The Land Resources Division guides and supports the land acquisition program for the National Park Service (NPS). Since its inception in 1916, the NPS has served as the ultimate caretaker of America's most valuable natural and cultural resources, while providing for public use and enjoyment of those resources.
Today, the National Park System totals more than 84 million acres, yet more than 2.6 million acres of privately owned lands remain within NPS boundaries. Acquisition of all privately owned land within a given park boundary is not always necessary and, in some cases, not feasible. However, many of these lands are important for visitor use and preservation of resources and have therefore been identified to be protected in fee or by scenic/conservation easement interest.
Land acquisition funding is provided by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and uses zero taxpayer dollars. For additional information, please visit:
LWCF - Department of the Interior
