Statement of Environmental and Outdoor Organizations in Support of Reauthorization of Critical Conservation Program

Media Contacts

PennEnvironment

“For the past 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has protected some of Pennsylvanians’ most beloved places. Whether it’s safeguarding the hiking path along the Appalachian Trail, preserving parts of Fairmount Park, protecting Ohiopyle, or helping create Valley Forge National Park, LWCF has protected some of the most important parts of Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.

This Fund has been critical to protecting these irreplaceable landscapes where we go to hike, kayak, and enjoy the pristine beautify of nature. But unfortunately it has not yet been reauthorized, and is set to expire completely in 2015.

We applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Rep. Gerlach (R-Chester) for introducing an amendment to reauthorize this critical conservation program for the next five years. Without this reauthorization, some of our most important parks and outdoor recreational areas will be even more at risk—and that’s why it’s so critical Congress acts now.

Protecting the places we all love is a long-term effort and requires long-term support. Congressman Fitzpatrick understands this and we look forward to working with him now and in the future on ensuring dedicated funding for this critical conservation program.”

 

Adam Garber, PennEnvironment

Bruce Matthews, North Country Trail Association

Mark Zakutansky, Appalachian Mountain Club & Highlands Coalition

Kristina Strosnider, Natural Biodiversity

Karen Lutz, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Sue Currier, Delaware Highlands Conservancy

Jeff Marshall, President, Heritage Conservancy

Victoria Lambach, Green Valleys Watershed Association