The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal assistance program administered by the National Park Service (NPS) at the federal level. The NPS provides the LWCF matching grants to the States, and through the States to local governments, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Funds for the program are derived from sales of federal surplus, a small portion of federal motorboat fuel taxes, and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues from the leasing of oil and gas sites in coastal waters. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department administers the fund at the state level through its Division of State Parks. LWCF is a reimbursable 50/50 matching grant.

Contacts:
Susan Henry/Grants Administrator 405-522-9521
Rhonda Moore/Administrative Assistant/Reimbursements 405-522-9522
Eve Atkinson/Planner & ADA Accessibility 405-522-9516

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a state-administered, federal aid program managed through the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in consultation with the Department of the Interior. The program began as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 and is now included in the FAST ACT. The Recreational Trails Program is a reimbursable 80/20 matching grant. In order to be eligible for funding through the Recreational Trails Program, each State must have a Recreational Trails Advisory Board. This Board must represent both motorized and non-motorized trail users. The Oklahoma Trails Advisory Board (OTAB) has nine members, seven of whom represent various types of trails use statewide, and two at-large members.

Contact:
Susan Henry/RTP Program Manager 405-522-9522

Many programs and services that are currently provided by Oklahoma State Parks could not be possible if not for the generous sharing of time and talents by park volunteers. Oklahoma State Park Volunteers are vital to many environmental education programs, special events, the maintenance of trails and activities that help to conserve and restore natural resources within state parks. Camp hosts are most important to the successful operation of many state park campgrounds. In addition to collecting camping fees, camp hosts are the goodwill ambassadors for this agency. They provide help, assistance and a welcome-greeting to park guests. Volunteers are most important state park partners. Oklahoma State Parks are deeply indebted to its volunteers.

The Oklahoma State Parks Passport program was developed to encourage 4th graders to live healthy, get active, and enjoy the beauty of Oklahoma’s 33 great State Parks. Over 17 percent of Oklahoma children are classified as obese and this program works to decrease that number by promoting fun physical activity. From yoga poses to park-specific challenges and activities, this program offers entertaining ways for children to get fit.

In keeping with the law under the LWCF Act, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department coordinates the production of Oklahoma’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP is a study that evaluates the demand and supply of public outdoor recreation resources throughout the State. The SCORP is used to identify priorities for acquiring, developing, and protecting all types of outdoor recreation resources and outdoor recreation programs throughout the State. All proposed LWCF projects must meet priority outdoor recreation needs as identified in the current SCORP to be eligible for assistance. The SCORP can be found online at http://otrd.ok.gov/OkTourism. An approved local Master Plan that shows a need for the requested recreational facility may take priority over the SCORP needs assessment.