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Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal grant program administered locally by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS). Since 1965, LWCF funding has helped public agencies acquire land, build local parks and protect open spaces across Colorado.

Children playing in a splash pad with colorful water features at Coal Creek Park in Erie, Colorado, supported by LWCF grant funding.

$96M

distributed in Colorado

1,046

grants awarded in Colorado

60

years of improvements

Wright Park in the City of Lakewood, Colorado, showcasing park improvements, new amenities, and community facilities, supported by LWCF grant funding.

LWCF in the Community

From regional towns to urban centers, recently completed LWCF projects highlight how grant funding enhances local outdoor recreation statewide. Featured highlights include a new playground, sports courts, and trails at Birch Park (Rifle), climbing boulders, multi-purpose field, and a bike pump track at Trent Park (Silverthorne), a playground, picnic shelter, and off-leash dog park at Wright Park (Lakewood), and upgraded lake trail paths at Lake Minnequa Park and Open Space (Pueblo).

Applying for LWCF Grants

The following section provides guidance, requirements, and documentation for public agencies seeking LWCF grant funding in Colorado. 

Grant Application Status:

Applications are Currently Closed.
Children playing on a modern blue and grey playground structure at Birch Park in Rifle, Colorado, supported by LWCF grant funding.

Children playing on a modern blue and grey playground structure at Birch Park in Rifle, Colorado, supported by LWCF grant funding.

New Grants Manual

This manual is designed for new grant applicants. It provides guidance on the application process — covering eligibility, required documents, timelines and project selection — as well as the pre-award and post-award phases for selected projects.

Download New Grants Manual

Grant Submissions

2025 grant applications are listed here.

2025 Grant Applications Summary
      Grant Applications
      1. Eads Outdoor Recreation Facility Redevelopment
      2. Pagosa Springs East Gateway River Park Acquisition, Phase 1 (of 3)
      3. Colorado City Greenhorn Meadows Park Redevelopment, Phase 3 (of 3)
      4. Adams County 14 School District Outdoor Recreation Facility Redevelopment
      5. Pueblo Eagleridge Park Development, Phase 1 (of 2)
      6. McClave School District Outdoor Recreation Facility Development
      7. Greeley Shur View Trailhead Construction, Phase 1 (of 5)
      8. Northglenn Odell Barry Park Redevelopment
      9. El Paso County Fox Run Canopy Walk Development
      10. Steamboat Springs Slate Creek Property Acquisition
      11. Canon City Outdoor Recreation Facility Redevelopment
      12. Thornton Big Dry Creek Open Space Trailhead Construction
      13. Carbondale Chacos Park Redevelopment
      Grant Applicant Locations

      A map of the locations of the 2025 grant applications.

      Open the Google Map

      Grant Stewardship and Compliance

      Since 1965, LWCF has protected hundreds of public outdoor recreation sites across Colorado in perpetuity. As a condition of grant funding, these sites remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation and are subject to ongoing stewardship. 

      Aerial view of park construction at Trent Park in Silverthorne, Colorado, supported by LWCF grant funding.

      Aerial view of park construction at Trent Park in Silverthorne, Colorado, supported by LWCF grant funding.

      Compliance Manual

      This manual outlines common compliance scenarios for landowners responsible for meeting LWCF requirements. Contact CPW before planning site changes or to discuss general compliance requirements.

      Download Compliance Manual

      Contact

      Please email any questions about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program, to: