The United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced an investment of more than $1.3 million into multiple Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects across the Rocky Mountain region.

The investment will assist in funding critical inholding areas, recreational access projects and multiple acquisitions projects within four national forests, including at Sweetwater Lake within the White River National Forest in Vail, according to a release from USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region.

“These access projects will benefit hunters, anglers, and other recreationists across the Rocky Mountain Region by providing visitors with improved access to public lands and protecting critical wildlife habitat,” said Tammy Angel, acting regional forester. 

Other national forests such as Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota and the Nebraska National Forest will also be benefiting from acquisition projects.

The funds were authorized by U.S. Congress through the Great American Outdoors Act, USDA officials said. 

USDA’s Forest Service manages two LWCF programs that aim to conserve both public and private lands across the country. The Forest Legacy Program works along state agencies to encourage the protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. 

The Land Acquisition Program was sanctioned by Congress to create state parks and opens spaces, while also protecting wilderness, wetlands and refuges. Additionally it protects wildlife habitat and enhances recreational opportunities.

Throughout these two programs the Forest Service is committed to investing more than $217 million for projects, USDA officials said.