American Hiking Society Celebrates LWCF’s 60 Years of Conservation, Urges More Investment to Meet Growing Demands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Hiking Society
September 3, 2024

Contact:
Maggie Peikon
Manager of Communications
mpeikon@americanhiking.org 

Silver Springs, MD – On September 3, 1964 – 60 years ago to the day – the most important and successful conservation program ever, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), was enacted into law. This historic legislation established a dedicated and permanent means for the conservation and protection of America’s irreplaceable natural, historic, cultural, and outdoor sites, including essential watersheds, open spaces, parks, trails and more. To continue to honor our nation’s commitment to conservation, outdoor recreation and the health of our communities in an evolving world we must invest at least an additional $450 million in annual discretionary funding.

LWCF’s need is paramount, and its role has evolved from simply preserving open spaces and watersheds to help to address the pressing challenges posed by more frequent catastrophic weather events. Today, LWCF is critical for protecting and conserving natural resources critical to mitigating climate change and enhancing the resilience of our cities and communities against increasing threats such as severe heat; flash flooding, storm surge and sunny-day flooding; and other climate-related events. It also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the outdoors, including disadvantaged communities with little access to publicly available outdoor recreation amenities. LWCF is a tool to aid these communities as they create more parks, green canopies, and protected natural areas that can provide greater outdoor access. By preserving green spaces and wetlands while improving urban parks and outdoor infrastructure, LWCF helps to reduce urban heat islands, manage stormwater, and provide safe recreational areas for communities most vulnerable to climate disruptions.

“American Hiking Society is a proud member of the Land and Water Conversvation Fund coalition and has been a leader in getting the LWCF reauthorized since our organizations founding nearly 50 years ago. We have worked hard to secure the permanent reauthorization and full funding of LWCF most recently,” said Tyler Ray, American Hiking’s Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy. “LWCF has been crucial in protecting our trails and natural spaces, supporting jobs, and enhancing public health. American Hiking. This is why the LWCF is so revered and why more investment in this unparalleled program is vital. Let’s honor LWCF’s 60 years of success and invest another $450 million so we all can reap the benefits.”

Benefits of LWCF Investments:

  • Conserves natural areas, wildlife habitat, and open space: From urban parks to large backcountry areas to our national park “crown jewels.”
  • Improves access for sportsmen and recreationists: On federal, state, local, and private lands and waters.
  • Stimulates local economies and jobs: Supporting tourism and outdoor recreation economic sectors, diversifying rural economies, attracting a young/active workforce to areas with access to public lands.
  • Preserves wetlands, forests, and watersheds: Ensuring clean and adequate water supplies more cost-effectively than gray (built) infrastructure.
  • Streamlines federal land management: By improving access, consolidating ownership, and reducing management and firefighting costs.
  • Builds rural partnerships: Keeping ranchers and farmers on the land, promoting sustainable working forests while maintaining wildlife habitat and open space.
  • Protects cultural and historical sites: Commemorating our national heritage by permanently protecting historic battlefields, civil rights monuments, and other important parts of U.S. history.
  • Provides state and local grants: Supporting communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, to create community parks, trails, recreational access sites, and open spaces – increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for all.

LWCF is the only federal program fully dedicated to land and water conservation and improving outdoor recreation access and infrastructure – driving what has now become a $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. It is essential for water quality, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, public health, jobs, and economic development. Funded by a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments, LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars. Outdoor recreation, conservation, and historic preservation activities supported by LWCF provide 5 million jobs and contribute $1.1 trillion annually to the national economy.

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Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.