Press Releases

LWCF Coalition Celebrates Historic Passage of the EXPLORE Act

Bipartisan Legislation Will Expand Outdoor Access, Boost Local Economies, and Ensure Expanded Park and Recreation Opportunities

December 19, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition commends the U.S. Senate for its historic, unanimous passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This monumental bipartisan achievement secures a brighter future for parks, public lands, and communities across the nation by enhancing outdoor access, particularly for low-income communities. With today’s passage, the EXPLORE Act now heads to the President's desk for signature. The US House passed the measure earlier this year.

Historic Funding Boosts U.S. Forest Service’s Conservation Efforts for Working Forestlands

Inflation Reduction Act Drives Unprecedented Investment in Rural Communities

December 11, 2024: The U.S. Forest Service has announced a landmark investment to conserve working forests across the country, backed by substantial funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. This year’s combined effort from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) invests nearly $544 million to protect over 608,000 acres of our most ecologically and economically valuable private forestlands. This most recent $125 million allocation from the Inflation Reduction Act will protect 105,000 acres of forestland through 16 projects in 10 states. 

Historic Funding Boosts U.S. Forest Service’s Conservation Efforts for Working Forestlands

Land and Water Conservation Fund and Inflation Reduction Act Drive Unprecedented Investment 

October 29, 2024: The U.S. Forest Service has announced a landmark investment to conserve working forests across the country, backed by substantial funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This year’s combined effort is utilizing nearly $420 million to protect over 500,000 acres of our most ecologically and economically valuable private forestlands. The $265 million allocation from the Inflation Reduction Act will protect nearly 335,000 acres of forestland through 21 projects in 17 states.

LWCF Coalition Celebrates DOI’s Largest Investment Ever in Local Parks and Outdoor Spaces Through ORLP Program 

September 25, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition is thrilled to celebrate the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and National Park Service’s (NPS) announcement of an historic $254.68 million LWCF investment to revitalize and create new local parks via 54 projects in 24 states for underserved communities.

The Celebration of LWCF’s 60 Years of Conservation Continues – Members of Congress Weigh in Below 

September 3, 2024: On September 3, 1964 – 60 years ago – the most important and successful conservation and recreation program ever, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), was enacted into law. This historic bipartisan legislation established a means for the protection of America’s irreplaceable natural, historic, cultural, and outdoor treasures, including essential watersheds, open spaces, parks, trails and more. To date, LWCF has invested more than $22 billion in locally-driven projects that range from the smallest local parks to large connected landscapes. That legacy was strengthened in 2020 with passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, which guaranteed that LWCF’s $900 million in annual funding would be dedicated to its intended purpose, permanently.  As we continue to honor our nation’s commitment to conservation, outdoor recreation and the health of our communities in an evolving world, we also recognize that the floor of $900 million is a foundation we must continue to build upon. The equivalent of a football field of undeveloped land in the U.S. is lost every 30 seconds.  We and our bipartisan champions continue to work to grow annual funding above and beyond the $900 million achieved in the Great American Outdoor Act to address the pressing now-or-never conservation and recreation needs in every corner of the country. The LWCF Coalition is pressing Congress to provide an additional investment of at least $450 million annually.    

LWCF Coalition Applauds DOI Stateside Assistance Program Funding

August 8, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition today praised the announcement by the US Department of the Interior that it was distributing $325 million to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program.  This is the largest distribution since 1979.

LWCF Coalition Applauds DOI’s Major Investment in Local Parks and Recreation 

Urges Action on Making Outdoors Accessible to All

August 7, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauds the Department of the Interior’s announcement allocating $46.7 million in funding to support the revitalization and creation of new local parks in 10 communities across the United States, including Tucson, Arizona; Porterville, California; Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; New Brunswick, New Jersey, Garner and Raleigh, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; and Houston, Texas. 

LWCF Coalition Statement on LWCF Allocations within the Senate Interior Appropriations Bill

July 25, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Tom Cors, senior director for legislative affairs at The Nature Conservancy and spokesperson for the LWCF Coalition, regarding the FY 2025 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill.

"We are grateful to Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Patty Murray (D-WA), leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Ranking Members Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), leaders of the FY25 LWCF Appropriations Letter, for their steadfast support and leadership in securing critical funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This bill reaffirms the vital role that LWCF plays in our nation's conservation and recreation efforts, protecting watersheds, public lands, open spaces and more.”

U.S. Forest Service Announces Major Funding to Conserve Private Forestlands Through the Forest Legacy Program

May 13, 2024: The U.S. Forest Service, with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Inflation Reduction Act, announced a significant investment in the conservation of America’s private forests. This year, a combined effort will conserve more than 168,000 acres of some of the most economically and ecologically significant private forestlands in the nation. The $154 million investment, including $84.3 million from LWCF and $69.5 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, will fund 26 projects across 17 states.

LWCF Coalition Applauds House Passage of Outdoors for All, EXPLORE Act

April 9, 2024: The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a broad package of recreation-oriented bills, overwhelmingly passed the US House of Representatives today with bipartisan support.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauds the bill, its bipartisan champions and the fact it includes a key Coalition priority, the Outdoors for All Act. That provision within EXPLORE will give Americans without adequate park access, particularly those living in low-income areas, greater opportunities to experience green spaces and public lands.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Department of the Interior's Major Investment in Local Parks and Recreation

March 28, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition is excited about the Department of the Interior’s announcement allocating $58.3 million in funding to support the revitalization and creation of new local parks in 14 communities across the United States. Redding, San Francisco, and Madera CA; Bridgeport, CT; South Bend, IN; Louisville, KY; Detroit, MI; Paterson, NJ, New York City, NY; Raleigh, NC; Bethlehem, PA; Florence, SC; Laredo, TX; and Richmond, VA are set to benefit from this substantial investment that will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and improve the quality of life for locals, tourists, recreationists and more.

