Aid_Content Page_Land and Water Conservation Fund LWCF Program

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program

This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. Grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on May 1.

Application Review Process

Local sponsors work with a DNR Regional Project Manager to plan projects, follow program requirements and complete grant applications. The following is an overview of the LWCF grant process. Potential applicants are highly encouraged to contact their Regional Project Manager for further details regarding the grant process and application guidance.

  • Applications for LWCF grants are accepted once a year. LWCF grants offer up to 50% cost share. LWCF is a competitive grant program that typically receives more grant requests than available grant funds.
  • Regional Project Manager review and rank eligible projects relative to eligibility and priorities for the LWCF grant program outlined in the LWCF program guidance. The scoring reflects provisions outlined in the LWCF Act and Ch. NR 50, Wis. Admin. Code. Coordination among Regional Project Managers across the state ensures consistency and fairness in application scoring.
  • Final scores are used to generate the list of proposed grant awards.
  • When approved by the department, Regional Project Manager send tentative award letters to applicants whose projects are selected for funding.
  • Regional Project Manager then work with applicants on final project due diligence and assist with completion of the National Park Service (NPS) application package. Once approval is received from NPS, the DNR will execute grant agreements with project sponsors.
  • Sponsors can then move forward with their project. Projects that break ground before a contract has been signed will not be eligible for reimbursement

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants

Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments and school districts are eligible to apply for grants for acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects

  • Land acquisition or development projects that will provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation.
  • Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that will provide water-based outdoor recreation.
  • Property that provides special recreation opportunities, such as floodplains, wetlands and areas adjacent to scenic highways.
  • Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas.
  • Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails.
  • Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities.
  • Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities that are in danger of being lost for public use.

Ineligible project examples

  • A project that is not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan.
  • Acquisition and development of golf courses.
  • A project where storm water management is the primary purpose.
  • Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes.

Deadlines

Deadlines and funding cycles

Applications must be received by your regional project manager or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on May 1 to be considered. Per s. 990.001(4)(c), Wis. Stats., if any grant application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or State Holiday, the deadline is moved to the next State working day.

Applicants are advised that grant awards will be subject to the availability of funds and any procedural changes that may result from the forthcoming federal appropriations.

Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service prior to the sponsor receiving an agreement with the DNR. This process typically takes between 12-18 months. 

Application Materials

Application Materials

Additional materials

Reimbursements

Contact Grant Staff

Please contact us if you have questions about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and before you submit a grant application. 

Grant Program Managers

Contacts for general program information.

Development Projects

Pam Rood
101 S. Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
608-333-3718

Acquisitions Projects

Luke Roffler
141 NW Barstow St.
Waukesha, WI 53188
608-294-8017

Regional Project Managers

For grant questions and pre-application discussions, see the regional contacts listed below to find your local project manager.

South Central

Patty Fahey
3911 Fish Hatchery Road
Fitchburg, WI 53711
608-516-9560

Southeast

Jay Dampier
Department of Natural Resources
427 Tower Dr. #100
Wautoma, WI 54928
608-220-0198

Northeast

Jessica Terrien
2984 Shawano Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54313
920-461-2680

Northern

Jeff Pennucci
107 Sutliff Ave.
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-499-1424

West Central

Grace Mikelsons
1300 W. Clairemont Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-492-6091