What is LWCF?

Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) with bipartisan support in 1964 to promote recreational opportunities for all people living in the United States and to safeguard the country’s natural open spaces, water resources and cultural sites. LWCF funding has protected 8 million acres across all 50 states. More than $20 billion of LWCF funding has been invested in communities, conserving everything from majestic national parks to neighborhood-serving local parks.

Passed in August 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act will permanently fund LCWF at $900 million annually to support land acquisition, recreational facility improvements and park planning projects.

Fun Facts About LWCF

Did you know LWCF uses zero tax-payer dollars?

The LWCF collects royalties from federal offshore oil and gas leases and invests those earnings to protect and promote public lands, water resources and recreational open spaces.

Did you know LWCF projects are protected forever?

One of the greatest legacies of the program is that property acquired or developed using LWCF assistance must be maintained for public outdoor recreational use in perpetuity — guaranteeing outdoor opportunities for

Did you know the majority of LWCF projects are locally sponsored?

Approximately 75 percent of awarded LWCF grants have been used to support local projects that promote readily accessible, close-to-home recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Did you know LWCF is a powerful economic driver?

LWCF supports the outdoor recreation activities sector, which generates $646 billion annually and supports more than 6 million jobs.

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