Conservation & Recreation Funds

Status: Not Currently Accpeting

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.

LMF RFP Workbook

2025 Complete Workbook (PDF), Board Adopted Policy and Guidelines, November 2024

• Section I: Introduction (PDF)
• Section II: Conservation and Recreation Land (PDF)
• Section III: Public Access to Maine Waters Fund (PDF)
• Section IV: Standard Conditions & Next Steps (PDF)
• Appendix A, Inquiry Form (PDF) / Fillable (PDF)
• Appendix B, State Land Acquisition & Access Programs (PDF)
• Appendix C, Form for Proposal Budget (PDF) / Fillable & Calculates (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, Public Vehicular Access Policy & Procedures (PDF)
• Appendix I, Access Improvement Grants Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Appendix J, LMF Stewardship Award Policy (PDF)
• Appendix K, Frequrently Asked Questions (PDF)