LWCF News

The $8.93 billion disbursed in FY 2018 is $1.82 billion higher than the $7.11 billion the Department disbursed in FY 2017. The increase in disbursements is primarily attributed to higher oil prices and demand caused by an improved economy, expedited permitting, streamlined regulations, and the growth in exports.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced today that Interior’s disbursements from mineral and energy production on Federal and American Indian lands and offshore areas totaled $7.11 billion in Fiscal Year 2017, an increase of nearly $1 billion over the previous year.

Interior and the National Park Service announced today $13.3 million through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program to assist 22 cities in 17 states with projects to plan, build, and enhance parks and other outdoor recreation facilities in underserved communities.

The lands acquired today by the National Park Service are integral to the park and are highly valued for their scenic and resource values, providing key habitat for wildlife such as elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, deer, grizzly bears, wolves, and sage grouse.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell yesterday joined Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, the Chiefs of five American Indian tribes and leaders of The Conservation Fund to recognize the acquisition of a major American Indian site in Virginia.

Secretary Jewell and Wyoming Governor Matt Mead today announced an agreement to allow for the purchase and permanent protection of two State school land parcels located within Grand Teton National Park.

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Mike Connor made a special visit to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin today to learn more about the importance of the federally protected Horicon Marsh and the neighboring state lands and waters.

The 21CSC is part of an ambitious youth initiative to inspire millions of young adults and veterans to play, learn, serve and work in the great outdoors. This year’s funding announcement includes projects in 20 states.

The funds, which are generated out of a portion of the lease revenue from offshore oil and gas development, support state-identified and community-supported projects that create jobs, contribute to local economies, and grow outdoor recreational opportunities in virtually every county across the country.

The Department’s budget request supports meeting Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Native Americans, conserves important landscapes across the nation, invests in the next century of the National Park Service, and allows for responsibly managing energy development on public lands and offshore areas.