Unless Congress acts, the
fifty-year-old Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will expire in
fifty days. From meeting with representatives to organizing Coalition partners,
we have been working hard to get Congress to reauthorize one of our best programs
for conserving and promoting access to our great outdoors.
LWCF takes a portion of the
money earned when oil and gas companies pay leases to the government for
offshore oil and gas drilling on our public waters and reinvests it in
preserving our outdoor treasures for future generations. LWCF has provided
funds for local, state, and national parks, trails, recreation areas, and national
parks and forests all over our state.
Last week, the Coalition organized
a gathering of groups who care about the LWCF and protecting our outdoor
heritage. Hunters, anglers, shellfish growers, conservationists, and outdoor
recreation advocates gathered in Issaquah to learn more about LWCF and how our
organizations can help save our nation’s premiere conservation program.
With only a few weeks left
until expiration, we need everyone who cares about our great outdoors to stand
up for LWCF. Please sign the petition
asking Congress to reauthorize the program, and visit the Coalition on Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word on the importance of LWCF
for preserving our outdoor heritage for future generations.
Photo: Nickay3111: “Paradise, Mt Rainier” via Flickr