The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance (SLA) Program aims to enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities through the allocation of grants for the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and outdoor recreation areas, along with the development or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities. Managed by the National Park Service in collaboration with State Lead Agencies, this program supports projects across all 50 states, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The allocation of funds requires states to maintain a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), guiding the strategic use of grants based on recreational needs and priorities. Since its inception in 1964, over $5.2 billion has been distributed, benefiting more than 44,000 projects.