Federal Funding
The Highlands Conservation Act
The Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) provides for the purchase and preservation of threatened lands in a four-state Northeastern corridor that includes NY, NJ, CT, and PA. In 2004, Congress passed HCA, authorizing $10 million a year in land conservation funding and $1 million a year in technical assistance for land conservation projects in the Highlands region for a period of 10 years. The program was reauthorized through 2021.
Most recently, the Highlands Conservation Act has been funded at $10 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, $20 million in FY 2019, and $10 million in FY 2016-2018.
Land Conservation Funding
Federal funding provided by the Highlands Conservation Act has helped protect more than 8,780 acres of the highest valued conservation lands in the region, in partnership with non-profit organizations and state and local governments. Provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $77.25 million in federal funding has been allocated to the Highlands program since 2004.
Yearly List of Funding Levels
2020: $10 million
2019: $20 million
2018: $10 million
2017: $10 million
2016: $10 million
2015: $3 million
2012: $5 million
2010: $4 million
2009: $1.5 million
2008: $1.75 million
2007: $2 million
Federally Funded Projects in the Highlands
Map and data provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
News
Click here to see all news
AMC's Protect the View Campaign Launches
The online campaign, Protect the View, seeks to build awareness and support for the protection of trail views and experiences within the greater Philadelphia area’s Circuit Trails network. Read More
Upper Bucks Rail Trail Opens
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in Richland Township to celebrate the opening of a new section of the Highlands Trail in upper Bucks County. Read More
PA Outdoor Corps in the Highlands
Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps member Kayla Snyder writes about this season’s work in the Highlands at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Read More