What's new
This page provides a transparent record of all updates made to the LWCF Manual since the last version. Each set of release notes includes the manual version number, date of release, and a summary of all changes. Partners can use this page to stay informed about updates to the manual and to easily identify what has changed with each version.
Previous Releases
Preface
B and C, REFORMED:
A.9-10, REFORMED:
A.2, REVISED:
A, RESCINDED, REVISED:
A.2, REVISED:
C.4.d, RESCISSION:
- Updated the manual version number to match fiscal year of publication.
- Updated manual title to reflect its scope.
- Removed outdated terms and updated descriptive text of the manual version.
- Added a disclaimer clarifying that statutes and regulations take precedence over the manual if there is ever a conflict.
B and C, REFORMED:
- Updated the language describing administrative grants as well as competitive programs in accordance with the EXPLORE Act and Secretary’s Order 3442.
A.9-10, REFORMED:
- Renamed to more clearly describe the reserved rights within the LWCF boundary area.
- Relocated LWCF boundary map information from Chapter 6 to align with its first mention.
- Updated to reflect eligibility requirements from Secretary’s Order 3442.
- Updated to reflect criteria requirements from Secretary’s Order 3442.
- Reorganized chapters for flow and clarity.
- Revised some section titles.
- Updated terminology to match the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 2 CFR 200 and the Department of the Interior (DOI) and National Park Service (NPS) Federal Financial Assistance (FA) terms.
- Revised text to align with 2 CFR 200 and current DOI/NPS Federal Financial Assistance policies and practices.
- Streamlined sections to remove redundancies with the CFR.
- Clarified differences between formula and competitive grants, current grant systems, notifications, and timing of announcements.
- Revised text to properly address draft versus final applications, recipients versus subrecipients or non-federal entities.
A.2, REVISED:
- Added CFR citation for allowable costs with the exception of two noted items that are statutory requirements.
- Removed inconsistent legacy program terminology (“waiver of retroactivity”) to align with the CFR (“pre-award costs”).
- Removed language regarding pre-award costs related to development projects.
- Removed blanket prohibitions to allow for evaluating uncommon costs on a case-by-case basis.
- Removed the requirement that selling agencies must receive payment for transferred land to be eligible for match.
- Updated the requirement that land purchased from another public agency must not have been managed for recreational purpose while in public ownership. The updated requirement is that the land is not currently managed for recreational purposes.
- Simplified cost determination to follow standard federal cost principles (2 CFR 200).
- Allowed donations from any source (previously limited to private organizations and individuals) in compliance with Secretary’s Order 3442.
- Permitted property donations between state and local governments for new recreation areas, provided the land wasn't already used for recreation, in compliance with Secretary’s Order 3442.
- Removed the prohibition on donations "required by law" to serve as the state or recipient’s matching share.
- Clarified that valuation follows federal cost-sharing guidelines (2 CFR 200.306).
- Moved and updated text describing the LWCF boundary map.
- Removed the recommendations to submit paper map.
- Removed prohibition on use of existing state or local government lands not currently used for recreation to serve as a match in compliance with Secretary’s Order 3442.
- Updated to allow bargain sale as contributed value.
- Moved to other chapters
- Time amendments (5.A.3.d), moved to Chapter 7.
- Cost overruns and amendments of scope (5.A.4), moved to Chapter 7.C.1.a
A, RESCINDED, REVISED:
- Removed outdated “sufficient eligibility period” requirement for SCORPs.
- Updated to allow grant submissions under expected apportionments.
- Removed outdated or redundant text related to records and distribution disclaimers.
- Removed outdated NPS grant processing timelines (e.g., 60 day-day timeline to award grants).
- Removed references to forms as the guidance will now be housed on the Partner Hub for states.
- Removed requirement for a signed boundary map at application. A final signed map is required prior to closeout.
- Updated to reflect current systems and numbering for federal award identification.
- Clarified no signatures are required for final submission.
- Removed outdated documentation requirements for project withdrawal.
