● Revised LWCF Manual Now Available. The LWCF Grants Manual has been revised, reformatted and published as the LWCF State Assistance Program Manual, effective as October 1, 2008.  It can be downloaded by clicking HERE.  The new manual contains critical web links to other federal resources and forms necessary for administering the LWCF State Assistance Program.

●Proposal Description/Environmental Screening Form (PD/ESF).  The revised manual introduces the PD/ESF which guides the applicant through 1) the information required for the different kinds of LWCF proposals, from new applications and amendments to conversion requests, and 2) the environmental screening process that documents the reasons for the environmental pathway chosen (i.e., Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement).  In addition, this form contains the certification by the SLO that any appraisals conducted have been reviewed and meet the Uniform Standards for Federal Land Acquisition. 

●Manual Highlights.  In addition to introducing the PD/ESF, the revised manual 1) emphasizes the need for early coordination among state/local sponsor and NPS for conversions and other post-completion stewardship issues; and provides a clearer explanation of 2) the sponsor’s ownership and control of Section 6(f) areas, 3) existing regulations and policies for real property acquisition, 4) Section 106 compliance, and 5) recent changes to the administration of the Special Reapportionment Account.  Printed copies of the Manual will not be distributed by NPS.  The document may be downloaded to your computer work station to maintain the Web links.