Land and Water Conservation Fund
50+ Years of Public Lands Conservation
In 2015, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), celebrated its 50th anniversary. This fund takes a portion of revenues from offshore oil drilling and uses that money to pay for local, state and national parks, as well as other public lands such as forests, shorelines, historic sites and wildlife refuges. In addition, the fund supports 41,000 state and local park projects, provides 9.4 million sustainable domestic jobs, protects millions of acres of land and contributes $1.06 trillion annually to the national economy. All at zero cost to taxpayers. The legacy of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is outstanding — expanding Americans’ access to spectacular natural landmarks as well as parks and trails near home.
Yet after 50 years of success, the LWCF expired in 2015. It was reinstated within months, but it re-expired on September 30, 2018. The time for action is now: Without action from Congress, this crucial conservation program could go away.
Why Should You Care?
Land is the key to a healthy and secure future for all Americans. It provides pure drinking water, healthy food, clean air and places to reflect and recreate. Too many people lack access to nature, with its abundant benefits for health, education and quality of life. To meet people’s needs for nature, the Land Trust Alliance is committed to permanent reauthorization with full and dedicated funding.
