The Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) has announced the open application period for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants for fiscal year 2025 according to a public notice.
This competitive, reimbursable program, administered in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, offers up to 50% matching funds for eligible outdoor recreation projects. Alaska has benefited from LWCF since the late 1960s, supporting numerous parks and infrastructure projects across the state.
State, regional, local, and tribal governments with the legal authority to provide park and recreation services on public lands are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. An estimated $1 million in federal funding will be available in this grant round, with locally sponsored grant requests limited to a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $125,000 in LWCF federal share. Applicants should note that the total project cost must be at least $50,000 to justify a $25,000 grant request.
The LWCF program’s benefits extend beyond traditional park development. It can support projects such as campground and RV park development, which enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and stimulate local economies. These types of projects can be particularly impactful in Alaska, where outdoor tourism plays a significant role in many communities’ economic health.
Since 1965, over $40 million has been invested in more than 350 projects throughout Alaska, including skate parks, ball fields, trails, and community gardens. These investments have enhanced recreational opportunities and contributed to local economies by attracting visitors and creating jobs in the outdoor recreation sector.
High-priority projects for LWCF funding should align with one or more of the three specific strategic goals outlined in the Alaska State Comprehensive Plan for Outdoor Recreation (SCORP) 2023-2027. These goals include supporting the Alaska outdoor recreation way of life, empowering and enabling Alaskans to lead active, healthy lives, and balancing outdoor recreation growth with stewardship.
SCORP’s mission is to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for all Alaskans and visitors while protecting and preserving the state’s natural and cultural resources. This aligns closely with the objectives of the LWCF program, making it an essential tool for achieving the state’s outdoor recreation goals.
Potential applicants should be aware that the application period for this grant round will open on August 1, and close at 12:00 noon on October 31. The application package will be made available online by August. Interested parties are encouraged to start preparing their proposals well in advance of the deadline to ensure a comprehensive and competitive application.
For those new to the LWCF application process or seeking to refine their approach, the Alaska DPOR has provided valuable resources. A 2023 LWCF Application Workshop video is available, offering a detailed tutorial on the grant application process. This workshop, conducted by the Missouri DPOR, guides applicants through each step, increasing their chances of submitting a successful proposal.
Additionally, an educational webinar on the Land and Water Conservation Fund provides in-depth information on the program’s impact on local communities. This webinar by DCRVirginia covers funding details, offering valuable insights for potential applicants and those interested in understanding the broader implications of the LWCF program in Alaska.
Moreover, the LWCF Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, a related initiative, focuses on supporting urban communities in creating new outdoor recreation spaces. This program can be leveraged to develop campgrounds and RV parks in more densely populated areas of Alaska, providing accessible outdoor experiences for urban residents and visitors alike.
Past successful LWCF-funded projects in Alaska showcase the program’s versatility and impact. Examples include a skate park in Sitka, ball fields in Utqiagvik, and the Campbell Creek Greenbelt and Chanshtnu Muldoon Townsquare Park in Anchorage. These projects demonstrate how LWCF funding can be used to create diverse recreational opportunities that cater to different community needs and preferences.
For more information about the FY2025 LWCF grant opportunity, interested parties should contact Ms. Danette Berkovitz, Grants Section Manager, at [email protected] or 907-269-8706. As Alaska continues to invest in its outdoor recreation infrastructure, the LWCF program remains a crucial resource for communities seeking to enhance their recreational offerings and preserve their natural heritage for future generations.