LWCF Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget Announcement

March 26, 2024: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement from Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition, recognizing the President’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in his FY25 budget announcement:

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and its many benefits are critical to preserving America’s most treasured landscapes and bolstering our local and national outdoor recreation economies. Maintaining LWCF’s time-tested success, as a bipartisan program that effectively delivers for all of America, requires robust, ongoing investment. We are heartened by the President’s LWCF FY25 budget, which will put these funds to work – consistent with the underlying LWCF statute’s allocation requirements among federal efforts and a suite of state and local grants – to complete hundreds of locally driven, vetted conservation and recreation access projects across the country, including many iconic priorities specifically identified in the budget request.”

LWCF Coalition Objects to Conservation Clawback in Spending Bill

March 5, 2024: Calling it out of step with the spirit of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today sharply criticized the decision in the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior and Environment  Appropriations bill to rescind $94 million in pre-GAOA funding needed for critical land and water conservation projects across the United States.

LWCF Coalition Praises Bipartisan House Natural Resources Committee Action on Outdoors for All, EXPLORE Act

January 17, 2023: The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a broad package of recreation-oriented bills, today passed its first legislative test in the US House of Representatives.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition welcomes the action by the House Natural Resources Committee to approve this legislation, which includes a key Coalition priority, the Outdoors for All Act.  This provision within EXPLORE will give people without adequate park access, particularly those living in low-income or park-poor areas, greater opportunities to experience green spaces and public lands.

LWCF Coalition Praises Bipartisan House Natural Resources Committee Action on Outdoors for All, EXPLORE Act

November 29, 2023: The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a broad package of recreation-oriented bills, was introduced today in the US House of Representatives.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition welcomes the bill’s introduction and the inclusion of a key Coalition priority, the Outdoors for All Act.  That provision within EXPLORE will give Americans without adequate park access, particularly those living in low-income areas, greater opportunities to experience green spaces and public lands.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Department of the Interior's Investment in Local Parks and Recreation

November 8, 2023: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition is thrilled to applaud the Department of the Interior’s announcement allocating $21.9 million in funding to support the revitalization and creation of new local parks in five communities across the United States. Anchorage, Alaska; Moorhead, Minnesota; Greensboro, North Carolina; Buffalo, New York; and Norfolk, Virginia, are set to benefit from this substantial investment that will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. This commitment, made possible through the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, underscores the Department of the Interior's commitment to promoting community engagement with the great outdoors.

LWCF Coalition Disagrees with $100 Million Rescission of LWCF Funding for Local Communities, Urges it be Dropped

July 28, 2023 The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Amy Lindholm, LWCF Coalition Manager for the Appalachian Mountain Club and spokesperson for the LWCF Coalition, regarding a $100 million rescission of LWCF funding for local communities in the Senate’s proposed FY24 appropriations bill.

“The LWCF Coalition recognizes the stark fiscal constraints limiting new spending in this bill, but we fundamentally disagree with the use of previously appropriated LWCF funds to balance the books.  Those funds must remain in place so communities across America can address critical conservation needs, provide access to recreation and nature, address park equity gaps, and support essential outdoor economies and jobs. We are disappointed and concerned by this proposed rescission, and we urge that it be dropped as the FY24 process proceeds.”

LWCF Coalition Praises DOI’s Nearly $300 million distributed for Parks, Outdoor Access

July 21, 2023: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today praised the announcement made by United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland that nearly $300 million will be distributed from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

LWCF Coalition Celebrates 3 Million Total Acres Protected by USFS Forest Legacy Program

Joins in Celebrating Quill Hill to Perham Stream Project and Lauds New Funding Opportunities

LWCF Coalition Applauds Inclusion of Equitable Outdoor Access in America’s Outdoor Rec. Act

May 17, 2023: The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today commended the Senate markup of America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) and the inclusion of the Outdoors for All Act in the package in the following statement:

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauds Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership promoting outdoor recreation access through the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and particularly for including the Outdoors for All Act in the package. We also thank Senators Padilla (D-CA) and Collins (R-ME) for reintroducing the Outdoors for All Act earlier this year so it could be included in AORA, as the bill would codify the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program that provides grant funding opportunities to disadvantaged communities with little access to publicly available outdoor recreation, and ensure the prioritization of equitable outdoor access for all Americans by lowering the qualifying threshold population for communities to apply. Our Coalition is excited for the inclusion of language in this bill that would make more communities eligible and allow Native American Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian communities to apply directly for this critical funding. Equitable access to close-to-home outdoor space hasn’t always been available but it should be, and this bill moves us significantly closer to that goal,” said Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition.

LWCF Coalition Lauds Action to Conserve Green Space, Improve Access Around Military Installations

March 21, 2023: The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today lauded the announcement by the Biden Administration of a new partnership between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Defense (DoD) called Protect Military Readiness and Preserve Green Space. The partnership allocates $80 million through a combination of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and matching funds from DoD’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) to preserve green space around military installations and improve access to outdoor recreation for millions of Americans. The departments will make the funding available to states through a competitive process that could support projects on Tribal, private, state, or local lands.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Inclusion of Equitable Outdoor Access in America’s Outdoor Rec. Act

March 16, 2023: The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today applauded the introduction of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) and the inclusion of the Outdoors for All Act in the package in the following statement:

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauds Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership promoting outdoor recreation access through the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and particularly for including the Outdoors for All Act in the package. We also thank Senators Padilla (D-CA) and Collins (R-ME) for reintroducing the Outdoors for All Act earlier this year so it could be included in AORA as the bill would ensure the prioritization of equitable outdoor access for all Americans by codifying the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program that provides grant funding opportunities to disadvantaged communities with little access to publicly available outdoor recreation. Our Coalition is excited for the inclusion of language in this bill that would make more communities eligible and allow Native American Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian communities to apply directly for this critical funding.  Equitable access to close-to-home outdoor space hasn’t always been available but it should be,” said Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition.

