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 LWCF State and Local Assistance Program, established by Congress in 1964 and operated by the NPS, assists in providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. This is achieved through grants awarded to states, and through them to local governments and federally-recognized Indian tribes, for acquiring and developing lands and waters for parks and other outdoor areas, as well as renovating existing outdoor recreation facilities. To receive funding, states must have an approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that is updated every five years, which helps set priorities for using LWCF funds based on the assessment of outdoor recreation supply and demand. Additionally, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, created in 2014 and administered under the LWCF Act's authority, focuses on providing or significantly improving recreation opportunities in disadvantaged communities within larger urbanized areas. ORLP grants are awarded competitively and aim to not affect state apportionments negatively.