- Clarified the definition and purpose of Notice of Award, what constitutes acceptance of an award in lieu of a signature, and the deposit of funds into the state’s account.
- Moved descriptions of the LWCF boundary map (6.B.4) to Chapter 3.
- Moved descriptions of project modifications (previously known as amendments, 6.D) to Chapter 7.
- Moved termination by the state section (6.E) to Chapter 7.
A.2, REVISED:
- Clarified general procurement standards for states and Indian Tribes, including references to Build America, Buy America (BABA) and other regulations.
- Removed outdated guidance on rule issuance.
- Removed outdated negotiated inspection agreements references.
- Remove requirements for pre-award site inspections.
- Updated required FA reports and removed requirements for SLO certification of reports.
- Removed the requirement for states to submit an LWCF Record of Electronic payment form when withdrawing awarded funds unless deemed medium or high risk.
- Moved Schedule and Scope Changes section from Chapter 6.
- Added flexibility in determining scope changes based on changes to the size or percentage of total acquisition acreage.
- Removed six-month minimum for extensions.
- Clarified that schedule extensions should be submitted 10 days prior to the end of the grant period of performance.
- Updated guidance regarding transfer of funds across direct cost categories. Cumulative transfers of funds among direct cost categories that do not exceed 10 percent of the total budget, including cost share, do not require a modification, per the regulations.
- Clarified that extensions past five years require higher approval.
- Moved all termination references from Chapter 6.
- Moved post-completion site inspection guidance.
- Removed the requirement to request and substantiate the final payment and close the project.
- Rewritten to focus on single audits.
- Renamed to “Disputes” and clarified definition and general procedure.
- Descriptions of duration of a project or period of performance moved to Chapter 6.
- Allowable costs for signage moved to Chapter 5.
C.4.d, RESCISSION:
- The requirement for states to receive payment for land transferred from another public agency was removed by Secretary's Order 3442.
Chapter 1
1.A.5, REFORM:
- The requirement for SCORPs has been updated to allow for revisions every ten years.
Chapter 2
2.A.6, REFORM:
- The requirement for states to submit physical copies of SCORPs has been changed to allow for electronic submission.
2.A.7, REFORM:
- The requirement for SCORPs has been updated to allow for revisions every ten years.
2.B.5, RESCISSION:
- The requirement for the NPS to review a state’s new or revised Open Project Selection Process against the criteria of Executive Order No. 14008, (2021), has been rescinded by Executive Order No. 14148, (2025).
2.C.6, REFORM:
- The planning grant funding cap is removed while allowing the NPS to limit grants when necessary.
2.C.8, REFORM:
- The project period for planning grants is extended to five years.
Chapter 4
4.B.2(d), RESCISSION:
- The requirement for states to evaluate LWCF proposals under Executive Order No. 12898, (1994), has been rescinded by Executive Order No. 14173, (2025).
4.B.6(b)(1), RESCISSIONS:
- Chapter 3 of an Environmental Assessment no longer requires population descriptions related to Executive Order No. 12898 (1994), which was rescinded by Executive Order No. 14173, (2025).
- Chapter 4 of an Environmental Assessment no longer requires the proposal to specifically address impacts related to Executive Order No. 12898, (1994), which was rescinded by Executive Order No. 14173, (2025).
4.G.4(g), RESCISSION:
- The requirement for states to adhere to Executive Order No. 13166, (2000), has been rescinded by Executive Order No. 14224, (2025).
Glossary
Creation. A new policy addressing an identified need, which may include interpreting or clarifying existing policies to address ambiguities or gaps.
Rescission. The removal of a policy due to redundancy, obsolescence, or efficiency improvements. Rescissions may also apply to policies that are intentionally sunsetted or set to expire after a defined period.
Revision. The rewording or updating of policy text that does not significantly alter its meaning, impact, or intent. Revisions may improve clarity, tone, and simplicity or streamline or consolidate policy.
Reform. A substantive modification that significantly improves or changes policy.
Last updated: May 1, 2026