A Congressional proposal to fund President Clinton's Lands Legacy Initiative in the Interior Department appropriations bill would provide some solid conservation benefits, but represents "a poor substitute for the historic funding promised by the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA)," according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). CARA was overwhelmingly passed by the House last spring and still awaits a Senate floor vote despite the recent call by 63 Senators for the measure's enactment.

"CARA represents delivery in full on the promise to protect and restore America's wildlife, wild places and recreational resources," said NWF President Mark Van Putten. "Anything less is simply an inadequate legacy."

CARA would provide for nearly $3 billion each year for the next 15 years – most of it directly to the states and local communities – for wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, coastal restoration, urban parks and historic preservation. It is the most significant conservation funding legislation ever considered by any Congress.

While CARA would provide reliable dedicated funding for a broad array of programs that have been traditionally underfunded during the annual appropriations process, the deal under discussion by the Appropriations committee leaves that funding to the discretion of Appropriators. "It leaves open the door to more unkept promises to care for America's natural heritage," said Van Putten.

The Lands Legacy proposal also will not provide the level of funding necessary for critical state-based wildlife conservation efforts. CARA provides $350 million for the conservation and restoration of historically underfunded nongame wildlife species, ensuring proactive management of these species before they are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Without adequate funding for these programs, more expensive, "emergency room" conservation efforts will remain necessary.

CARA has been endorsed by a coalition of more than 5,000 groups representing millions of Americans from all walks of life.

"It is clear that CARA has the support of the people and the support of their representatives in both houses of Congress, said Van Putten. "It's up to the Congressional leadership from both parties and President Clinton to ensure that it becomes law before Congress adjourns. Americans will not settle for a little progress when they are so close to truly securing our wild and recreation resources for generations to come."