N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation Accepting Proposals for 2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

02/27/2024

The grant, funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior-National Park Service, provides financial assistance to local units of government. These funds are administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, which is also responsible for the coordination of competitive application rounds, open grant management and post-completion stewardship monitoring. The LWCF program funds projects with a focus on developing, renovating and acquiring public outdoor recreational spaces.

Since the program was established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, it has contributed nearly $50 million to over 700 state and local sites’ outdoor recreation projects within New Hampshire. Recently approved project funding includes picnic area constructions, the development of the new Canal Street Riverfront Park in Concord, the replacement of playground facilities and more.

“This program advances our mission to expand and enhance outdoor recreation and is particularly beneficial for those close-to-home recreation opportunities that every community can take part in,” said Brian Wilson, director of the NH Division of Parks and Recreation. “The benefits of outdoor recreation are far-reaching and are proven to boost economies, and build healthier, safer, and more resilient spaces that can be accessed by everyone.”

Those interested in funding consideration must submit an Intent to Apply form to N.H. State Parks by 4 p.m. on June 7, 2024. State Parks will review forms to determine eligibility. Parties seeking sponsorship will only receive an invitation to officially apply if it is determined they meet the appropriate eligibility criteria. For more information on submitting an intent for Grant Round 35, attend the live webinar and Q&A session (hosted by the Division of Parks and Recreation) on March 13. Register for the webinar here.

Forms, instructions and current open projects are available at nhstateparks.org/about-us/community-recreation/land-water-conservation-fund-grant.

“In 2023 LWCF awarded over $2 million in funds to various projects all over the state, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what we’re able to do in 2024,” Wilson said.

Recent Projects:

From L to R:

Cochecho River Park, City of Dover, Development of an accessible paddle sports dock.
Landroche Field Splash Pad, Town of Newmarket, Development of a new splash pad at Landroche Field.
Moeckel Pond Dam Restoration, Town of Windham, Reconstruction of historic dam site to restore Moeckel Pond for recreational water access.
Kraine Meadow Park, Town of Moultonborough, Construction of a new picnic shelter and composting restrooms.
Patricia T Russell Park, City of Keene, Redevelopment of park including, 2 playgrounds, pathway, parking, picnic area, field space, restrooms.
Winnipesauke River Whitewater Park, City of Franklin, Construction of riverside amphitheater seating, whitewater structure, partial riverside pedestrian path.

About the Division of Parks and Recreation
The Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, Bureau of Community Recreation and Cannon Mountain. The Division manages 93 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org, follow NH State Parks on Facebook and Twitter, or call 603-271-3556