Conservation & Recreation Funds

Status: Accepting Applications

About the Funds

LMF funds assist with the acquisition of land or interest in land to:

• Provide outdoor recreation opportunities
• Provide access to Maine waters
• Support vital ecological or conservation functions and values
• Conserve rare, threatened, or endangered natural communities, plants, or wildlife habitat
• Conserve areas of scenic interest and prime physical features
• Protect sustainable working forests
• Protect deer wintering areas

Eligible Applicants

An application to LMF requires sponsorship from a suitable state agency. An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for LMF funding.

Funds often assist land trusts, municipal conservation commissions, local governments, private nonprofit charitable organizations, state agencies, and private foundations.

Application Materials

2023 Complete Workbook (PDF), Board Adopted Policy and Guidelines, December 2022

• Section I: Introduction (PDF)
• Section II: Conservation and Recreation Land (PDF)
• Section III: Public Access to Maine Waters Fund (PDF)
• Section IV: Completion Requirements (PDF)
• Appendix A, Conservation & Water Access Inquiry Form (Fillable PDF)
• Appendix A, Conservation & Water Access Inquiry Form (PDF)
• Appendix B, State Land Acquisition & Access Programs (PDF)
• Appendix C, Form for Proposal Budget (Fillable PDF)
• Appendix C, Form for Proposal Budget (PDF)
• Appendix D, Land Assets (PDF)
• Appendix E, Appraisal Standards (PDF)
• Appendix F, Model Project Agreements (PDF)
• Appendix G, Guidance for Working Forest Easements (PDF)
• Appendix H, Statutory Authority (PDF)
• Appendix I, Access Improvement Grants (PDF)
• Appendix J, Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)