Last week, public lands from sea to shining sea, received some much-needed attention when a group of bi-partisan Senators introduced legislation that will permanently, and fully, fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a critical conservation program that has been operating for more than 50 years.
The legislation, also known as the Great American Outdoors Act, could be the saving grace that the LWCF needs to ensure this conservation program continues its deep legacy of protecting special places and improving recreation for all Americans.
Over the past few years Surfrider has been on the front lines fighting for the LWCF because this incredible program has helped protect some of America’s most iconic beaches and important coastal resources. We recently published a report detailing how the program has benefited countless miles of coastlines and local communities. And we put together this short film illustrating the amazing benefits of the program and the beautiful places it has protected.
Unfortunately, for years, the LWCF has been in the cross fire of budget negotiations and while the program is approved to spend $900 million a year, the fund has never been fully appropriated. Since the program began, discretionary appropriations from Congress have fluctuated widely. In fact, over the course of 50 years, nearly $22 billion has been diverted away from the LWCF and used for non-conservation programs. The Great American Outdoors Act would ‘make the program whole’ and guarantee full funding for LWCF each year.
Now, we need your help! Please send a message to your Congressional Representatives asking them to support the Great American Outdoors Act which supports critical maintenance for our public lands and permanently funds the LWCF. Time if of the essence, we need to convince Congress to act fast.
Help Surfrider amplify the message. Forward our action alert to all your family and friends who spend time outdoors and enjoy the beaches protected by the LWCF.
