The Trust For Public Land Raises Concerns Over LWCF Bill

The Trust for Public Land today opposed a draft bill which would fundamentally change the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America's most successful conservation program.

The new bill was proposed by Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.

"LWCF works, and has worked well since it was created 50 years ago," said Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land. "Congress allowed the program to lapse Sept. 30, but it can correct its mistake by reauthorizing the program and permanently providing the whole $900 million the program should receive annually for conservation and outdoor recreation purposes."

"At a time when Americans seem more politically divided than ever, LWCF is example of something which we all agree on," said Rogers. "It is supported by both Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate, and if it were allowed to come for a simple vote in each chamber, it would overwhelmingly pass."

"Rep. Bishop's bill would damage a program which has helped millions of American families in all 50 states, from local parks to national parks. We've all heard the old adage that we shouldn't fix what isn't broken. LWCF doesn't need to be fixed. What it needs is to be reauthorized this year. Congress must act quickly to guarantee long-term protection for the lands we all love."