Grant Programs offered by Division of Conservation Services
Secretary’s Letter for the Fiscal Year 2010 Grant Round 
Massachusetts Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Program
The LAND Program (formerly the Self-Help Program) was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions acquiring land for natural resource and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Lands acquired may include wildlife, habitat, trails, unique natural, historic or cultural resources, water resources, forest, and farm land. Compatible passive outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird observation and the like are encouraged. Access by the general public is required.
This state program pays for the acquisition of land, or a partial interest (such as a conservation restriction), and associated acquisition costs such as appraisal reports and closing costs.
Below you will find links to the most recent application package for your reference. Check this page often for news of the next grant offering.
LAND Grant Links
FY2010 LAND Application Package
FY 2010 LAND Application Form 
FY2010 Reimbursement Rates 
Effective for fiscal year 2010 grant round!
Program Regulations: 301 CMR 5.00
Contact:
Celia Riechel
(617) 626-1187
celia.riechel@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations
for Communities (PARC) Program
The PARC Program (formerly the Urban Self-Help Program) was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. Any town with a population of 35,000 or more year-round residents, or any city regardless of size, that has an authorized park /recreation commission is eligible to participate in the program. Communities that do not meet the population criteria listed above may still qualify under the "small town," "regional," or "statewide" project provisions of the program.
Only projects that are to be developed for suitable outdoor recreation purposes, whether active or passive in nature, shall be considered for funding. Grants are available for the acquisition of land and the construction, or renovation of park and outdoor recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, zoos, athletic play fields, playgrounds and game courts. Access by the general public is required.
Below you will find links to the most recent application package for your reference. Check this page often for news of the next grant offering.
PARC Grant Links
FY2010 PARC Application Package
FY2010 PARC Application Form
FY2010 Reimbursement Rates Effective for fiscal year 2010 grant round!
Program Regulations: 301 CMR 5.00
Contact:
Melissa Cryan
(617) 626-1171
melissa.cryan@state.ma.us
FY10 Grant Workshop Presentation 
Questions and Answers from the Grant Workshop
Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (P.L. 88-578) provides up to 50% of the total project cost for the acquisition, development and renovation of park, recreation or conservation areas. Municipalities, special districts and state agencies are eligible to apply. Nearly 4000 acres have been acquired and hundreds of parks renovated using the $95.6 million that Massachusetts has received from the state side portion of the federal program since 1965. DCS administers the state side Land & Water Conservation Fund program in Massachusetts. Access by the general public is required.
Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Links
Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements
Contact:
Melissa Cryan
(617) 626-1171
melissa.cryan@state.ma.us
This information is provided by the Division of Conservation Services