In line with the celebration of the Great Outdoors Month, the Department of the Interior announced the allocation of $279 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects.
“One of the best investments we can make is in stewarding the lands and waters that sustain us and the generations to come. Today we are making critical investments that will help expand access to the outdoors for communities across the country, all while creating jobs and safeguarding the environment from the effects of climate change,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is an integral part of advancing President Biden’s conservation vision, which recognizes the need to address the nature and climate crises, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and strengthen the economy.”
According to a press release, since 1965, the LWCF has provided $5.1 billion to aid 45,000 projects across every county across the country. For no cost to taxpayers, the LWCF promotes increased public access to and protection of federal public lands and waters — including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas — and provides matching grants to state governments for the acquisition and development of public parks and other outdoor recreation sites.
The allocation for every state and territory will be determined using a population-based apportionment formula set in the LWCF Act. States and territories further distribute the funding to local initiatives, typically via a competitive process.
Out of all 50 states, California has received the highest allocation at $23,646,441 followed by Texas with $16,369,794 . New York will receive $12,711,817 to fund outdoor recreation and conservation projects.
These funds help assist Biden-Harris’s America the Beautiful initiative by supporting local conservation and outdoor recreation projects to preserve and improve the nation’s public land and waterways.
Access to outdoor recreation helps strengthen and enrich communities,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps enable state and local governments to upgrade parks and recreation areas in their communities and create new outdoor spaces to ensure everyone has access to recreation opportunities close to home.”
Did you catch the fact that the Department of the Interior is investing in outdoor projects to spruce up urban parks and back recreational spots in diverse communities? It’s not just about the great outdoors. this move also supports wildlife and helps us all feel more connected to nature. Pretty cool, huh? What’s your take on this awesome initiative?