NWF's top priority for this Congress is passage of significant long-term conservation funding. This bill, in conjunction with the proposed Conservation and Reinvestment Act, the Permanent Protection for America's Resources 2000 Act and the Administration's Lands Legacy Initiative, sets the parameters for what can become a bipartisan landmark conservation victory this year.

These measures offer the prospect of creating a Congressional consensus strengthened by a partnership with the states that can benefit wildlife and wild places for generations to come.

The National Wildlife Federation believes that any legislation that passes should:

• Assure permanent, dedicated funds that do not require annual Congressional appropriation.
• Assure the program does not reduce or divert funds that are currently available for other conservation purposes.
• Include funding for state fish and wildlife agencies that would support conservation, recreation and education programs for a diverse array of fish and wildlife species.
• Guarantee funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund at the authorized annual level of $900 million and divide those funds equally between federal and state programs.
• Provide funds for coastal conservation in a manner that does not create an incentive for coastal states and their local governments to support inappropriate new offshore oil and gas development and include strong guidelines that limit funds to restoration and enhancement of coastal natural resources.