All the way: Our best conservation program would be fully funded under bipartisan bill

The idea that Americans should enjoy more and better-maintained parks, wildlife refuges, hiking trails and ball fields is earning bipartisan support.

The idea that Americans should enjoy more and better-maintained parks, wildlife refuges, hiking trails and ball fields is earning bipartisan support.

One June 11, Reps. Jeff Van Drew (D-N.J.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) introduced a bill to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Republican Reps. John Katko and Lee Zeldin of New York, as well as several dozen Democrats, signed on as cosponsors. The Senate is considering a similar bill, introduced by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.).

“LWCF is slated to receive $900 million per year, but, for decades, that money has been diverted to other programs,” said Erik Dumont, public lands advocate for our national network. “Congress needs to pass these bills to finally, fully fund LWCF.”

Our national network helped lead the effort to reauthorize LWCF after the last Congress let it expire. Overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in both houses voted to restore it.

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Photo: Kristine Oblock, Len Montgomery and Emily Struzenberg (front row, left to right) join Environment Colorado canvassers and other volunteers to call on Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to stand up for LWCF. Credit: Mark Laidlaw

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