Land and Water Conservation Fund

The permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was passed in 2019, and full, permanent funding for the program was passed in 2020 along with the Great American Outdoors Act. LWCF has been called “America’s best conservation program,” providing funding for counties, states, and the federal public lands and waters. LWCF redirects a portion of revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling into conservation. Since its inception, it’s helped to create new places to get outside in all 50 states, protecting iconic places, among them the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Garden of the Gods in Colorado, the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio, Bozeman Pass in Montana, Olympic National Park in Washington, and Castle Crags State Park in California.

Outdoor Alliance helped secured permanent reauthorization of LWCF through the public lands package, and also worked to secure dedicated funding for the program. These victories were thanks to years of hard work and collaboration by the outdoor community, and many other conservation partners.

 
 

More Information

 
Featured
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Budget Cuts for Public Lands and Waters

Congress just passed appropriations for this year, and it included significant cuts to public lands.

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Senate Wants to Divert Funding from Vital Land Conservation Program

Despite a high demand for conservation, the Senate plans to redirect $100 million earmarked for land conservation through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

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Let the Great American Outdoors Act Stand, Say Leading Outdoor Groups 

PRESS RELEASE – Leaders from the outdoor industry issued the following statements today in response to a new order from Interior Secretary David Bernhardt that changes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) spending process by giving veto-like powers to state and local governments.

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How Will the Great American Outdoors Act Actually Work?

Now that the Great American Outdoors Act has passed, how does the program actually work?

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BREAKING: House Passes Great American Outdoors Act

Thanks to outreach from the outdoor community, billions in funding for public lands and waters, trails, green spaces, and parks now goes to the President’s desk for a signature.

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Two Historic Public Lands Bills Getting a Vote This Week

Outreach from the outdoor community is going to be key to getting both bills passed this week, and we’ve made it simple to send a message.

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How the Great American Outdoors Act Will Help You Get Outside

Congress is poised to pass billions of dollars in funding for public lands - here’s how the money stands to make a difference for California.

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House Expected to Vote on Great American Outdoors Act on July 22

The House will soon vote on billions of dollars in funding for parks, public lands, green spaces, trails, and outdoor recreation. Send a letter to your representative today.

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Senate Passes Great American Outdoors Act!

Today, the Senate voted to pass the Great American Outdoors Act. Next, the bill goes to the House and then, hopefully, onto the President’s desk where it becomes law!

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Senate to Vote on Great American Outdoors Act

As soon as next week, the Senate is voting on the Great American Outdoors Act, which would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address deferred maintenance on our country’s public lands and waters.