Fifty-two million dollars is a lot of money and the U.S. Forest Service says that it is granting that much for conservation and working lands projects across the United States in 2012.

The Forest Legacy Program has selected 17 programs receiving $52.2 million this year.

"These projects will support rural economies and American jobs while protecting some of our most beautiful landscapes for our children and grandchildren," said Chief Tom Tidwell.

Funding for the Forest Legacy Program is highly competative. According to the U.S. Forest Service, projects that protect clean air and water, provide recreation, protect wildlife habitat, supports large-scale land conservation partnerships, and provide forest-related rural jobs receive strong consideration.

The 2012 Forest Legacy Projects are:

• Kentucky: The Big River Corridor, $5.1 million
• California: The Eel, $7 million
• Maine: The High Peaks - Crocker Mountain, $7 million
• Maine: The High Peaks- Orbeton Stream, $1.73 million
• Montana: The Stimson Forestland, $6.5 million
• Utah: The Green, $4 million
• Arkansas: The Maumelle Water Excellence, $4 million
• New Hampshire: The Androscoggin Headwater, $5 million
• Tennessee: The Fiery Gizzard, $500,000
• Idaho: The Boundary Connections, $3 million
• Hawaii: The Kukaiau Koa Forest, $2 million
• New Jersey: The Working Forests-Healthy Forests, $2 million
• Florida: The Thomas Creek Timberlands, $1.8 million

Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and South Dakota will each receive $500,000 in forest legacy funds to support state forestland-protection efforts.

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The campers have spoken! About Camping Readers submit campground reviews and the latest reviews have come from around the country -- Georgia, Illinois and Virginia.

• Trackrock Campground, Blairsville, Georgia
• Camping Islands, Grand Detour, Illinois
• Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield, Virginia

More: Check out the campground review state index or submit your own campground review. Better yet, nominate your favorite US State and US National Park for a camping award.

For more up-to-date outdoor news and campground reviews like About Camping on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Winter weather has returned across the country -- residents of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic woke up Saturday morning to snow on the ground; skiers and snowboarders are stoked with new snowfall in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Rockies.

Snow Creek ski resort in Missouri is reporting the top new snowfall this weekend with 72-inches. Mt. Ashland in Oregon is reporting the second highest weekend snow totals with 36-inches and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California is reporting a 27-inch weekend total, so far.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center, below-average sea surface temperatures associated with La Niña are expected to continue into spring.

With La Niña there is an increased chance of precipitation and below-average temperatures in the northern tier of states, the NWS stated in a climate report. Above-average temperatures and drier-than-average conditions are expected in the south-central and southeastern United States.

More on Winter: Snow Camping Photo Gallery | 9 Tips for Winter Camping

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Did you know Betty White has been camping in the Sierra Nevada her entire life? The Golden Girl is a longtime advocate for wilderness preservation and a supporter of the Wilderness Society. Adventure Journal posted this short film of White talking about the need for preservation of wild lands.

On wilderness: "It's where my soul lives," White says. "It was as close to heaven as you could possibly get on this earth."

The Wilderness Society is non-profit organization that works to protect wildlife, wild lands and healthy environments across America.

More: Wilderness Society | Protect Wilderness | Conservation and Camping| Adventure Journal

For more up-to-date outdoor news and camping gear reviews like About Camping on Facebook and follow on Twitter.