Expiration isn’t the end

The Land and Water Conservation Fund expired this week  — its first expiration in 50 years — but this isn’t the end.

Land Trusts will continue to make their voices heard in ongoing efforts to renew and reauthorize this key conservation program. Despite the expiration, there are opportunities this fall for Congress to take up both LWCF and the enhanced incentive for conservation easement donations.

Champions in Congress continue to fight for both priorities. Even on the eve of LWCF’s expiration, Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Susan Collins of Maine, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Tom Udall of New Meixco and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico showed their support.

Additionally, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop of Utah noted his hopes to modernize LWCF. While that inclination may lack universal support, it’s indicative of forward momentum for LWCF reauthorization.

“Both Republicans and Democrats support the original intent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, but the program has drifted far from the original intent,” he said in a statement. “Under my chairmanship, the status quo will be challenged. Any reauthorization of LWCF will, among other improvements, prioritize local communities as originally intended.

Our work to renew LWCF continues and we welcome your support! If you haven’t already done so, please co-sign the coalition statement at http://www.lwcfsupport.org.