The program intends to increase, protect, and enhance natural and scenic areas not managed by the state.
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Deadline: April 1, 2024
The DNR reviews all applications. Applications are judged based on consistency with strategic directions identified in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The proposed projects will be reviewed for natural resource and scenic qualities, educational and scientific values, adjacent lands, historical and cultural values, and local government commitment.
Funding Amount
$10,000 – $500,000
Grants are reimbursed up to 50% of the total eligible project cost. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made. In the past, grants have been funded with federal dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) and state lottery proceeds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
Eligibility
Projects
Fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition; minimal betterment activities (surveying, boundary signing) and active restoration efforts are eligible as part of an acquisition.
Land/Resource
Applicants
Cities, counties, townships, and school districts. Applicant must be the current or intended owner and manager of the property.
Government Entity
Land Type & Geography
Land managed by the state is not eligible for this grant. Projects must be within Minnesota.
Regional 
Local
Parks 
Trails
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| FY21 | $482,500 | 2 | $241,250 |
| FY20 | No applications received | 0 | — |
| FY19 | $1,048,000 | 4 | $262,000 |
| FY14-FY18 | Unfunded | 0 | — |
| FY12-FY13 | $975,000 | 6 | $162,500 |
FY21 Project Distribution
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $65,000 | Wright County | Acquire 20 acres within Stanley Eddy Park Reserve |
| $132,000 | Wright County | Acquire 59 acres, seed native tree species, and install signs |
| $192,500 | City of Mendota Heights | Acquire .94 acres for Oheyawahe park on nat’l register of historic places |
| $290,000 | Washington County | Permanent conservation easement for 31 acre parcel on Valley Creek. |
| $350,000 | City of Bayport | Acquire 11 acres along the St. Croix riverfront |
| $500,000 | Sherburne County | Acquire 171 acres with Mississippi riverfront and an island |