Land & Water Conservation Fund Timeline
Next grant round opens May 2026
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a 50/50 matching grant reimbursement program administered at the state level by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) and funded at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS). The LWCF provides grants for outdoor recreation projects such as ball fields, pools, campgrounds, playgrounds, and land acquisitions for park development.
The following entities are eligible to apply:
- Cities, counties, and townships
- Park boards and park districts
- School districts
- State agencies
- Water management districts
- Federally-recognized Indian tribes
Legal Requirements
Lands that receive federal assistance through the Land and Water Conservation Fund must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. Grantees are required to submit a property boundary map identifying the encumbered area. Property within the project boundary may not be converted to any use other than outdoor recreation without prior approval from the NDPRD and National Park Service. The entire project site identified in the project agreement is subject to public law 88-578 Section 6(F).
Any converted property must be replaced by the local sponsor with the property of equal or greater recreational value and usefulness. NDPRD should be notified before any change in use.
City of Lakota Pool
Featured Completed LWCF Project
Valley City Parks & Recreation: North Central Tennis Courts
Valley City Parks and Recreation District (VCPR) successfully renovated the North Central Tennis Courts, built in the 1970s, with the help of a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. The deteriorated courts underwent a reconstruction project due to issues like concrete undermining, cracks, and poor drainage. The grant allowed VCPR to create three post-tension tennis courts with smooth surfacing, professional court lines, and ADA-compliant access. The fenced complex ensures safety, and each court is equipped with benches and nets. VCPR Director Tyler Jacobsen noted that it's now the state's finest court complex, inviting all to enjoy the upgraded facilities. The LWCF, administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, played a crucial role in making this project a reality, reflecting VCPR's commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for the Valley City Community.