Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization Passes the U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C.– The U.S. Senate voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as part of the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47). The bill now moves on to the House of Representatives.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is America’s most success conservation program, During its 50+ year history, it has facilitated projects in every state in the U.S. LWCF combines two complementary programs that work at the federal, state and local level. The federal program uses royalty revenue received from offshore oil and gas development to acquire high-value properties for addition to America’s national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. Lands acquired through the fund increase recreation access and make parks and forests easier to manage. The state program provides grants for the development and improvement of community  parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and public access points, promoting active, healthy lifestyles and gets kids and families outdoors.

"The Land and Water Conservation Fund is critical to our work to protect public lands and expand access to the outdoors for all,” said Jackie Ostfeld, director of Sierra Club Outdoors for All. “The LWCF helps to foster the creation of small public lands projects all across the nation, letting kids and families connect with nature close to home. This is so key in a time when kids are getting outside less than ever before, with negative impacts on social and emotional health."

“NRPA applauds the Senate, especially Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), for taking swift action on the Natural Resources Management Act, also known as the ‘Lands Package.’ This important piece of legislation helps provide our member agencies with the resources they need to ensure everyone benefits from parks and outdoor recreation. Because everyone deserves a great park.” -- Barbara Tulipane, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Recreation and Park Association.

“The Wilderness Society commends the U.S. Senate for its permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Senate’s long term commitment to LWCF will help to protect parks, forests, open spaces and recreation facilities for years to come. We urge the House of Representatives to join the Senate in permanently reauthorizing the fund as soon as possible.” -- Paul Sanford, National Director of Recreation Policy, The Wilderness Society and Vice Chair of the Outdoors Alliance for Kids.  

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About the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK): OAK is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with a common interest in connecting children, youth and families with the outdoors. The members of OAK are brought together by the belief that the wellness of current and future generations, the health of our planet and communities and the economy of the future depend on humans having a personal, direct and life-long relationship with nature and the outdoors. OAK brings together nearly 100 businesses and organizations, representing more than 60 million individuals to address the growing divide between children, youth and the natural world. For more information: www.outdoorsallianceforkids.org