DOI’s $279M for Parks, Outdoor Access Receives Praise From LWCF Coalition and ORR, Will Benefit Bowhunters

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations of which the Archery Trade Association (ATA) is a member, recently lauded the announcement made by United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, for $279 million distributed from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

“Robust LWCF funding is more critical now than ever, especially when used to improve access for recreational activities like bowhunting, conservation enhancements, and migration corridors,” said Dan Forster, vice president and chief conservation officer with ATA.

Bowhunters will directly benefit from this funding, which could go toward anything from range development to creating public land trails that enhance access. In addition, conservation initiatives are critical to bowhunters as they improve habitat and fund things such as hunter education and wildlife research. Another benefit for ATA members is the ability to see specific dollar amounts, which can be found below, that have been allocated to projects in their states.

“It is fitting that the Department of the Interior announced this funding for state-identified recreation and conservation projects on the first day of Great Outdoors Month® when the outdoor recreation industry, local communities, organizations and businesses are celebrating the economic and health benefits of recreating outside,” said Jessica Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “ORR applauds DOI and Secretary Haaland for committing this $279 million to all 50 states, U.S. territories and D.C. so that more Americans, no matter where they live, can enjoy the outdoors and support the economy of their local communities.”

These investments help support the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative by supporting locally led outdoor recreation and conservation projects to protect and enhance our nation’s public lands and waters.

Archers and bowhunters have continued to play an important role in conservation efforts nationally by purchasing equipment or hunting licenses. Funds, including federal excise taxes on archery gear, help state agencies protect and preserve our wildlife and wild places.

The allocation for each state and territory is determined by a population-based apportionment formula set in the LWCF Act. States and territories further allocate these funds to local projects, usually through a competitive process.

Fiscal Year 2022 Total Apportionments by State/Territory