FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2026 

State is seeking land and water conservation grant applications  

Communities can request up to $500k in matching funds for local projects  

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Parks Division wants to award up to $3.54 million in grants to support local outdoor recreation and conservation projects across the state.  

The funding is New Mexico’s 2026 allocation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal program dedicated boosting outdoor recreation by conserving or improving natural lands.  

Eligible New Mexico entities—which include cities, counties, towns, pueblos and other tribal communities—can apply for up to $500,000 per eligible project. The application period is now open and runs from Sept. 8 of this year to Jan. 5, 2027.   

“The LWCF is the only federal program solely dedicated to outdoor recreation, providing matching grants to states, local governments, and Tribes for projects like ballfields, trails and protecting natural areas,” said Toby Velásquez, director of New Mexico State Parks. “These funds help create and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities that improve the quality of life for our New Mexico communities.” 

LWCF funds were used to construct stage shelter at Hon. Judge Rueben E. Neives Courtyard.

The LWCF program offers up to 50% matching reimbursement for approved project costs. Applicants may request up to $500,000 per project. Eligible investments include new community parks, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, publicly accessible nature preserves and expansions to local hiking or multi‑use trail systems. 

Application materials and detailed instructions are available on the LWCF webpage: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/land-and-water-conservation-fund/. 

Since 1965, New Mexico has received more than $312 million from LWCF to complete more than 1,200 projects — spanning everything from local playgrounds to major State Park facilities.