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USDA Forest Service,
Lands and Realty Staff
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Mailstop 1124
Washington, DC 20250-1124
Phone: (202) 205-1248

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LWCF Purchases


The Land and Water Conservation Fund and
Your National Forests

Image of Dakota Prarie National Grasslands in North Dakota.Created by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for the the benefit of all Americans. From majestic forests and snowcapped mountains, to wild rivers and stunning beaches, these acquisitions become part of your national forests. Lands and waters purchased through the LWCF are used to:
  • Provide recreational opportunities
  • Provide clean water
  • Preserve wildlife habitat
  • Enhance scenic vistas
  • Protect archaeological and historical sites
  • Maintain the pristine nature of wilderness areas

Image of Etowah watershed in Georgia.Land is bought from landowners at fair-market value (unless the owner chooses to offer the land as a donation or at a bargain price).

The Fund receives money mostly from fees paid by companies drilling offshore for oil and gas. Other funding sources include the sale of surplus federal real estate and taxes on motorboat fuel.




Request for project nominations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 LWCF

The FY2013 LWCF project selection process has two stages. Regions will evaluate projects using the Strategic Landscape Acquisition Ranking System (SLARS). Following in November, a national panel will review each region’s nominated projects using the national scoring criteria (enclosed for reference). The selection will be competitive, merit-based and coordinated by the Washington Office (WO) Lands and Realty Management Staff.

The final project list will be selected by a national panel comprised of an inter-disciplinary team of WO and regional representatives The WO will forward a prioritized project list to the Office of Management and Budget through the Department of Agriculture. Those LWCF acquisitions that contribute to Secretary Vilsack’s goals outlined in the Department’s Strategic Plan will compete favorably. The Department’s strategic plan is available at www.usda.gov.

Because of anticipated reductions to LWCF funding for FY2013, new commitments to large, multi-year projects, will be challenging to accommodate. Therefore, we recommend that Regions focus on projects already in process and smaller acquisitions that can be completed in the FY2013 fiscal year.

NOTE: Nominations are due to the Washington Office by October 14, 2011

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