LWCF Coalition Statement: President Biden’s FY 2024 Budget Announcement

March 9, 2023: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement from Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition, recognizing the President’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in his FY24 budget announcement: 

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and its many benefits are critical to preserving America’s most treasured landscapes and bolstering our local and national outdoor recreation economies. To maintain LWCF’s time-tested reputation as a successful program that effectively does exactly what it sets out to do requires robust, ongoing investment. We are heartened by the President’s LWCF FY24 budget, which provides direction for how LWCF dollars will be spent – fully consistent with the funding allocation required by the Dingell Act between federal efforts and a suite of state and local grants – and lists hundreds of locally driven, vetted conservation and recreation access projects across the country.” 

LWCF Coalition Urges Swift Action on More Equitable Outdoor Access

February 15, 2023: The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today applauded reintroduction of the Outdoors for All Act in the following statement:

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition again applauds Senators Padilla (D-CA) and Collins (R-ME) for reintroducing the Outdoors for All Act, as well as Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.-44) and Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio-10) for again leading the bill in the House of Representatives. The bill would ensure the prioritization of equitable outdoor access for all Americans by codifying the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program that provides grant funding opportunities to disadvantaged communities with little access to publicly available outdoor recreation. Equitable access to close-to-home outdoor space hasn’t always been available but it should be. The LWCF Coalition also praised the inclusion of language that lowers the population threshold so that more communities are eligible, and allows Native American Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian communities to apply directly for this critical funding,” said Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition.

LWCF Coalition Applauds FY23 Omnibus, Looks Forward to Continuing Work to Meet Challenges

December 23, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Tom Cors, senior director for legislative affairs at The Nature Conservancy and a spokesman for the coalition, regarding the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, otherwise known as the Omnibus bill: 

“Passage of the FY23 Omnibus appropriations bill will empower conservation and recreation projects across the United States, from backyards to the backcountry. While the list of shovel-ready LWCF projects far exceeds the funding available under the Great American Outdoors Act, this bill balances the distribution of funds among LWCF programs and guarantees at least $900 million. It will help address the deep well of unmet needs that exist from urban areas to rural working lands to beloved national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. 

Sand Harbor Site of Celebration of LWCF’s Impact on Recreation, Conservation and Local Economies

Sen. Rosen, Nevada Outdoor Rec Leaders, TNC, LWCF Coalition Extol Partnerships that Benefit Popular State Park and its Recreation Opportunities

August 15, 2022: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Nev -- One of the most popular and spectacular parks in the Tahoe Basin, Sand Harbor has many beaches that host a variety of outdoor recreational activities to serve its 1 million annual visitors.  For 57 years, investments from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through the State and Local Assistance Program have been used to benefit public access to Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor State Park. Across Nevada, LWCF has protected public lands and waters but there is still a growing list of conservation and recreation opportunities in the state that need investment. Sand Harbor’s history was celebrated today by US Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); Mauricia Baca, Nevada State Director, The Nature Conservancy; the LWCF Coalition and other community and conservation leaders.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Final Passage of Inflation Reduction Act

August 12, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement from Tom Cors, director of U.S. government relations for lands at The Nature Conservancy, celebrating the final passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We are thrilled the Inflation Reduction Act has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and is headed to the president’s desk for his signature. The act includes $700 million for the Forest Legacy Program (FLP), which will advance natural climate solutions that are both urgently needed and widely supported. The U.S. economy, the outdoor recreation industry and all Americans will benefit from this long-term commitment to invest in natural infrastructure, in addition to the huge and long-awaited results for climate action the legislation will make possible. The LWCF Coalition is grateful for the efforts of all the legislators, staffers and advocates who have been hard at work for months to craft and pass this bill. We look forward to the president’s signing and to seeing projects around the country benefit from these funds.”

LWCF Coalition Statement Lauding Senate Passage of Inflation Reduction Act

August 8, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Lesley Kane Szynal, co-chair of the LWCF Coalition regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):

“US Senate passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is terrific news for land and water conservation and for communities throughout the United States.  From increased investment in public lands conservation and restoration to forest resilience, urban green spaces, habitat restoration and neighborhood access and equity grants, this initiative will help our cities, suburbs and rural areas by protecting working forests for future generations.  These investments, in tandem with other important provisions in this legislation, represent a historic commitment to climate action that will only increase the reach and power of the dedicated conservation funding that LWCF secured in the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act.  We are especially grateful to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow(D-MI), and other forest conservation leaders including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for their unwavering commitment to these critical issues.  We look forward to swift passage of the bill by the US House of Representatives and then President Biden’s signature.”

LWCF Coalition Celebrates Two Year Anniversary of GAOA and Impact of Permanently Funding LWCF

August 4, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statements in recognition of the Great American Outdoors Act’s (GAOA) second anniversary and the benefits of permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund at least $900 million yearly.

LWCF Coalition Lauds Biden-Harris Administration Actions on Equitable Outdoor Access

July 29, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today applauded the Administration’s announcement of $192 million in new grants that will be available under the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, which uses LWCF funding to specifically target more investment in parks, trails, and open space in underserved communities. The Coalition also hailed committee passage of the Outdoors for All Act as part of the environmental justice bill approved by the House Natural Resources Committee.

LWCF Coalition Applauds FY23 Senate Interior Appropriations Proposal, More Needed to Meet “Now or Never” Challenges

July 28, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Tom Cors, director of government relations for lands at The Nature Conservancy and a spokesman for the coalition, regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 U.S. Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations bill:

“The proposed Senate Interior bill will help address the deep well of unmet conservation and recreation needs throughout the country. While the list of shovel ready LWCF conservation and recreation projects far exceeds the funding available under the Great American Outdoors Act, this bill balances the distribution of funds among LWCF programs and guarantees at least $900 million will be allocated to worthwhile projects across the country. It also contains helpful language that clarifies how funds should be allocated and streamlines the implementation process.”

