N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation Accepting Proposals for 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

04/24/2025

The 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Grant, a program providing federal funds to assist with public outdoor recreational projects, is once again open for intents.

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 over $50 million to more than 700 state and local sites’ outdoor recreation projects within New Hampshire. In 2024 just under $2.5 million in grants was approved for local projects including public pool renovations, new skate park construction, playground replacements, pickleball court development, outdoor ice rink improvements, and more.

“For 60 years, LWCF investments have helped preserve and expand access to the outdoors in every corner of our state," said Eric Feldbaum, administrator for the Bureau of Community Recreation. "This year’s grant cycle presents another opportunity for local governments to bring meaningful recreational enhancements to their communities—projects that will benefit generations to come.”

Those interested in funding consideration must submit an Intent-to-Apply form to N.H. State Parks by 4 p.m. on June 27, 2025. 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 36, please contact the Bureau of Community Recreation at 603-271-3556, or lwcf@dncr.nh.gov.

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

“From restored access to public waters to repurposed former industrial sites to expanded multi-use trail facilities, the LWCF is helping to create safer and more accessible spaces for outdoor recreation further strengthening the connection between people and their environments,” Feldbaum said.

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, X and Instagram, or call 603-271-3556.