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Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program

Program objective

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development or renovation of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities in qualifying areas. 

The ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation (LWCF) Fund State and Local Assistance Program. ORLP was initiated in 2014 as a complement to the LWCF formula grant program. In 2024, Congress passed the EXPLORE Act, which further codified ORLP, established program priorities, and expanded eligibility to Tribal governments. Congress allocates money from the LWCF for ORLP, which is then awarded to eligible entities through a competitive process. 

In Michigan, this program will be jointly administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Department) and the National Park Service (NPS). Michigan's 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) assesses the existing outdoor recreation facilities and resources and growing demands for recreation activities and evaluates national and state trends.

Michigan's 2023-2027 SCORP ORLP

Program competition goals

The purpose of the ORLP Program is to 1) acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas.

The ORLP Program merit review panel will make project selections based on the EXPLORE Act. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under “Forms and Information for Applicants” explains those in detail.

    Applicant eligibility

    Any unit of government, including Native American tribes, or any combination of units in which authority is legally constituted to provide recreation. Applicants must have a DNR-approved community five-year recreation plan to be eligible. As designed, the purpose of the ORLP Program is to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in an eligible qualifying area.

    ORLP Qualified Areas are defined as:

    • An urban area that has a population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census; or  
    • two or more adjacent urban areas with a combined population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census; or  
    • an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe 

    Eligible project types

    Acquisition or development for a wide range of outdoor recreation uses and facilities needed to support the use and enjoyment of the area. Projects must involve publicly owned land or transfer of ownership by fee simple acquisition, to a public entity.  

    Ineligible project types 

    Indoor recreation centers and other buildings, such as nature centers or education centers; however, facilities to support the use of recreating, such as restrooms, can be eligible. 

    Deadlines

    Eligible applicants must submit an application in MiGrants no later than September 1, 2026.  The Department will submit the application and supporting documents in Grants.gov by November 1, 2026.

    An independent panel of outdoor recreation professionals reviews all applications.  Projects are scored based on their alignment with ORLP goals and merit review criteria.

    The Secretary of the Department of the Interior announces the projects selected for funding.  Applicants have one year to finalize a grant agreement with the NPS if the project is selected for funding.

    Dollar amount available

    The minimum grant request amount is $300,000 and the maximum grant request amount is $15 million.

    Source of funds

    Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund

    Authority

    Part 703 of P.A. 451 of 1994, as amended

    Contact - Finance and Operations Division, Grants Management Section

    Contact Christie Bayus, program manager, at 517-242-8737 or BayusC@Michigan.gov, or the grant coordinator for your region