LWCF Coalition Statement on FY23 House Interior Appropriations Markup

June 29, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Tom Cors, director of government relations for lands at The Nature Conservancy and a spokesman for the coalition, regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 U.S. House Interior and Environment Appropriations bill:

“The LWCF Coalition appreciates the committee’s continued support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.   While the list of shovel-ready LWCF conservation and recreation projects far exceeds the funding available under the Great American Outdoors Act, this bill continues to balance the distribution of funds among LWCF programs and honors Congress’s commitment to guarantee at least $900 million be allocated to worthwhile projects across the country.”

LWCF Coalition and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Laud DOI’s $279M for Parks, Outdoor Access

June 1, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable today lauded the announcement made by United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, for $279 million distributed from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Grants Expanding Access to Parks for All

May 6, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today applauded the announcement made by United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, for $61 million to be allocated to communities across the country through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. These competitive grants are funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund – State and Local Assistance Program – that supports outdoor recreation projects to create and improve local parks in underserved areas.

LWCF Coalition Lauds Bill Prioritizing Equitable Outdoor Access

May 3, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today applauded the passage of the Outdoors for All Act as part of a legislative package approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee in the following statement:

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition applauds Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for their leadership, as well as the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for passing the Outdoors for All Act through the committee as part of the Outdoor Recreation package introduced by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY). This important legislation prioritizes equitable outdoor access in underserved communities by codifying the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. We are grateful for the bipartisan support to create outdoor spaces for those who need them most and for the inclusion of language that lowers the population threshold and allows Native American Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian communities to apply directly for this critical funding,” said Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition.

President’s Budget Advances Critical Funding For Land and Water Conservation Fund

Further Investment Needed for Climate Resilience and Equitable Access to Nature

March 28, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition welcomed the Biden administration’s fiscal year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal for its continuing commitment to the fund. The budget proposal released today provides direction for how LWCF dollars will be spent – fully consistent with the funding split required by the Dingell Act between federal efforts and state and local grants – and lists hundreds of locally driven, vetted conservation and recreation access projects across the country.

LWCF Coalition Celebrates FY 2022 Appropriations Bill

March 11, 2022: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today praised the passage of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations package. The legislation allocates the $900 million in mandatory funding available this year for LWCF, moving critical projects and grant opportunities forward.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Confirmation of Charles Sams to Serve as Director of National Park Service

November 19, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the confirmation of Charles F. Sams III to serve as the director of the National Park Service (NPS). The following statement can be attributed to Lesley Kane, Chair of the LWCF Coalition:  

“Charles Sams is a dedicated conservation leader whose commitment to protecting and ensuring equitable access to our public lands spans an impressive career of service.  His extensive experience in land and water management, law enforcement, infrastructure, youth programs, fish and wildlife resources, and cultural sites makes him the right choice to lead the Service.” 

LWCF Coalition Applauds House Passage of Build Back Better

November 19, 2021: The LWCF Coalition applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Build Back Better Act, which includes a $1.25 billion investment in the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) and $100 million for acquisition or development of urban parks.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Investment In Forest Protection

October 29, 2021: The LWCF Coalition applauded President Biden, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and Congressional leadership for including $1.25 billion for the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) in the Build Back Better reconciliation legislation released this week.

LWCF Coalition Praises Senate FY 2022 Appropriations Bill

October 18, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today praised the significant commitment to conservation in the Senate’s FY 2022 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which allocates the $900 million in funding available this year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Outdoors for All Act Reintroduced in House and Senate

September 29, 2021: Today, Representatives Barragán (D-CA-44) and Turner (R-OH-10), and Senator Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Collins (R-ME) reintroduced the bipartisan “Outdoors for All Act” in both the House and Senate. This important legislation would codify the LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program and provide a dedicated funding source for urban park projects that provide equitable outdoor access in underserved communities.

Happy Anniversary to LWCF!

Biden Administration Officials, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, and LWCF Coalition Celebrate Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act

August 4, 2021: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today joined Biden Administration officials and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) to mark the first anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and to discuss implementation and progress one year into the program.

LWCF Coalition Statement on FY22 House Interior Appropriations Markup

July 2, 2021: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statement by Tom Cors, director of government relations for lands at The Nature Conservancy and a spokesman for the coalition, regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 U.S. House Interior and Environment Appropriations bill:

“Nearing the one-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, which provided full, permanent funding for LWCF, the coalition appreciates the committee’s support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bill will make meaningful investments in our public lands and waters to meet many conservation and recreation needs across the country. The committee honored the letter and spirit of the law regarding balanced distribution among LWCF programs, and we are especially grateful that the bill rejects the practice of rescissions from previous years. Earlier this year, 192 members of Congress signed a letter supporting those principles and advocating for LWCF to receive the $900 million the fund is guaranteed by the Great American Outdoors Act.”

Biden Administration Highlights Commitment to Land and Water Conservation

June 3, 2021: The Biden Administration today reinforced the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in a joint announcement with the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the outsized impact of the program on conservation.    

President’s Budget Showcases Importance of Dedicated Funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund

May 28, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today praised President Biden’s first budget proposal, released today, for its commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The fiscal year 2022 (FY22) budget proposal provides direction for how LWCF dollars will be spent -- fully consistent with the funding split required by the Dingell Act between federal efforts and state and local grants -- and lists hundreds of locally-driven, fully-vetted, community-supported conservation and recreation access projects across the country.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Grants Expanding Access to Parks for All

May 10, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the announcement by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland of $150 million available for grants made through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Program. These competitive grants are funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund – State and Local Assistance Program – and support outdoor recreation projects to create and improve local parks in underserved areas around the country.

