Conservation Funding

Land and Water Conservation Fund

A visionary and bipartisan federal funding program for protecting our nation’s most special places. From Sterling Forest in the New York Highlands, to White Cap Mountain in Maine, to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, LWCF has funded the protection of some of our most iconic landscapes and trails in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic as well as numerous state and local parks across the nation.

30 X 30 Conservation Agenda

This bold national goal aims to conserve 30 percent of lands and waters in the United States by 2030 through administrative actions to ensure we can meet the challenge of climate change and provide space for wildlife and communities to thrive.

Highlands Conservation Act

The Highlands Conservation Act authorizes Congress to spend up to $10 million a year in federal matching funds for land preservation and protection in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands states (PA, NJ, NY, CT), as well to spend $1 million a year for U.S. Forest Service research and technical assistance programs.

Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP)

This program provides federal funding for conservation and restoration projects throughout the four-state Delaware River Watershed. The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act provides funding for the DRBRP program which supports water quality improvement, habitat restoration, flood mitigation, public access and recreation, strategic planning to enhance resilience, as well as planning monitoring and research. Congress has appropriated up to $10 million each year to support the competitive matching grant and technical assistance program.

Land for Maine’s Future

The Land for Maine’s Future is the state’s primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural and recreational value. The program was established in 1987 when Maine citizens voted to fund $35 million to purchase lands of statewide importance. In 1997, new priorities were set forth by a commission of Maine citizens. Since that time the program has administered multiple bonds and even instances of general fund appropriations. Learn more about Land for Maine’s Future.

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP)

This program makes matching grants to New Hampshire communities and non-profits to conserve and preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural, and historic resources to ensure the perpetual contribution of these resources to its economy, environment, and quality of life. Since its inception in 2000, LCHIP has invested $50 million through 498 grants in 176 communities, protecting more than 294,000 acres and 286 historic structures. Since 2008, LCHIP grants have been supported by small fees charged on four types of documents that are recorded at the ten County Registry Offices across the state. These modest $25 fees generate about $3,500,000 per year.