In less than 100 days, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a bedrock piece of conservation legislation, will expire unless Congress acts. LWCF is a federal program dedicated to the continued conservation and access to our national lands and historical sites. Without LWCF, our country will lose an essential tool in the preservation of America’s irreplaceable landscapes and history.
A friend of the Sierra Club since its inception in 1965, LWCF helps in the preservation of our national parks, forests, wilderness, battlefields and cultural sites across the country.
LWCF has funded more than 40,000 state and local outdoor recreation projects during its 50-year history. In doing so, it has preserved and provided access to public lands, parks, and sites across the nation for the long-term enjoyment of the American public. But this program is not only important for preservation of our natural and cultural history; it is also integral to our nation’s economy.
For years, congress has whittled away at the LWCF’s funding, diverting it elsewhere rather than conserving our lands and waters. However, despite the lack of funding, LWCF has been one of our countries most successful government programs. A recent study found that for every dollar spent on LWCF projects, $4 were returned to American taxpayers, proving that investing in our outdoor lands is a smart financial move.
This morning, Senators Heinrich (D-NM), Bennet (D-CO), and Ayotte (R-NH) were joined by Representatives Dingell (MI-12), Meehan (PA-7), and Thompson (CA-5) for a bipartisan, bicameral press conference calling for the reauthorization of the LWCF.
They came together in agreement that LWCF is an all-American program, reaching down to the grassroots of this nation with a project in nearly every county across the country. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12) hit the nail on the head when she stated, “Every single American is benefiting from this program.” Senator Ayotte added that reauthorizing and fully funding LWCF is “about who we are as a country, preserving our national heritage and natural resources so that everyone can have access.”
Their joint endorsement for reauthorization and adequate funding underscores the growing support for LWCF within Congress, and the need for Congressional leadership to recognize the issue.
If September 30th rolls past without an LWCF renewal, every state and district in the country will feel the damaging consequences to our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural landmarks. For this reason, the Sierra Club strongly supports this bipartisan movement towards permanent reauthorization and full funding for LWCF.