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 National Park Service awarded the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism $683,175.90 under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) to support and administer the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. The award, effective October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030, enables Arkansas to implement matching grant projects that develop parks owned by states and local communities, thereby improving outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public. LWCF funding is derived from offshore oil and gas lease revenue rather than federal tax appropriations and requires state and local matching contributions.

Through this award, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism will administer the allocation and distribution of LWCF grants to selected projects that align with the state's outdoor recreation priorities. Based on the organization's track record, these projects typically include land acquisitions, state park development, boating access site improvements, trail construction, facility upgrades, and recreational area enhancements. Implementation involves collaboration with sub-recipients including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Parks Division, and local municipalities to ensure projects meet LWCF eligibility requirements outlined in the state's approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and serve the general public.

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 arkansas department of parks and tourism will support and administer the lwcf program to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public.