New Biden Admin Report Highlights Importance of
Conservation and Outdoor Recreation 

May 6, 2021: A new report from the Biden Administration highlights the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to combat climate change, increase outdoor recreational access for all, protect wildlife habitat, and support the economy through the long-term conservation of America’s lands and waters. The “America the Beautiful Initiative,” co-authored by the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and the Interior as well as the White House Council on Environmental Quality, is a first step in implementing the Administration’s January executive order addressing climate and environmental justice challenges and calling for the protection of 30 percent of America’s lands and oceans by 2030 (30 X 30) both to address climate change and to build resilience in both natural and human communities.

New Interactive Map Showcases Iconic National Parks, Trails & Other Public Outdoor Spaces Funded by the Land & Water Conservation Fund

April 22, 2021: Today, the Trust for Public Land, in collaboration with LWCF Coalition partners, launched the first-ever interactive map showcasing the tremendous impact of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the nation’s most important program to create and develop parks, trails and outdoor recreation areas, conserve nature and protect cultural sites, across its 55 year history. LWCF has funded projects in nearly every county in the nation, and in every U.S. state and territory -- from Yellowstone National Park and the Appalachian Trail to ballfields and boat launches across the nation.

Conservation Champion Deb Haaland Confirmed as Secretary of the Interior

March 15, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today applauded Senate confirmation of Congresswoman Deb Haaland to serve as the first Native American Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Haaland will lead the Department at an exciting moment for LWCF, including implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and the Biden Administration’s ambitious goals of conserving thirty percent of America’s public lands and waters by 2030 (30 X 30). During her confirmation hearing on February 24, Secretary Haaland reiterated her commitment to direct LWCF’s dedicated full funding to priority conservation needs across the country.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Congresswoman Deb Haaland

March 4, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s vote to advance the nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland to serve as the next Secretary of the Interior:

“Secretary-Designate Haaland is a dedicated leader and champion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and we are confident that she will be a stalwart protector of our public lands as our next Interior Secretary. With last year’s enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act, the Interior Department has a tremendous opportunity to bring the benefits of a fully funded LWCF to the American people. We look forward to her leadership as the Department relies on LWCF to safeguard iconic landscapes, provide close to home recreation in every community in the U.S., support millions of outdoor recreation-related jobs, and grow the economy.”

LWCF Coalition Applauds Biden Administration’s New Secretarial Order: Reverses Harmful Changes to LWCF  

February 11, 2021: Acting Secretary of the Interior Scott de la Vega today moved to reverse damaging actions of the previous Administration by issuing Secretarial Order 3396 on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The new order rescinds and revokes Secretarial Order 3388 and repeals a number of harmful last-minute changes to the program. LWCF has a 56-year proven track record as America’s most important and successful conservation and outdoor recreation program, benefiting communities in every state and county.

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Ask Administration to Revoke “Harmful” LWCF Changes

February 10, 2021: Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) along with 88 of their colleagues today called for the Biden Administration to “immediately revoke” the Trump Administration’s last-minute changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These changes include restrictions on federal conservation projects and a revised focus away from investment in outdoor recreation for underserved communities.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Biden Executive Order on Nature, Climate Crisis, Environmental Justice, and 30x30

January 26, 2021: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today hailed the Biden administration’s executive order addressing climate and environmental justice challenges and calling for the protection of 30 percent of America’s lands and oceans by 2030 (30 X 30). These goals will rely heavily on LWCF, one of the nation’s premier conservation and outdoor recreation tools, to help fuel a targeted and robust land-based response from America’s inner cities to remote wildlands. LWCF Coalition partners and supporters have joined with the American Nature Campaign along with hundreds of conservation organizations, businesses, national leaders, state and local officials, and leading scientists in support of the 30 X 30 initiative.

LWCF Coalition Opposes Trump Administration’s Last-Minute Changes To LWCF

January 20, 2021: The LWCF Coalition today vigorously opposed last-minute changes by the Trump Administration to the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s (LWCF) State Assistance Program – including major program changes inconsistent with the law, and an insulting move to rob funding designated by Congress to help underserved communities – and urged that they be immediately reversed. The Coalition also called on Congress to quickly confirm Rep. Deb Haaland as the new Secretary of the Interior, so she can chart a new positive course for America’s most important conservation and recreation program.

LWCF Coalition Hails Passage of First Bill to Fully Fund Land and Water Conservation Fund

December 22, 2020: The LWCF Coalition today hailed the passage of the first appropriations bill to execute full mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) since the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law this summer. Yesterday’s action by Congress again affirms the consistently strong, bipartisan commitment in Congress to LWCF and the on-the-ground results envisioned under GAOA. It also thoroughly rejects the funding proposal submitted by the Trump Administration -- which would have violated the law on how LWCF operates – and correctly asserts Congress’s primacy in determining the final annual spending plan for America’s most important conservation and recreation program.

LWCF Coalition Statement on Nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary

December 18, 2020: The LWCF Coalition today praised the historic nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland to serve as the next Secretary of the Interior:

“Congresswoman Haaland is a dedicated leader and champion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and we are confident that she will be a stalwart protector of our public lands as our next Interior Secretary,” said Lesley Kane-Szynal, chair of the LWCF Coalition. “The historic passage of the Great American Outdoors Act this year means that the Interior Department will play a critical role implementing full funding for LWCF. Congresswoman Haaland is the right person for this job, and we are confident that under her leadership LWCF will at long last reach its full potential, providing close to home recreation in every community in the U.S., supporting millions of jobs in outdoor recreation industry and growing the economy.”

