LWCF Tribal Hub
Trainings & Webinars

Watch the recordings. Join the next conversation.

A growing archive of recorded webinars built around plain-language LWCF guidance for Tribal Governments — and direct pathways to free technical assistance.

01
November 21, 2023
The Wilderness Society & NATHPO
Recording coming soon
Companion report (PDF)
Bridging the Divide webinar promotional graphic featuring speakers Anne Richardson, Michael Spears, Valerie Grussing, and Dan Hartinger

Bridging the Divide

Ensuring Equitable Access for Tribal Nations to Land and Water Conservation Fund Dollars and Other Conservation Funding

Launched a multi-year effort to understand and address the structural barriers Tribal Governments face in accessing LWCF funding. Drawing on the NATHPO/TWS research report released the same year, speakers examined why Tribal Governments have received less than one percent of LWCF State Assistance Program grants since 1965.

Speakers
  • Chief Anne Richardson, Rappahannock Tribe
  • Michael Spears, Senior Anthropologist, Anthropological Research LLC
  • Valerie Grussing, Ph.D., Executive Director, NATHPO
  • Dan Hartinger, Senior Director for Policy Advocacy, The Wilderness Society
02
October 20, 2025
The Wilderness Society
Watch the recording
Passcode: 9P6md*xW
Land and Water Conservation Fund 101 for Tribes webinar promotional graphic featuring speakers Anne Richardson, Dr. Maggie Carson, Dr. Ken Lucero, and Starlyn Miller

LWCF 101 for Tribes

What Is LWCF, and Can Tribes Receive Funding for Their Priorities?

Foundational orientation to LWCF for Tribal government staff — covering program structure, eligibility pathways, key terminology, and recent changes under the EXPLORE Act. Panelists brought perspectives from NPS program administration, Tribal technical assistance, and Tribal leadership experience with conservation funding.

Speakers
  • Chief Anne Richardson, Rappahannock Tribe
  • Dr. Maggie Carson (Ohkay Owingeh), Native Affairs Analyst, NPS
  • Dr. Ken Lucero (Zia/Cochiti Pueblos), Sr. Director, Tribal & Indigenous Lands, Trust for Public Land
  • Starlyn Miller, J.D., Sr. Director, Native Lands Partnerships, The Wilderness Society
03
November 25, 2025
The Wilderness Society
Watch the recording
Passcode: @kP6N1!.
Webinar slides (PDF)
Successful Partnerships in Action webinar promotional graphic featuring speakers Cheryl Rogers Cohenour and Steven Lassman

Successful Partnerships in Action

What LWCF applications look like in practice

Moved from program overview to applied experience, focusing on what LWCF applications look like in practice — including the partnership dynamics, timeline realities, and challenges Tribal Governments encounter. Speakers shared a case study of a Tribal-municipal partnership on an LWCF-funded project.

Speakers
  • Cheryl Rogers Cohenour (Cherokee), Chairman, Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission
  • Steven Lassman, Parks Capital Improvements Project Manager, City of Tulsa
Current series

ORLP Webinar Series — Trust for Public Land

A four-part series from the Trust for Public Land and the National Park Service on applying for ORLP, including a session built specifically for Tribal and Indigenous applicants. Recordings are posted here as sessions are held.

04
June 10, 2026
Trust for Public Land & National Park Service
Recording in production
We're working with the host to post this session.
Expected availability: Late July 2026
Promotional graphic for the June 10, 2026 ORLP webinar hosted by the Trust for Public Land
Past

Unlock Federal Funding to Expand Outdoor Recreation Access: A Guide to the ORLP Program

An introduction to ORLP and TPL's technical assistance for prospective applicants

Kicking off TPL's ORLP webinar series, this first session introduces the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program and TPL's new technical assistance resources for prospective applicants through its partnership with the National Park Service. Participants heard directly from NPS on program goals, eligibility requirements, and what's new for 2026, including expanded opportunities for Tribes and Indigenous communities. A case study presentation on Dream Keepers Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma offered a real-world look at what a competitive ORLP application looks like, followed by an overview of TPL's full ORLP technical assistance program.

Speakers
  • Trust for Public Land
  • National Park Service
05
June 24, 2026
Trust for Public Land & National Park Service
Recording in production
We're working with the host to post this session.
Expected availability: Late July 2026
Past

NEW Federal Funding for Tribal Lands: How to Apply to the ORLP Program

Designed for federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and urban Indian organizations

This session was designed specifically for federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and urban Indian organizations interested in pursuing federal funding for the acquisition of land and creation of outdoor recreation spaces through the ORLP Program. Participants heard from TPL's Ken Lucero and Faith Wells, joined by Maggie Carson of the National Park Service, on a historic change to the program: for the first time, federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply directly for ORLP funding. The session covered what Tribal and Indigenous entities need to know to pursue ORLP funding and how TPL's technical assistance program can support potential applicants, along with an extended Q&A.

Speakers
  • Dr. Ken Lucero (Zia/Cochiti Pueblos), Sr. Director, Tribal & Indigenous Lands, Trust for Public Land
  • Faith Wells, Trust for Public Land
  • Dr. Maggie Carson (Ohkay Owingeh), Native Affairs Analyst, NPS
06
July 8, 2026
Trust for Public Land & National Park Service
Recording in production
We're working with the host to post this session.
Expected availability: Late July 2026
Past

Before You Apply: Laying the Groundwork for ORLP Success

Pre-submission readiness — eligibility, partnerships, community support, and match strategy

Preparing a strong application for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program starts well before writing begins. This session walked participants through the foundational elements that position projects for success — from meeting state and federal eligibility requirements to building the partnerships, community support, and funding strategies needed to compete effectively. Speakers from the National Park Service and Trust for Public Land broke down pre-submission requirements, program priorities, and common challenges, with practical guidance on community engagement, match funding, and long-term project readiness. Participants also explored real-world examples to better understand what makes projects successful and how these practices can apply to newly eligible Tribal and Indigenous communities.

Speakers
  • Trust for Public Land
  • National Park Service
07
July 29, 2026 · 2:00 PM ET
Trust for Public Land & National Park Service
Register
Promotional graphic for the July 29, 2026 ORLP webinar hosted by the Trust for Public Land and the National Park Service
Upcoming

Step by Step: How to Write a Competitive ORLP Application

Application requirements, scoring criteria, and what distinguishes successful proposals

Ready to turn your outdoor recreation project into a compelling ORLP application? This session provides a step-by-step overview of how to create a strong application. Participants will gain a clear understanding of application requirements, scoring criteria, and how to effectively present their project's strengths. Through case studies and practical examples, speakers will demonstrate what distinguishes successful applications and how to apply those best practices to your own proposal.

Speakers
  • Trust for Public Land
  • National Park Service