The purpose of a Section 6(f)(3) boundary map is to define the area being developed or acquired with federal LWCF grant money.  This area will be given the protection of Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act, which states that property acquired or developed with LWCF money shall not be converted to uses other than public outdoor recreation.

A Section 6(f)(3) boundary map also ensures that the area defined by the boundary line is a self-sustaining recreation unit.  Normally, this will be the total area of the unit receiving LWCF assistance.  In no case will it be less than the area to be developed or acquired under a given LWCF application.  All projects need to have a Section 6(f)(3) boundary map.

The Section 6(f)(3) boundary map is important to the sponsor!  It will prove priceless in cases of a project amendment, conversion-in-use, or any unexpected surprise--such as a court case.

What to Include in the map:

• Title of map.
• Project number.
• Date map was prepared.
• Land title or lease information summary.
• Outstanding rights and interests in project area or adjoining landowners (check for toxic waste dumps, strip-mining, and other incompatible land uses).
• Scale in feet.
• A North compass point.
• The words “Section 6(f)(3) boundary” should be written on the map with an arrow pointing to the boundary line.
• Include measurements (in feet) for at least some straight boundary lines.
• Map must be in black-and-white and capable of being photocopied.
• Boundary lines should be shown by dotted or bold lines--not colors.
• Whenever possible, maps should include some permanent locator--natural landmarks, adjoining ownerships--to aid in determining boundaries in the field.
• Finished map should be submitted on ledger-size paper (11”X17”).
• Map should be of as high a quality as possible.
• There should be two boxes on the map.  The first is a signature box, which includes a space for the signature of the Montana Alternate State Liaison Officer (ASLO), usually an FWP official. 
• The second smaller box is for acreage figures. In most cases, the total acreage of the site within the Section 6(f)(3) boundary should be noted.  See sample Section 6(f)(3) map.

A note about Section 6(f) Boundary Maps

According to LWCF rules and regulations, the project area within the Section 6(f)(3) boundary will become encumbered as an outdoor recreational site in perpetuity.  This means that it must be managed for outdoor recreation forever. 

Where should the lines be drawn?  At a minimum, the area must be a viable public outdoor recreation area capable of being self-sustaining without reliance upon adjoining or additional areas not identified in the scope of the project.  Usually, the boundary should be drawn around the entire park.

Do not include facilities or grounds not dedicated to outdoor recreation, such as office buildings, firehouses, helipads, cell towers, etc., as these things also become encumbered in perpetuity.  The sponsor may then face a lengthy and costly “conversion” process whenever modifications to such encumbered facilities are proposed.