Funding Available for Outdoor Recreation Projects

Counties and Municipalities Must Apply by Feb. 15

Photo by Lisa Blumberg

The Maryland of Department Natural Resources invites counties and municipalities to apply for up to $750,000 in matching funds for public outdoor recreation acquisition and development projects through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Eligible projects include athletic fields, boat launches, campgrounds, fishing piers, hunting areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, trails and other outdoor activities.

“This dedicated funding has helped communities acquire, develop and expand outdoor recreation areas and facilities throughout the state,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “We encourage counties and municipalities to apply for this competitive grant opportunity, which aims to get more Marylanders outdoors.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has funded over 350 outdoor recreation projects in Maryland since being established in 1965. The fund has helped with the development of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, Sandy Point State Park, Tuckahoe State Park and other state and local projects.

Local governments are encouraged to submit preliminary application forms by Feb. 15, 2018. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the department to determine eligibility before the highest-scored applications are sent to the National Park Service.

Examples of project eligibility, grant acceptance commitments and restrictions, scoring details and more are available here.

Comments or questions about the program may be directed to Ingrid Brofman at Ingrid.Brofman@maryland.gov or 410-260-8461.