recreation opportunities. Park development can include new outdoor recreation facilities and expansion or rehabilitation of existing areas and facilities.
    • This is a 50/50 matching grant program with funding provided on a reimbursement basis. Costs eligible for reimbursement must be incurred within the project period with a start date based upon National Park Service application approval. The local match must be demonstrated in cash or in-kind donations of labor, professional services, materials, real property, and equipment.
    • There is a $20,000 ceiling of federal funding per project for Grant Round 23 due to limited funding.
    • A project must be approved by the local legislative authority who applies for, accepts, and expends funds for the entire project. As this is a reimbursement program, projects may require warrant article or budget item approval to cover project costs incurred prior to submitting expenses and receiving reimbursement.
    • Complete applications must be received at the DRED reception desk (P.O. Box 1856, 172 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03302) by 4:00 pm on Tuesday,January 15, 2008.
      NO EXCEPTIONS!