LWCF News clips from Signal Outdoors Mid April 2021
LWCF Press Clips 4.12.21 – 4.16.21
Arkansas
Deal in works to buy wildlands near Pinnacle Mountain
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 4/11/2021
“The Nature Conservancy and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission hope to raise enough money to add additional 458 acres in the west Little Rock-Maumelle area for conservation and outdoor recreation. Blue Mountain, the westernmost peak in the Maumelle Pinnacles chain, lies near Rattlesnake Ridge and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
The commission has submitted grant proposals to the Division of Arkansas Heritage’s Natural and Cultural Resources Council and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund for a significant portion of its $4 million project share, according to a news release. The Nature Conservancy pledged to raise $1 million to help buy the property and at least another $1 million for long-term management of the property and the development of trails and other amenities. It has raised more than 75% of these funds already, said Jen Barnhouse, director of philanthropy.”
Florida
New ADA playground at Spring Park allows all children to have fun
Clay Today, 4/14/21
The City of Green Cove Springs has made a significant addition to Spring Park with a new playground area specially designed for disabled children.
“I’ve been working on the playground for the last six months,” said Steve Thomas, Assistant Director of Public Works for the city. “We’re going to try to finish up the grant here this month.” The grant from the Florida Land and Water Conservation Fund Program gave the city $200,000, which it added to the same amount from its budget to do different projects. Out of that amount, the new playground, which originally was approved in 2018, cost $892.99.
Georgia
Two acres of amphitheater property in North Augusta set as permanent recreation space
Columbia Country School District News, 04/07/2021
“North Augusta is solidifying its use of the new amphitheater in the City… City leaders are getting around to start booking it with regular events. Since last summer when it opened, a number of residents and visitors visited the amphitheater on a daily basis, bringing their pets, their children, their picnic blanket, and they enjoy it on a regular basis…”
“This week, City Council dedicated two acres of the space to be permanent recreation space. The City would not be able to use the space for anything but recreational activities, including concerts. “It’s simply a requirement that we have by the federal government based on some grant monies that we’ve received in prior years that required the City to permanently designate certain areas as dedicated recreation space,” Moody shared. Because of money received from the federal land and water conservation fund years ago, the City was forced to make that distinction.”
Hawaii
Hawai‘i Residents Invited to Take Survey on State Parks
Hawai’I Public Radio, 04/14/21
“Hawai‘i residents are currently invited to take a survey about the current condition of state parks, future recreation and facilities developments, as well as the protection of cultural sites. It’s an opportunity to impact how our recreational spaces will develop in the next five years.
The survey is one aspect of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, a plan prepared by the Department of Land and Natural Resources about every five years to identify recreational needs and trends across the islands.”
Iowa
Dubuque unveils plans for Comiskey Park improvements
Telegraph Herald, 4/13/2021
“The Dubuque Park and Recreation Commission on Tuesday unanimously recommended approval of a concept master plan and phase 1 proposal for the Comiskey Park redesign and expansion project…”
“About $600,000 will be funded through grants the city has been approved for, including a $508,000 Land and Water Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a $100,000 grant from the Wellmark Foundation. The remainder will be covered through city funding, though Ware noted the city is still applying for eligible grants for the project. The city had originally budgeted about $1.2 million for the project, including grant funds.”
Louisiana
Pool set to open; city upgrades parks
The Daily Star, 04/07/2021
“…According to the city’s spokesperson, city officials want to add two play structures to the Cate Square playground … Requests for proposals for the new playground equipment have already been advertised. Along with the main equipment also sought are freestanding activity panels and an accessible and inclusive merry-go-round-like play structure. These improvements will make the playground the most accessible and inclusive of the city’s playgrounds and could serve as a model for future improvements in other parks, the city’s spokesperson said. The first of the two-phase redevelopment of Mooney Avenue Park is underway.
Michigan
Boardman Lake Trail bid tops $4M
Traverse City Record Eagle, 4/11/2021
“Work on the first phase of a project to loop the Boardman Lake Trail will resume shortly, and Traverse City commissioners will decide on a contract to build the second phase. It could cost $4,062,774.53, more or less, to build the trail from Northwest Michigan College’s University Center off Cass Road south to Medalie Park…”
“Brownfield plan reimbursements will cover more than $4 million for both phases, with TART Trails raising hundreds of thousands to match $750,000 in state Natural Resources Trust Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. Garfield Township agreed to pony up more than $1 million, including $800,000 for a maintenance trust fund. Michigan Department of Transportation also granted $836,143 for the first phase, as previously reported.”
Montana
Bozeman nonprofit nears goal of purchasing remote ranch as April 30 deadline looms
Montana Standard, 4/14/21
A remote ranch next door to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness south of Big Sky is being offered for sale to a Bozeman-based nonprofit, but the $2.9 million purchase price has to be raised by April 30.
New Mexico
Heinrich Tours Expanded Access Route To Achenbach Canyon Made Possible By Land And Water Conservation Fund
Martin Heinrich Press Release, 04/08/2021
“U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hiked an expanded access route to Achenbach Canyon – a project made possible through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the number two priority nationally on the Recreation Access funding list.
“Securing access to Achenbach Canyon through Land and Water Conservation Fund recreation access funding is a huge win for our community. This means access for future generations. It opens up a one of kind desert landscape. All of this is due to the hard work put into fully funding LWCF and Sen. Heinrich was a strong champion of that work,” said Patrick Nolan, executive director of Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peak. “
Ohio
City of Elyria awarded over $360k for West Park Improvement Project
The Morning Journal, 04/09/2021
“The city of Elyria received a $362,500 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund for a West Park Trail and Improvement Project…The funding will include the development and construction of: 1.2-mile all-purpose loop trail, including additional internal park paths to connect existing fields and facilities; four pickleball courts; and additional outdoor restroom facilities.
The West Park Trail also will connect with the neighborhoods surrounding West Park by providing additional access to park facilities from Clemens Avenue and Lowell Street – an element of connectivity important through the developing Elyria Active Transportation Plan, the release said.”
Ohio communities to receive more than $3.5 million for outdoor recreation projects
The Highland County Press, 04/12/21
“The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has recommended projects from 10 local communities for more than $3.5 million in grant funding to improve and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation. The money is provided through federal matching grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
These projects will give more Ohioans a chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “Improving parks, playgrounds, trails, and outdoor spaces will encourage people to get out and see what their own communities have to offer. I’m delighted that another 10 projects could be supported by the LCWF,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “The assistance provided by this program will help make outdoor spaces safer and more accessible for all Ohioans.”
Wyoming
City to apply for grant to create some shade at ‘Field of Dreams’
Gillette News Record, 04/12/21
“The city of Gillette will apply for a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program to build picnic shelters and make other improvements at the Energy Capital Sports Complex.”
Wyoming area to see about ~$184M under Great American Outdoors Act
Oil City News, 4/13/21
“The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) announced this April that they will invest about $1.6 billion in 2021 “to address critical deferred maintenance projects and improve transportation and recreation infrastructure in national parks, national wildlife refuges and recreation areas, and at Bureau of Indian Education schools.”
Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and other public land areas in Wyoming are slated to see around $184 million in funding for various projects. A full list of projects to be funded is available online.”