LWCF Coalition Lambastes Department of Interior Secretarial Order

November 13, 2020: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition today roundly criticized  Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s Secretarial Order 3388 on implementation of the full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) included in the newly enacted Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).  Drew McConville, Senior Managing Director of Government Relations at The Wilderness Society and a spokesperson for the LWCF Coalition, made the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s Interior Department already has shown careless disregard for its responsibilities to Congress and the American people when it comes to LWCF and the places it protects, and this Secretarial Order adds insult to injury. It would place untenable new restrictions on already-authorized conservation and rewrite the rulebook for how LWCF works in communities across the country. Included in the Secretary’s misguided proposal are unworkable ideas — from needless limits on western land conservation to unnecessary procedural hurdles for urgently needed recreation and access projects in national parks and other federal lands — previously rejected by Congress.”

Senate Interior Appropriations Bill Fully Funds LWCF as Administration Flouts Great American Outdoors Act

November 10, 2020: After hailing passage of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) this summer as a major victory for conservation, the Trump Administration has missed the mark in implementing the new law, submitting LWCF allocations and project lists to Congress that disregard key aspects of GAOA and of the Dingell Act, which permanently reauthorized LWCF just last year. Fortunately and in stark contrast, the chairman of a key Senate subcommittee today released a version of the FY21 Interior Appropriations bill with a spending plan for LWCF more consistent with both the letter and spirit of the law.

Trump Administration Fails to Meet Key LWCF Deadline

November 6, 2020: The LWCF Coalition, representing thousands of groups across the country, issued the following statement regarding implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act: 

“It has now been several days since the Trump Administration was required to send FY21 LWCF program allocations and priority lists to Congress and they have still failed to do so.  We are disappointed by the Administration’s inexplicable inability to comply with the requirements in the Great American Outdoors Act, ignoring clear congressional direction and needlessly delaying time-sensitive projects,” said Bill Lee, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations at The Trust for Public Land and spokesperson for the LWCF Coalition.  “For the countless communities, local partners, and willing-seller landowners depending on these investments, this is a really troubling failure.” 

Great American Outdoors Act Marks Historic Victory for Conservation

August 4, 2020: The LWCF Coalition declared a resounding victory today for public lands, conservation, and outdoor recreation in the United States. The signing of the Great American Outdoors Act by President Donald J. Trump, a once-in-a-generation win for public lands and communities, is the culmination of a decade long campaign by the LWCF Coalition to secure full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Congress Passes Historic Great American Outdoors Act

July 22, 2020: The United States House of Representatives made history today by passing the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Act passed with bipartisan support and will be sent to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

Groups Across the Nation Celebrate Historic House Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act

House Spending Panel Approves Full Funding for Key Conservation Program

July 9, 2020: The U.S. House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee this week advanced a spending bill that includes dedicated full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most important conservation and recreation program.  The full committee will consider the legislation tomorrow.

Historic Victory as U.S Senate Votes to Fully Fund LWCF, Restore Our National Parks

June 17, 2020: The United States Senate today overwhelmingly voted to pass legislation to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and invest in critical repair needs within national parks and other public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed the Senate by a vote of (73-25), and will now move on to the House of Representatives, where the two issues have the support of a bipartisan majority.

Historic Senate Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is Celebrated by Groups Across the Nation

Momentum Builds to Pass Great American Outdoors Act: Bipartisan House Companion Bill Introduced Today in Advance of Senate Action

June 4, 2020: Twelve members of the U.S. House of Representatives today introduced bipartisan legislation to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and invest in critical repair needs in national parks and on other public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act, is identical to legislation in the U.S. Senate that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., recently announced would receive a vote in the coming days.

Introduction of Great American Outdoors Act in the House of Representatives Draws Support from Groups Across the Nation

Great American Outdoors Act Draws Widespread Support from Diverse Groups Across the Nation

May 11, 2020: Hundreds of groups representing state and regional tourism, local businesses, veterans groups, engineering and planning firms, conservation organizations, and the outdoor recreation industry  are calling for Congress to pass the Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422). The bill would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and invest in critical repair needs in national parks and on other public lands.

Support for Great American Outdoors Act

Bipartisan Majority of U.S. Senate Sponsors Legislation to Provide Full Dedicated Funding for LWCF

March 10, 2020: With the support of President Donald J. Trump and 56 bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate, Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced new legislation that will provide full dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Great American Outdoors Act advances two critical priorities from previously introduced bills – in addition to fully funding LWCF, it also addresses the maintenance backlog in America’s national parks and other public lands.

Conservation Leaders Rally in Support of New Legislation to Make Historic Investment in Land and Water Conservation

New Legislation Makes Historic Investment in Land and Water Conservation

March 4, 2020: With the support of President Donald J. Trump, Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today during a press conference new legislation that will provide full dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).  The new proposal combines two bills that would fully fund LWCF  (S. 1081 – the LWCF Permanent Funding Act) and address the maintenance backlog at National Parks (Restore America’s Parks Act ROPA – S.500). 

Trump Budget Slashes Funding for Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

February 10, 2020: The Trump Administration today proposed to eliminate nearly all funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in its Fiscal Year 2021 budget. The President’s proposal to wipe out funding for LWCF, repeated from his prior year budget requests flies in the face of extremely popular bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate that would provide full dedicated funding for the program.

LWCF Coalition Statement on FY20 Appropriations

December 17, 2019: The $495M proposed for LWCF in Fiscal Year 2020 represents the highest appropriation for LWCF in the last 17 years and is once again a firm rejection of the President’s harmful proposal to fund the program at less than zero.  These dollars will benefit communities across the country with urgent needs for conservation and recreation access. 

Senate Committee Passes Permanent Funding for LWCF

November 19, 2019: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today voted to advance legislation to provide full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill (S. 1081), the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, was introduced by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). A bipartisan House companion bill (H.R. 3195) was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee in June.

Senate Reaffirms Bipartisan Commitment to LWCF

October 31, 2019: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the U.S. Senate for decisively rejecting a harmful amendment that would have compromised the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most important conservation program.

