Land Conservation Partnership Grant: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program

Land Conservation Partnership Grant: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)
Last Updated: July 11, 2025

Summary

The Land Conservation Partnership Grant and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program support communities in enhancing outdoor recreation access through matching grants. Projects may include trails, pavilions, and fishing docks, aiming to connect people with nature. Eligible applicants include non-profits, local governments, and schools, with funding based on project viability and impact. Priority is given to projects in identified Community Conservation Tiers, ensuring effective use of limited resources for maximum community benefit.

Overview

Land Conservation Partnership Grant The Land Conservation Partnership Grant is a competitive, matching grant to help communities acquire land or easements and provide opportunities for land conservation or outdoor recreation access. Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program is a reimbursement-based grant program for enhancing public access and opportunities for citizen engagement in conservation-related outdoor recreation through the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure. Examples of possible projects include a community trail system that connects urban residents to natural habitats, an outdoor pavilion, an outdoor community archery range, or a public fishing dock. Funding will be based on available funds, viability of the proposal, and the extent to which the project advances MDC’s goal to connect people to nature. Additional Considerations Please look at the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Program Request for Proposal to learn more about the below considerations. Fishing and Boating Access ProjectsShooting Range Projects Funding There is not a set project/award dollar limit. Project proposals will be carefully evaluated to ensure limited dollars are directed towards projects that will create the greatest overall impact for expanding Missouri’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Funds will be provided for awarded projects as reimbursement upon project completion.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Non-profit organizations, local governments, schools, and other government partners are eligible to apply.Projects should be focused on providing opportunities for people to connect to nature through conservation-related outdoor recreation. The proposed amenity must be open to the general public on a regular basis throughout the year (e.g. on public land). Proof of ownership or a tentative agreement with the party that owns the land will be a requirement for the application. Habitat enhancements (e.g. prairie construction, tree planting) could be considered as a component of projects if the purpose is to incorporate nature into an outdoor recreation opportunity, but habitat enhancement projects not associated with outdoor recreation should be directed towards MDC’s Landowner and Community Assistance Program. All plants and seed used must be native to Missouri and Missouri sources are preferred.For construction projects, best management practices will be required to minimize impacts to habitats and to control sedimentation/erosion. Successful applicants are expected to provide at least 50% (1:1) match (in-kind match is allowed for non-maintenance activities), except:For zip codes in which median household income is below 40% of Missouri’s median household income, as reported by the US Census Bureau, only 25% partner match is required. Funds will be provided upon completion of the project. Match requirements for fishing and boating access projects and shooting range projects over $100,000 may be eligible for higher cost share due to federal aid reimbursement through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program or America the Beautiful Challenge Grants.Projects must meet all federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Projects must comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.