PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Marlena Baker, Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialist
Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation
marlena.baker@vermont.gov
$3.3 Million Available for Municipal Outdoor Recreation Projects
FPR Launches 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Round
Montpelier, VT—The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant round. This reimbursement program enables municipal entities and state agencies to develop large-scale outdoor recreation projects across the state. LWCF funds are apportioned through the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Parks Service.
Eligible LWCF projects include acquisition of land for parks and public outdoor recreation; development of new outdoor recreation facilities; and renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities. Recreation spaces acquired or developed using LWCF assistance must be maintained and remain open for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity. The recommended request range is $25,000 to $1,000,000. LWCF requires a 50% non-federal match, which means total project costs should range from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
“The LWCF program has provided over $43 million for parks, playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields, forests, and other outdoor recreation areas across Vermont over the years,” said Lauren Pyle, Outdoor Recreation Grant Manager. “One of the unique things about this program is that lands and recreation spaces acquired or developed by LWCF funds are protected for recreational use forever. LWCF can support communities that want to protect new recreation spaces, create new recreation opportunities, or improve past LWCF investments.”
Interested applicants must submit a Pre-Application for FPR to assess the project’s readiness, eligibility, and potential compliance needs. If the project meets the LWCF eligibility criteria, FPR will then invite applicants to submit a Full Application. Pre-applications are due on December 13, 2024.
For more information and to access the Pre-Application, please visit https://fpr.vermont.gov/land-and-water-conservation-fund. Questions can be directed to ANR.FPRRecreationGrants@vermont.gov.
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