Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a Federally funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to fund acquisition and development of outdoor recreation. Local governments, federally-recognized tribes and state agencies are eligible to apply. 

Under the proposed update, the OPRD will institute a biennial grant funding schedule: at least one year of each biennium will feature a competitive grant round open to eligible applicants, while the alternate year all available funds will be dedicated solely to OPRD for eligible state park projects.  

By alternating the funding focus each year, OPRD will be able to maintain a robust and efficient grant program while also supporting critical state park initiatives. The revised approach is informed by program administration experience over multiple grant cycles and a need for greater flexibility in managing funding allocations. It also enhances OPRD’s ability to plan and implement projects that best serve public outdoor recreation interests.