MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Legacy Land Conservation Program is seeking applicants for grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to support the protection, through acquisition, of lands having value as a resource to the state.

The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides an annual source of funding for the acquisition and conservation of watersheds; coastal area, beach and ocean access; habitat protection; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.

“Legacy Land provides grants to partners — nonprofits, counties, or state agencies — that protect important lands and resources by acquiring land or conservation easements,” DLNR Chairman William J. Aila Jr. said. “The Legacy Land Conservation Commission provides an open process for review and public input to ensure that State Legacy Land funds are put towards projects that protect agricultural lands, watersheds, natural areas, cultural sites, and recreational lands for the public’s benefit.”

Proposed projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. County agencies and non-profit project applicants must be able to provide at least 25 percent of the total project costs.

On average, funded projects usually bring about 65 percent matching funds from federal, county, or private sources.

The 2013-2014 application cycle may provide approximately $3 million in grants, awarded through a competitive process and subject to any budget restrictions.

Funding is available through a portion of the state’s land conveyance tax set aside annually in the Land Conservation Fund for the purpose of protecting Hawaii’s unique and valuable resource lands.

Project applications will be reviewed by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which will nominate projects for funding.

Projects are subject to the approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, consultation with the state Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, review by the Department of the Attorney General and the approval of the Governor. Final awards are subject to the availability of funds.

This year, applicants are advised of an early deadline to allow additional time for consultation with state agencies.

The 2013-2014 grant application and instructions are available at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp

A one-page project summary must be submitted to consulting state agencies by July 19, 2013, and full applications must be received or postmarked no later than 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2013.

For more information on the Legacy Land Conservation Program, call (808) 586-0921 or visit: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp