The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced Dec. 15 the results of its Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) collection survey, including projects eligible to partake in $900 million in annual funding.
ORR issued a project request to U.S. outdoor recreation partners that were interested in LWCF funding in conjunction with the Great American Outdoors Act passage.
More than 200 responses were received in two weeks, ORR stated. After evaluating the responses for LWCF eligibility, the organization released its initial list of funded projects that will create recreation access in communities, help build recreation economies and revitalize the outdoors, ORR stated.
“We called on the outdoor industry community to identify projects eligible for LWCF funding that would have tangible recreational and economic impacts in local communities, and they more than met the challenge,” Executive Director Jessica Turner stated. “These initial 11 projects we are highlighting are great examples of the diversity of needs in local communities that will benefit all forms of recreation and recreationists for generations to come. We look forward to engaging with agency partners at the federal and state levels over the next year to get these projects funded and supporting communities and people on the ground.”
ORR stated its plan to continue working with Congress, the incoming administration and state entities to ensure the highlighted projects break ground in a cost-effective and timely manner.
From the full list, ORR identified the following 11 projects that target recreation opportunities made possible by the LWCF:
ARIZONA: Homestead Climbing Area
LWCF Program: BLM Acquisition
Recreation Supported: Backpacking, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing, Rock Climbing
Cost: $150,000
Shovel-Readiness: The Access Fund has temporary ownership and BLM is on board with long-term ownership. The state is supportive and local ranchers and NGOs are in favor.
DELAWARE: Fishing Pier, Delaware City Branch Channel of the C&D Canal
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Walking, Biking
Cost: $500,001 – $750,000
Shovel-Readiness: The project is well-suited for FY22. The project was designed as part of a joint plan by Delaware City, the state of Delaware, and Main Street Delaware City. The project previously was approved but lacked funding.
MICHIGAN: Restore ATV/Snowmobile Trail from Dollar Bay to Lake Linden
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: ATV, Snowmobile
Cost: $2,541,600
Shovel-Readiness: The project has been submitted by Michigan to NPS for FY22 approval.
NEW MEXICO: All Abilities Park
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Playground
Cost: $750,001 – $1 million
Shovel-Readiness: The City Council has identified this project as a Community Transformation and Economic Development (CTED) priority park, and the Parks and Cultural Affairs Department is ready to support.
NEW MEXICO: Bluewater Creek ACEC Acquisition
LWCF Program: BLM Acquisition
Recreation Supported: Backpacking, Hiking, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing, Rock Climbing, Archery
Cost: $500,000
Shovel-Readiness: BLM has pledged $280,000. Several NGOs have expressed support.
OHIO: Bryson Park District, Eastview and Westview Parks
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Playground, Skating, Disc Golf, Kayaking, Canoe, Ball Sports
Cost: $1,000,000
Shovel-Readiness: In November, City Council members acted on a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources LWCF grant program, and the town has applied.
OREGON: Junction City Fishing
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Backpacking, Hiking, Boating, Fishing, Hunting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Wildlife Viewing, Archery
Cost: $460,000
Shovel-Readiness: The project sponsor has secured some state funding and is in the final planning and design phase with the intent to start work on Phase 1 in Spring 2021 and complete Phase 2 in Fall 2021/Winter 2022. They have also begun discussions to get some private funding but with COVID those efforts were suspended, and they will be opening that dialogue again soon. The project has support from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement Board.
OREGON: Yellowjacket Reservoir Access
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Boating, Campground & Hospitality, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Wildlife Viewing, Sailing, Motorboating
Cost: $200,000
Shovel-Readiness: The project is in the planning stages. The site has been identified as a priority fishing access location and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is prepared to manage and maintain the site. The Oregon Wildlife Foundation is actively fundraising for the project.
PENNSYLVANIA: North Delaware River Greenway
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Biking, Boating, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting, Sailing, Motorboating
Cost: $1,250,000 – $1,500,000
Shovel-Readiness: The city of Philadelphia has provided capital support for park projects on the greenway and partnered with Riverfront North Partnership (who would steward the space) on an update of its master plan. They have support from city council members. They expect to break ground in early 2023.
WASHINGTON: Renovating Lakeside Park
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing, Motorboating, Swimming
Cost: $1,187,596
Shovel-Readiness: The project has been submitted by the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office for NPS funding and anticipates partial funding for this project in FY21 and full funding in FY22.
WASHINGTON: Port of Anacortes: Developing the Cap Sante Marina RV Park
LWCF Program: State and Local Assistance
Recreation Supported: RV Camping
Cost: $2,311,971
Shovel-Readiness: This project has been submitted by the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office for NPS funding and anticipates full funding in FY22.
ORR will continue to release priority lists of LWCF-eligible recreation projects gathered from outdoor recreation industry.
