HONOLULU – The state is seeking applicants for $4.7 million in land acquisition funding through the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Legacy Land Conservation Program.

Applications are due Oct. 17.

Enacted into state law in 2005, the program provides matching funds for the acquisition of lands having a value as a resource to the state of Hawaii.

Nonprofit land conservation organizations and state and county agencies may apply for funding to conserve watersheds, coastal areas and beaches. Other eligible conservation projects include habitats in need of protection, cultural and historic sites, recreational and hunting areas, parks, natural areas, agricultural production, open spaces, and scenic resources.

Projects may include the acquisition of fee title or a conservation easement. County agencies and nonprofits must be able to provide at least 25 percent of project costs.

“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 the people of Hawaii,” said Laura Thielen, chairwoman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Project applications will be reviewed by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which will nominate projects for funding. Projects also are subject to approvals by the land board, the attorney general and the governor.

In June, $1.1 million in Legacy Land program funds was used to help the Maui Coastal Land Trust to purchase development rights to 168 acres at Kainalu Ranch on Molokai’s southeastern shore. The trust’s purchase of a permanent conservation easement was the first-ever use of the state program. The program derives its funding from 10 percent of the real estate conveyance fees.

Rancher Kip Dunbar also received the funds along with $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.

For more information on the Legacy Land program as well as an application form and instructions, go online to www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp.