WHAT IS THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND?

Thirty years ago, Congress made a promise to the American people. By creating the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), lawmakers pledged to reinvest a small portion of revenues generated by the extraction of offshore oil and gas reserves to public opportunities for recreation and conservation. Instead, much of that money is diverted elsewhere. Worse yet, states and local communities haven’t seen a penny of that money in five years!

THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND IS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP.

The fund is designed to renew natural resources by reinvesting revenues from their depletion. By reinvesting revenues derived from a non-renewable resource (OCS oil and gas reserves) into sites that protect our nation’s heritage and offer recreation opportunities, Congress meant promised to remain effective stewards of the nation’s limited natural heritage. Offshore oil and gas revenues now exceed $4 billion each year. Despite this growing source of revenue, Congress continues to spend smaller and smaller amounts on the LWCF every year. Since the early 1980’s, LWCF spending has averaged about $200 million annually -- and state assistance grants have not been funded at all since 1995!

The Land and Water Conservation Fund -- Building a Nationwide Network of Parks, Open Space and Recreation Opportunity.

Since its enactment in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected and preserved nearly $7 million acres of public parkland and developed more than 37,000 state and local parks and close to home recreation opportunities. LWCF funds are used for two purposes:

• Federal Land Acquisition: Funds appropriated for LWCF’s federal program are used for public acquisition of special lands for recreation and conservation purposes, public acquisition of private inholdings within national parks, forests and wilderness areas, and public acquisition of areas key to wildlife protection. Some of our most beloved recreation and vacation destinations, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Redwoods National Park and the Martin Luther King National Historic Site, would not be here today without the support of funds from the LWCF.

• State Assistance Grants: Funds appropriated for LWCF’s state assistance program are divided among states according to a formula which is based primarily on population. LWCF grants require a 50% local match. States often “pass through” funds to counties, cities and towns to be used for locally-determined recreation and conservation priorities. Grants may be used to acquire land, build or repair park facilities, create or provide trails, enhance recreation access or to protect and manage wildlife. LWCF state assistance provides the critical federal support that local communities need to keep pace with growing demand for close-to-home, affordable recreation opportunities. LWCF state assistance projects can be found all across the nation. Chances are that a favorite park, ballfield or trail in your area was aided with LWCF state assistance funds. To learn more about LWCF-assisted sites, or to find an LWCF state assistance project in my area.

THE FUTURE OF LWCF

A fully and consistently funded Land and Water Conservation Fund is critical to addressing our nation’s health, environment and recreation needs. That’s why the National Recreation and Park Association, along with a number of allied conservation and recreation groups, have been working to renew Congress’ commitment to the fund.

A growing movement to restore the national commitment to conservation and recreation is capturing the attention of the public, the media and many in Congress. Several key legislators recognize the imperative for a national initiative to reinvest OCS revenues in resources with long-term public value.