Following Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell’s conference at the National Press Club the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition commented on the Secretary’s remarks
Following Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell’s conference at the National Press Club today, Joanna Grist, Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition commented on the Secretary’s remarks:
“We applaud Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for championing a renewed commitment to America’s treasured places. Washingtonians understand that places like Mount St Helens and Puget Sound are more than just state icons, they are essential economic engines and cultural touchstones. Our public lands support a $22.5 billion outdoor recreation industry in our state alone. From mom and pop restaurants in gateway towns like Wilkeson outside Mount Rainier and outfitters like REI to tech companies like Google, access to the outdoors is a cornerstone to business success and an essential tool in attracting top talent to our region.
One of the best resources our nation has for protecting our outdoors and all that they represent is the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We fervently agree with the Secretary that it should be fully funded and reauthorized. For nearly 50 years, LWCF has been America’s premier tool for protecting our national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, rivers, and even local parks and playgrounds. LWCF has achieved all this without using any taxpayer dollars, funded instead by oil and gas royalty payments. However, Congress continues to divert these funds for unrelated spending despite the fact that voters overwhelmingly support conservation regardless of party.
A recently released bipartisan poll found that 85 percent of American voters want to see continued investment in LWCF. Americans understand that, whether you are a hiker, hunter, angler, bird watcher, or cyclist, this program ensures their favorite places will be preserved.
Thank you, Secretary Jewell for envisioning a strong commitment to conservation and urging Congress to support the Land and Water Conservation Fund so that our children and grandchildren can experience our nation’s great outdoors.”