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New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation Launches Public LWCF Project Database and Interactive GIS Map

04/10/2026

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the completion and launch of a new public-facing database and interactive GIS map that showcases state projects funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program since 1965.
 
Established by Congress in 1965 and administered in New Hampshire by the Division of Parks and Recreation, the LWCF has supported hundreds of outdoor recreation projects. Through this new online tool, residents, municipal officials and stakeholders can now explore more than 60 years of LWCF investments that have helped acquire land, create and improve parks, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and conserved recreation lands throughout the Granite State.
 
“This new database represents an important step forward in transparency and public stewardship,” said Eric Feldbaum, Bureau Administrator for the Bureau of Community Recreation, which has led the way in bringing this project to life. “By providing the public with direct access to detailed grant information, mapped encumbrance boundaries, and project documentation, we are strengthening accountability and supporting our municipal partners.”
 
Key Features of the LWCF Public Database and GIS Map:
  • Interactive Map Interface – Users can view the geographic location of LWCF State Assistance projects statewide.
  • Detailed Grant Information – Each project listing includes grant award details, funding amounts, and project descriptions.
  • Program Encumbrance Boundaries – GIS mapping displays the official LWCF boundary areas subject to federal protection requirements. These protections are a cornerstone of the LWCF program and reflect the long-term investment made by local communities, the state and the federal government.
  • Project Documentation Access – Where available, users can access digital copies of grant agreements, amendments, and post-completion inspection reports.
 
“This effort also highlights the vital role outdoor recreation investment plays in our state’s economy, driving tourism, supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life that makes our state such a desirable place to live, work and visit,” Feldbaum said.
 
Feldbaum also noted that while substantial records have been digitized and uploaded, additional work remains to complete the scanning, review and organization of all historic project files. The Bureau of Community Recreation will continue to update the database as more documentation becomes available, ensuring the resource grows more comprehensive over time.
 
Since 1965, LWCF State Assistance grants have supported projects in communities across all 10 counties, strengthening local recreation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By providing centralized, public access to these records, the Bureau aims to assist municipalities with long-term planning, compliance and stewardship of LWCF-funded sites while reinforcing public confidence in the program.
 
To view the LWCF Project Database and GIS Map, visit
https://www.nhstateparks.org/about-nh-parks/conservation-fund-grant
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 94 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.
 
 
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Seal of the State of New Hampshire © NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301