The LWCF program provides matching grants to States and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program is intended to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high quality recreation areas and facilities and to stimulate non-federal investments in the protection and maintenance of recreation resources across the United States.

NPS Schedules October Grant Training

The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce training for State, Territory, and NPS personnel responsible for the administration and management of the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program. 

WHEN: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 5 pm through Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Hyatt Regency -- On the Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

Staffing reductions and turnovers coupled with the release of the October 2008 Manual revision make it critical to schedule training for State administrators of the LWCF state assistance program despite the current economic slowdown. Training will be based on the revised LWCF State Assistance Program Manual and will address developing proposals and applications for LWCF grant assistance and post completion responsibilities, e.g., determining the allowability  of various proposals pursuant to the LWCF Act Section 6(f)(3) and 36 CFR 59.3; the conversion process, and complying with federal laws, regulations, and executive orders such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The training will also give participants ample opportunity for questions and answers on state and territory specific issues.

Every effort is being made to minimize costs.  For your planning and budget purposes, the lodging rate will be the prevailing Federal lodging rate for San Antonio (currently $117 per night). The deadline to register is August 15. The  early registration fee is $100 before July 27.  After July 27 the fee increases to $150. 

Contact your NPS LWCF Regional Manager for a registration form, hotel information, and further details.

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NPS and NARRP Recognize
State Outdoor Recreation Planning

An acceptable statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (SCORP) is a statutory prerequisite for States to receive financial assistance under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

During the recent annual meeting of the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners (NARRP) in Pittsburgh, the National Park Service recognized four States: Georgia, Oregon, Virginia and Wisconsin, for their exceptional efforts in statewide outdoor recreation planning and producing documents that exceeded the minimum requirement to qualify for LWCF assistance.  Of these four, Georgia was selected to receive the first joint NPS/NARRP SCORP Excellence award for its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2008-2013, an exemplary approach in developing a solid vision and strategic plan for establishing and protecting places for public outdoor recreation. The contents of all four plans deserve consideration by planners charged with providing and protecting public outdoor recreation places and opportunities.