DENVER — The Biden Administration’s plan to invest $1 billion, in partnership with the private and nonprofit sectors, in the conservation and restoration of America’s lands and waters embodies the approach needed to secure America’s outdoor heritage for future generations, recover wildlife, connect habitat, and strengthen resilience.

“If we’re serious about conserving and restoring America’s lands and waters for future generations of people and wildlife alike, collaborative partnerships are essential to the success of the America the Beautiful initiative. This long-term investment and partnership with the nonprofit and private sector underscores how the Biden Administration is serious about lands conservation, resilience, watershed restoration, equitable access, and connectivity,” said David Willms, senior director of Western wildlife and conservation at the National Wildlife Federation.

The America the Beautiful Challenge will be initiated thanks to an initial commitment of $440 million of federal funds over the next half decade. The $1 billion, supported through additional private and philanthropic giving, will be invested in conservation and restoration projects led by states, Tribes, territories, and nonprofit and private organizations. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will administer the competitive public-private grant program.