The land and water conservation fund (LWCF) state and local assistance program provides matching grants to develop parks owned by states and local communities

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources received a $695,000 Project Grant award dated October 1, 2025, under the Department of the Interior's Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916). Through this Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) award, the DNR is making a subaward to Ottawa County for development projects at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area in Zeeland, Michigan. The project will enhance public outdoor recreation infrastructure and facilities, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. LWCF grants are funded through offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax dollars.

The funded activities will support the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities that serve the general public, consistent with the state's outdoor recreation priorities as outlined in its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. This project exemplifies the LWCF program's focus on enabling state and local governments to create and expand public parks and recreational spaces that improve community access to natural resources and outdoor amenities.

Based on its outdoor recreation priorities, the state has selected grant projects to receive LWCF funding. LWCF grants are made pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 2003 and are funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, not tax dollars. In this project, the michigan department of natural resources will make a subaward to the ottawa county for developments at upper macatawa natural area. This project will benefit the general public.