DENVER — Investments from the Land and Water Conservation Fund will restore natural infrastructure, help people and wildlife alike thrive, and increase access to nature across the nation. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s announcement about the distribution of $279 million to support parks and expand recreation is another example of the Biden Administration’s strong commitment to locally led conservation.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is one of our nation’s most effective tools to restore our lands and waters, tackle the biodiversity crisis and expand opportunities to get outside to enjoy hiking, biking, birding, camping, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor recreation,” said Andrew Black, public lands field director at the National Wildlife Federation. “We applaud the Biden Administration for continuing to advance its America the Beautiful initiative by prioritizing a diverse array of conservation projects in all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.” 

For nearly 60 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been used to support local, state, and national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. The fund was permanently authorized and funded respectively as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act and the Great American Outdoors Act.