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

"The intent of these grants is to contribute to the protection and conservation of unique cultural, natural, historical, and recreational resources that have value to people of Hawai'i," said Laura Thielen, Chairperson of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), according to a news release from her office.

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

The LLCP provides a 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.

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.

The 2008 application cycle will provide up to $4.7 million in grants through a competitive process. 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 land board, attorney general and the governor.

Earlier this year, the BLNR approved and the governor released $4.7 million from the Land Conservation Fund to one county and four non-profit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect five properties on Maui, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Hawai'i and O'ahu that have value as natural or cultural resources to the state.

The 2008 LLCP Grant Application and instructions are available at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp starting August 1, 2008. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., HST, on September 15, 2008. <http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp>