A variety of landscape and biological community types converge within Missouri, situated as it is near the geographic center of the country. Examples of these many natural areas are showcased in the parks and public lands administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation and numerous regional, county and community authorities across the state. Besides preserving the natural heritage of our state, these areas offer the public numerous opportunities for all manner of outdoor recreation. Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 requires all federally funded transportation projects to avoid impacts to public parks unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative. When improvements to Missouri's transportation system are considered, parks and public lands are recognized as an important resource to be preserved and enhanced. If transportation impacts to parks are unavoidable, steps are taken to minimize harm and to mitigate the effect of the project. To compensate for impacts to parkland, replacement land of equal monetary value and recreational utility is often provided, particularly where Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act monies have been invested. These new parklands are usually located adjacent to the park that is being affected by a transportation project. Vigorous project scoping and ongoing coordination with park administrators avoids or minimizes impacts to parkland. For more on Parks: National Park Service Missouri Division of State Parks