Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is seeking public comment on proposed Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program grant awards for the latest grant cycle which closed in February 2019. Public comment on the proposed LWCF grant awards is open through Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 5pm.

The LWCF program was established in 1964 to provide financial assistance to conserve and develop, in an orderly and logical manner, the outdoor recreation resources of the United States. Montana’s LWCF program is administered by Montana State Parks with the National Park Service providing program oversight. Political subdivisions and tribal governments are eligible to apply for LWCF assistance through Montana State Parks for the acquisition of park land, development of outdoor recreation facilities, and renovation or improvements to existing outdoor recreation facilities.

During its most recent application cycle, the LWCF program received seven grant applications requesting over $1.03 million in LWCF program funding. This year, all seven applications were forwarded to the National Park Service for consideration and approval. Montana State Parks also forwarded one internal application for trail and trailhead upgrades at Milltown State Park requesting $145,000 in LWCF program funding.

A list of the proposed grant applications is available online at stateparks.mt.gov/recreation (click on “Land and Water Conservation Fund”). Copies of individual LWCF applications, including environmental review documents, are available upon request by contacting Michelle McNamee (see below).

Public Comments must be received by 5pm on Sunday, September 27, 2020. To comment online, visit stateparks.mt.gov and click on “Public Comment & Notices” or send comments by email to michelle.mcnamee@mt.gov.

Comments and applications request should be sent by email to michelle.mcnamee@mt.gov or by calling 406-444-7642. Requests may also be sent by mail to Michelle McNamee, Montana State Parks, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.