An American Victory: The Land And Water Conservation Fund Is Permanently Reestablished

ARLINGTON, Va. – In a historic demonstration of bipartisan governing, the U.S. Congress and the President have enacted the “John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act” (S. 47) that includes permanent reauthorization of America’s most critical conservation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

As originally designed by Congress in 1965, LWCF reinvests offshore energy revenues—not taxpayer dollars—in conservation and recreation access projects supporting critical waterways, wild habitats, historic sites and working lands. From iconic National Parks to community greenspaces, the permanently reauthorized LWCF will continue to increase recreational access to public lands, support economic development, and conserve special places across the United States in perpetuity.

Media Statement by Larry Selzer, President and CEO, The Conservation Fund:

“In a time of great political division and disagreement, one fact remains consistent – Americans agree that the protection of our beloved natural lands is paramount to our national identity and future prosperity.

“The passage of the public lands package (S. 47) is a true victory for 21^st century America. The economic, environmental, social, cultural and historical value the Land and Water Conservation Fund provides to states, communities, local businesses and anyone who visits our public lands is unmatched.

“The Conservation Fund applauds the bipartisan leaders in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate who have championed this program and have tirelessly worked to advance permanent LWCF reauthorization. We look forward to working with them and federal and state agency partners to ensure that the most threatened lands are conserved for people and wildlife alike.

“While we celebrate this new law together with a broad coalition of veterans, children, sportsmen and women, businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, mayors, forest companies, and family health organizations, we urge future congressional action to provide full, dedicated funding for LWCF to guarantee its important role in supporting local economies and improving the management of our public lands.

“We at The Conservation Fund see the reauthorization of the LWCF as a call to action from Congress—to work collaboratively with public and private partners to protect our treasured natural lands and enhance outdoor recreational access, making conservation work for all Americans.”

About The Conservation Fund
At The Conservation Fund, we make conservation work for America. By creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, we are redefining conservation to demonstrate its essential role in our future prosperity. Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states since 1985 to protect more than eight million acres of land.