What is the Land and Water Conservation Fund?

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters.  Read More >

Impacts

Conserving landscapes and meeting the present-day needs of local communities requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including private landowners. LWCF supports voluntary conservation partnerships with private landowners that help keep working farms, forests and ranches in production and support rural communities across America.
 

Cost Savings

Acquiring federal public lands protects important natural and cultural resources, but it often delivers an additional financial benefit: tremendous cost savings for American taxpayers.  Read More >
 

Access to Outdoors

Ensuring access to our nation's lands for all kinds of recreation – including hunting and angling – is a priority. The LWCF dedicates more than $4 million per year toward improving access for outdoor recreation. Read More >
 

National Trails

The U.S. is home to some of the longest trails in the world. Aside from providing outdoor recreational benefits, these long distance trails also support valuable programs such as Walk Off The War.  Read More >
  

Working Lands

Conserving landscapes and meeting the present-day needs of local communities requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including private landowners. LWCF supports voluntary conservation partnerships with private landowners that help keep working farms, forests and ranches in production and support rural communities across America.  Read More >
 

Keeping Our History Alive

Preserving America's heritage byprotecting the sites where American stories of personal struggle and hope have unfolded is the central mission of many National Park System units.  Read more >
 

Urban Parks

Protecting public outdoor spaces in urban areas –city parks, urban forests, wildlife refuges – provides an oasis to bustling city life. Urban green spaces offer kids safe places to play outdoors and people of all ages close-to-home recreational opportunities.  Read More >  
 

Protects Wildlife

To address the long-term conservation needs of at-risk species, fish and game, and important wildlife habitat, LWCF funding supports collaboration with private landowners, conservation groups and state, local and tribal governments.  Read More >