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Support LWCF Grants for City Parks

September 30, 2019: The LWCF Coalition applauds Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44) and Michael Turner (R-OH-10) for supporting access to America’s urban public parks through introduction of H.R. 4512, the Outdoors for All Act. The bipartisan legislation would create a dedicated funding source for urban park projects that open outdoor recreation opportunities to underserved areas in cities across the country.

LWCF Coalition Statement on Senate Interior Appropriations

September 24, 2019: By voting overwhelmingly to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million annually earlier this year, Congress made a strong statement to uphold the promise to invest in the conservation and recreation America’s communities need. Shortly thereafter, the House proposed $524 million in LWCF funding for Fiscal Year 2020 — a firm step in the right direction. In that light, the $465 million funding level announced by the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee today is somewhat of a disappointment.

New United Nations Report Highlights Importance of Land Conservation in Addressing Climate Change

August 9, 2019: In response to a new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stressing the critical role lands play in addressing the climate change crisis, the LWCF Coalition is calling on Congress to pass full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF was permanently reauthorized earlier this year by wide bipartisan margins and legislation is currently being considered in the U.S. House and Senate to fund the program.

House Natural Resources Committee Votes to Provide Full Dedicated Funding for LWCF

June 19, 2019: The House Natural Resources Committee today voted to advance legislation to provide full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill (H.R.3195), the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, is a House companion to S. 1081 and was introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-N.J.), Committee Chair Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

Bipartisan Legislation Ensures Funding for America’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program

June 12, 2019: A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives announced today legislation to dedicate full and continuing funding for America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).  Recent passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Dingell Act) permanently reauthorized LWCF after a lengthy effort in Congress. On the heels of this major victory, today’s bill introduction continues a bipartisan commitment to LWCF to ensure that the program receives full and dedicated funding each year.

House Proposes Increased Investment in the Land and Water Conservation Fund

May 14, 2019: On the heels of a massive, historic vote to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund earlier this spring, we applaud the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee for recognizing the vital importance LWCF plays in protecting public lands and meeting community needs across the country.  The increase the Subcommittee included for the program in its FY20 bill reflects the broad bipartisan support for and commitment to America’s most important conservation program.

Conservation Leaders Applaud Legislation to Fully Fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Bipartisan Legislation Ensures Funding for America’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program

April 9, 2019: A bipartisan group of senators today introduced legislation to dedicate full and continuing funding for America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Recent passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Dingell Act) permanently reauthorized LWCF after a lengthy effort in Congress. On the heels of this major victory, today’s bill introduction continues a bipartisan commitment to LWCF to ensure that the program receives full and dedicated funding each year.

President Signs Bill Permanently Reauthorizing LWCF

March 12, 2019: In an historic victory for public lands and close to home recreation, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was permanently reauthorized today as part of a sweeping public lands package signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. The legislation, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House (363-62) and the Senate (92-8) last month, was signed today during a ceremony that included LWCF champions.

House Delivers Historic Victory for Public Lands, Votes to Save America’s Most Important Conservation Program

February 26, 2019: In an overwhelming show of bipartisan support for America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the House of Representatives voted today to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) by a vote of 363 to 62. After passage through the Senate earlier this month, the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47) will now be sent to the President’s desk. This is the culmination of a years-long effort by Congressional champions on both sides of the aisle, and by stakeholders across the country, to preserve the unique character of this program created as a conservation offset for energy development.

Senate Votes to Permanently Reauthorize America’s Most Important Conservation Program

February 12, 2019: The U.S. Senate today voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as part of a public lands package introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. The LWCF Coalition, along with millions of Americans and organizations from across the country, are united in our push to see this historic legislation signed into law and urges the U.S. House of Representatives to act on it immediately. 

Senate Rejects Poison Pill Amendments to America’s Most Important Conservation Program

February 7, 2019: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the United States Senate for decisively rejecting harmful amendments to a Public Lands package.  The amendments proposed to block permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and dilute the program’s conservation focus despite over 50 years of unqualified success.    

House Votes to Invest in Land and Water Conservation Fund

January 11, 2019: We applaud the House for voting to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund as part of the FY19 Interior appropriations bill, and we are hopeful an agreement is reached soon that allows funding to end the government shutdown.  This vote of support for America’s most important conservation program is particularly crucial as LWCF remains in limbo following its expiration last year, missing out on $2.5 million every day for protecting important landscapes and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

Congress Fails to Rescue LWCF: Clock Runs Out on Bipartisan Conservation Program, Leaving its Future Uncertain

December 20, 2018: Last night, the U.S. Senate failed to move forward on a critical package of public lands legislation that included the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), despite overwhelming bipartisan support

Bipartisan Conservation Champions Rally to Save LWCF by Year’s End

November 29, 2018: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) champions in the House and Senate rallied on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with conservation leaders and outdoor recreation advocates today calling on Congress to reauthorize and fully fund America’s most important conservation and recreation program before the end of the year.

Senator Schumer Calls on Senate to #SaveLWCF

October 26, 2018: U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the Senate to immediately reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Historic Senate Action Permanently Authorizes LWCF and Guarantees Dedicated Funding

October 2, 2018: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reached an historic bipartisan agreement to provide full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Congress Inexplicably Lets Critical Conservation Program Expire

October 1, 2018: Congress today failed to save the Land and Water Conservation Fund – America’s most important program for protecting parks, forests, watersheds and open spaces – from expiring, despite broad bipartisan majorities supporting permanent reauthorization and repeated calls for congressional leaders to take action.

Saving America’s Most Important Conservation Program

September 13, 2018: With just 17 days left until expiration, the LWCF Coalition applauds Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for working out a compromise that has, at long last, advanced permanent reauthorization of LWCF through the House Natural Resources Committee.

Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Permanent Authorization and Full Dedicated Funding of LWCF

August 1, 2018: The LWCF Coalition joins Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and a dozen of their colleagues in calling for permanent authorization and dedicated full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to be part of must-pass legislation before the program expires on September 30th of this year.

House Rejects Anti-LWCF Amendment

July 18, 2018: We congratulate the House of Representatives for decisively rejecting Representative Biggs’ attack on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most important conservation and recreation program.

Bipartisan Conservation Leaders Pledge to Save America’s Most Important Conservation Program - LWCF Expires in 100 Days; Members Vow to #SaveLWCF

June 20, 2018: Land and Water Conservation Fund champions in the House and Senate rallied on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with conservation leaders and outdoor recreation advocates today and vowed to save America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), before it expires in 100 days. 

LWCF Coalition Statement on Senate Interior Appropriations Bill

June 12, 2018: We applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee for holding funding steady for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in the FY19 Interior Appropriations bill. We are grateful to the Committee for recognizing the importance of America’s most important conservation and recreation program, and we greatly appreciate the leadership of Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Leahy, Subcommittee Chairman Murkowski and Subcommittee Ranking Member Udall.  

House Appropriations Subcommittee Rejects Harmful Trump Conservation Proposals But FY19 Interior Bill Still Cuts LWCF

May 15, 2018: The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill released today rejected the Trump Administration’s harmful and dangerous proposal to decimate America’s most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Omnibus Increases Funding for LWCF

March 22, 2018: Program’s future still hangs in balance

Bipartisan Momentum Builds for LWCF Reauthorization and Funding

March 16, 2018: The bipartisan push to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund gained significant momentum this week as several important constituencies urged House and Senate leaders to include LWCF in the FY18 Omnibus spending package.

America’s Public Lands Are Critical Infrastructure

March 7, 2018: Senate Democrats Propose Key Investment in Parks, Access and Outdoor Recreation Economy

Trump Budget Would Devastate America’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program

February 12, 2018: The Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget released today proposes to gut funding for America’s irreplaceable natural resources, specifically targeting America’s most important conservation and outdoor recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).  Conservation leaders from the LWCF Coalition reacted to the President’s reckless budget proposal, which jeopardizes our national parks and puts all of America’s public lands at risk

America’s Public Lands Are Critical Infrastructure

January 30, 2018: Congress Should Make Investments in Parks, Access and Outdoor Recreation Economy

LWCF Coalition Statement on Senate Interior Appropriations Draft Bill

November 20, 2017: We appreciate the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee for standing up and funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in its draft bill.

Bipartisan Conservation Leaders Pledge to Save America’s Most Important Conservation Program

October 5, 2017: LWCF champions Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and other bipartisan conservation leaders in the Senate and House today sounded the alarm about the looming expiration of America’s most important conservation and recreation program, and vowed to save the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

LWCF Coalition Applauds Assistance Grants for Urban Grants

July 19, 2017: The LWCF Coalition today applauded the announcement of grants made through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Program.

Congressional Conservation Champions Back Efforts to Restore LWCF Funding

July 18, 2017: Congressional conservation champions today continued their bipartisan efforts on behalf of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most important conservation program.

Congress Rejects Trump Proposal to Slash Conservation Funding

July 11, 2017: But Cuts to LWCF Leave Communities Hanging in the Balance

Bipartisan Legislation Supports LWCF State Assistance GRants for URban Parks

June 30, 2017: The LWCF Coalition applauds the introduction of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program Act. 

Senate Energy Bill Makes America’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program Permanent

June 29, 2017: Bipartisan Murkowski-Cantwell Bill Permanently Authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund; Similar Legislation Passed Senate with Supermajority in 2016

The Reviews on President Trump’s Budget Are In: Terrible for Parks, Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

May 31, 2017: Conservation Leaders React to the President's Proposed Budget

Trump Budget Cuts Will Decimate National Parks, Public Lands

May 23, 2017: Conservation Leaders Denounce Extreme Cuts to “America’s Best Idea”; Land and Water Conservation Fund Slashed by 84% Cut

Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Call For Continued Funding of Land and Water Conservation Program

May 17, 2017: A bipartisan coalition of 48 senators are urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to support the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Forest Legacy Program.

Conservation Leaders React to Consolidated Appropriations Act

May 1, 2017: – Conservation leaders from the LWCF Coalition today reacted to the bipartisan budget deal reached to fund the government for the remainder of FY 2017.

Bipartisan Support for Funding America’s Most Important Conservation Program 

March 28, 2017: More Than 200 Members of Congress Urge Robust Funding in FY 2018 for Land and Water Conservation Fund, Record Number of Signers

Conservation Leaders React to Trump Administration Plan to Slash America’s Most Important Conservation and Recreation Program

March 16, 2017: The Trump Administration’s budget framework released today proposed a drastic reduction in funding for America’s irreplaceable natural resources, specifically targeting America’s most important conservation and outdoor recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Senators Cantwell and Burr Introduce Legislation to Fully Fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund

March 7, 2017: Bipartisan Bill Would Make LWCF Permanent

LWCF Coalition Congratulates Congressman Zinke on his Confirmation as Secretary of the Interior

The following is a statement from Tom Cors, the Director of Government Relations for Lands at The Nature Conservancy and a co-chair of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition:.

Statement in Support of Nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke as Interior Secretary

December 12, 2016: The LWCF Coalition appreciates Congressman Zinke’s strong and decisive leadership for America’s public lands

LWCF Coalition Commends Senator Heinrich for Leadership on Key Conservation Programs

August 4, 2015: Heinrich Legislation Reauthorizes LWCF, PILT and SRS

Conservation Leaders Hail Bipartisan Agreement for Land and Water Conservation Funding

July 22, 2015: Murkowski-Cantwell Agreement Provides a Permanent Authorization for America’s Most Important Conservation Program; Establishes Fund for Park Maintenance