Welcome to Our Lands & Waters Foundation.  Our goal as a 501(C) 3 organization is to work in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to realize the full potential of Corps managed parks as a natural resource that can be enjoyed by many more people.
 
For many years the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has had limited funds to maintain or improve the parks that are part of their system of lakes and waterways. An important Corps goal is to provide flood control, power, and navigation as well as the implementation of greater recreational, environmental, and educational opportunities for the public.
 
To assist in its mission, Our Lands & Waters Foundation applies for grants, makes memberships available, conducts fundraising activities on its own and in cooperation with other organizations, and contracts with vendors to bring needed services to the parks.  In addition the Foundation works to raise the level of public awareness of the lakes and parks and increase park attendance.
 
As funds become available, the number of lakes receiving support will increase.  Our Lands & Waters Foundation and its members as well as organizations that share its goals will work in a cooperative manner with the Corps of Engineers to preserve, protect, and enhance the lakes and parks. Renovation and repair of existing facilities are of primary importance as well as adding features that support the Foundation’s mission.  For example, although every lake has unique characteristics, there is potential for each to have an environmental learning area.  This could range from a multifaceted area with permanent structures to self-guided trails highlighting the plants and animals that populate the parks.
 
One factor will be the same in every case.  Our Lands & Waters Foundation works closely with nearby communities and civic organizations.   The Foundation’s website includes links to appropriate partners.  The Foundation is also a contact for groups that plan to conduct fun runs, walks, bike rides, and other activities at the parks.
 
We are just beginning this journey, and we are confident the number of parks served by Our Lands & Waters Foundation will expand rapidly over the next few years.