The Big Picture - the LWCF Grant Process

• Local sponsors work with DNR regional community services specialists to plan projects and complete grant applications. LWCF, Stewardship Local Assistance, and the federal Recreational Trails programs are administered together for application purposes.
• Submit applications by May 1 each year. Application booklets are distributed each year in late January, early February. Remember, no work can be started or nor land acquired until an agreement is signed by the department.
• DNR regional staff review and rate eligible projects using a set of rating questions that reflect each program's goals and priorities. (See rating questions).
• The projects are then combined in a statewide listing and prioritized according to rating score. The final project listing is usually completed in early July each year.
• Projects ranking the highest are selected for a grant to the extent that funds are available.
• Note: Project sponsors may not incur costs for their projects until a grant agreement is signed.
• A federal project proposal is assembled and submitted to the National Park Service for review and approval.
• Upon notification of NPS approval, local sponsors sign an agreement with the DNR to accept the grant and assume the responsibility of complying with program requirements and conditions of the grant award. (eg, complying with acquisition requirements, contracts & bidding, operation and use, maintenance, accessibility, income, inspections, etc.) Project payment takes place on a reimbursement basis.
• The project sponsor incurs costs for work actually completed or lands purchased, documents expenditures, and then files a claim for reimbursement. Except for pre-approval engineering, reimbursement is not permitted for work that takes place prior to or after the grant time period indicated in the grant award. Land acquired prior to the grant award date is not eligible without an approved waiver of retroactivity.
• The reimbursement claim and documentation of expenditures are audited by department staff and the payment is processed.
• After the project is completed, the project sponsor manages the site permanently for public outdoor recreation purposes.
• Every five years thereafter the DNR is required to inspect or obtain a self inspection certification from the sponsor for the site’s continued compliance with the LWCF program provisions.