Sixty years ago last month, the United States took a monumental step in conserving its irreplaceable natural heritage by establishing the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF has since become the most important and successful conservation program in history, responsible for protecting America’s public lands and waters, improving outdoor recreation access, and safeguarding clean water, healthy wildlife habitat, and much more. 

As we celebrate its 60th anniversary, it’s a moment to reflect on the lasting effect LWCF has had and why its role is more critical and invaluable today than ever.

For six decades, LWCF and the thousands of projects it funded have driven the protection and conservation of America’s natural landscapes, historical sites and outdoor spaces. It is the only federal program dedicated to land and water conservation, creating public spaces for all to enjoy while helping fuel a $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. In partnership with local and state governments, nonprofit organizations and community groups, LWCF spans every corner of the country and every state — from national parks and forests to local parks, rivers and state beaches.

Remarkably, LWCF accomplishes all this without using taxpayer dollars. Instead, it is funded through a small part of revenues from offshore oil and gas drilling, directing these funds to preserve the landscapes at risk of destruction. This innovative funding model ensures that as our nation continues to develop its energy resources, we are simultaneously investing in the future of our natural heritage.

The story of LWCF is not just about preserving green space and generating economic investments. It’s about making the outdoors accessible to all — especially underserved communities. Many communities nationwide lack access to green spaces and outdoor recreation amenities. LWCF is a powerful tool for changing this. It has helped disadvantaged urban areas create parks, preserve wetlands, and establish recreational infrastructure that improves the health and well-being of residents while also providing protection from climate effects like urban heat and flooding.

The significance of LWCF in helping to address climate change cannot be overstated. From storing carbon in forests and wetlands to enhancing the resilience of our cities and towns, LWCF’s conservation efforts are now at the forefront of climate adaptation. Protecting green spaces, enhancing urban tree canopies, and expanding wetlands are some ways that LWCF projects safeguard communities from climate risks.

Even with 60 years of success, LWCF faces challenges. Despite the landmark passage of the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020, which secured permanent, dedicated funding for LWCF, the need for LWCF funding is greater now than in 1978, when the $900 million annual funding level was set. That figure should be far higher in today’s dollars to meet the nation’s growing conservation and recreation needs.

The solution is clear: We must continue to grow and support LWCF. We need to increase funding, streamline the process for critical conservation projects, and ensure that every community — especially those that have been historically underserved — has access to the outdoors. We must pass legislation like the Outdoors for All Act within the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, as it strengthens LWCF’s ability to provide resources to disadvantaged communities, includes direct access to funding for tribes, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature and outdoor recreation.

As we look to the future, the Land and Water Conservation Fund remains essential to protecting and enhancing America’s natural spaces. We must ensure that this program not only exists but thrives for the next 60 years and beyond, safeguarding our most treasured landscapes for future generations to explore, enjoy and cherish.