The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federally funded grant program that provides match funds of 50% for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition. Iowa's cities and counties are eligible to participate.

Competition for LWCF funds is intense; but this program provides an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of outdoor recreational projects that are in high demand. Popular projects in recent years have included skate parks, playgrounds, new and renovated swimming pools, sport complexes, campgrounds and multipurpose trails.

Consultation for Section 106 clearance is STRONGLY recommended with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), State Historical Society of Iowa, at 515/281-8743, PRIOR to applying for LWCF grant funds.

Examples of maps required by the National Park Service for LWCF applicants: (*.pdf)
Page 1 - Detailed map of the area, this page needs to have an original signature
Page 2 - The area within the city or town
Page 3 - The city within the county with roads labeled.

The following are cities and counties that have submitted grants for LWCF for the current year and past years.

City & County LWCF Grants Funding Requests and Approvals:

• 2001 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2002 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2003 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2004 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2005 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2006 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)
• 2007 City and County LWCF Grants (*.pdf file)

SCORP (Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan)
(Applicants are required to show a relationship between their project and SCORP priorities.)

• 2008 LWCF Guidelines and Application ( *.pdf file | *.doc file)
  There have been no changes from previous years.

The deadline for applications to be received in the Des Moines office of the Department of Natural Resources is March 14, 2008 at 4:30 PM.

If you are unfamiliar with LWCF, the guidelines booklet should answer most of your questions. However, if you still have questions after reviewing the booklet, feel free to contact Kathleen Moench at 515/281-3013 or Sandra Sampson at 515/281-8004. You may also email questions to Sandra.sampson@dnr.iowa.gov.