MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP) is seeking applicants for grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to fund the protection, through acquisition, of lands having value as a resource to the State of Hawai‘i.

State agencies, county agencies, and non-profit land conservation organizations may apply for funding.

“The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides an annual source of funding for the conservation of watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, 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,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR Chairperson.

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.

“Due to reductions in DLNR’s state budget funding, and uncertainty regarding future revenues, few or no awards may be issued in upcoming year; however, we feel it is worthwhile to proceed with a request for applications that can be considered for funding as that situation evolves,” said Thielen.

The 2009-2010 application cycle may provide up to $3 million in grants, awarded through a competitive process and subject to any budget restrictions. Project applications will be reviewed by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which will nominate projects for funding. Projects are subject to the approvals of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Department of the Attorney General and the Governor. Final awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Earlier this year, the Land Board approved and Governor Lingle released $3.3 million from the Land Conservation Fund for five projects to acquire and protect properties on the Islands of Hawai‘i and O‘ahu that have value as natural or cultural resources to the state.

The release of these State funds helped secure approximately $8.1 million in matching federal and private funds toward the protection of these lands.

Starting July 29, 2009 the 2009-2010 LLCP Grant Application and instructions are available at
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp

Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 16, 2009.

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