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The Land and Water Conservation Fund (“LWCF”) is the primary source of federal money that pays for improvements to public lands. Many of the country's most spectacular landscapes — places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Boundary Waters — have all been supported through this program. So, too, have local landscapes, like Starved Rock State Park, the I&M Canal, Volo Bog, Kennicott Grove, Deer Grove, and many more.
None of this money has come out of taxpayers' pockets – all of it is funded through royalties paid by oil and gas companies.
The LWCF is a shining example of bipartisan cooperation. That is because the LWCF helps to improve health outcomes in urban communities and expand hunting and fishing opportunities in rural areas. It has also added thousands of jobs to the economy and generates more than $2 in economic activity for every $1 it spends.
But now, the LWCF will remain inactive unless Congress acts to keep it. Two bills (S. 896 and H.R. 502) will permanently reauthorize the LWCF, while S. 569 would also fully fund it. Support from Illinois’ members of Congress is critical to passing these bills. Please help us to pass S. 569 and any other legislation that permanently reauthorizes AND FULLY FUNDS the LWCF.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (“LWCF”) is the primary source of federal money that pays for improvements to public lands. Many of the country's most spectacular landscapes — places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Boundary Waters — have all been supported through this program. So, too, have local landscapes, like Starved Rock State Park, the I&M Canal, Volo Bog, Kennicott Grove, Deer Grove, and many more.
None of this money has come out of taxpayers' pockets – all of it is funded through royalties paid by oil and gas companies.
The LWCF is a shining example of bipartisan cooperation. That is because the LWCF helps to improve health outcomes in urban communities and expand hunting and fishing opportunities in rural areas. It has also added thousands of jobs to the economy and generates more than $2 in economic activity for every $1 it spends.
But now, the LWCF will remain inactive unless Congress acts to keep it. Two bills (S. 896 and H.R. 502) will permanently reauthorize the LWCF, while S. 569 would also fully fund it. Support from Illinois’ members of Congress is critical to passing these bills. Please help us to pass S. 569 and any other legislation that permanently reauthorizes AND FULLY FUNDS the LWCF.
Openlands advocates for the open space and the environment on all scales. Visit Openlands.org/advocacy to find other ways to speak up.