The Trust for Public Land Statement on Senate Appropriations Bill

For over 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been the lifeblood of parks and open space in this country. We are grateful that the Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee has held firm on LWCF by maintaining the current level of $400 million in its draft bill. We are particularly thankful for the leadership of Chairman Cochran, Ranking Member Leahy, Subcommittee Chairman Murkowski and Subcommittee Ranking Member Udall for this much-needed support for LWCF in this year’s fiscal budget.

Our public lands not only make our communities healthier and happier, but are also a driver of economic growth across the country – and today’s action in the U.S. Senate is a big step forward to providing access to public lands for hunters, fishermen, hikers, bikers, birders and all those who love the outdoors.

We urge the Senate to continue its work and ensure that the Land and Water Conservation Fund is permanently reauthorized.