For Immediate Release
June 25, 2015
Contacts: Brandon Helm, The Wilderness Society  brandon_helm@tws.org 202-429-2654
Shauna Tucker, Mojave Desert Land Trust  shauna@mojavedesertlandtrust.org

CALIFORNIANS CALL ON DELEGATION TO PROTECT THEIR PARKS AND RECREATION
Land and Water Conservation Fund set to expire in 100 days if Congress does not act

Joshua Tree, CA — From major national parks including California’s Mojave National Preserve to state recreation areas like South Carlsbad State Beach, many open spaces in America have been made possible by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This critical funding for conservation is set to expire in just 100 days unless Congress acts quickly.

“This program has benefitted millions of Californians and visitors to our state who value the outdoors, not only out here near the beautiful Mojave Desert, but up and down the Pacific Coast and across the Central Valley,” said Danielle Segura, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. “California is one of the most bio-diverse states in the Union and this program has helped ensure the protection of our treasured lands, wildlife, natural and cultural resources.”

First established in 1965 by the Johnson administration, the LWCF represents one of the most successful federal programs of the last 50 years. The program receives no taxpayer money and is funded solely on a portion of the royalties paid by oil and gas companies for their rights to offshore drilling. Funds are then made available in the form of grants to aid in the purchase of lands for the enjoyment of all Americans. Congress renewed this fund by an overwhelming majority in 1990, and today there is wide bipartisan support for permanently renewing it. Yet, some in Congress refuse to allow a vote to reauthorize it.

“California also has one of the largest congressional delegations and we hope our representatives understand the importance of continuing to invest in conservation and access to open spaces, parks and recreation now and in the future,” said Segura.

It’s hard to drive down a street in America without finding a park made possible by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In fact there are more than 41,000 across the country, with $2,341,000,000 already invested in the state of California. These parks range in size and scope from the Angeles National Forest outside of LA to the Pixie Woods playground in Stockton. These spaces shape and define the American landscape and its communities.

“We thank Representative Raul Ruiz from California’s 36th District, among many other supporters in the California delegation, for standing by this important fund for parks and open space,” said Segura. “We urge them to work with their colleagues to ensure the protection of the Golden State’s pristine public lands for years to come.”

For more than 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has preserved our country’s priceless natural beauty and resources, connecting millions of Americans with the public lands and parks that define and inspire us. To learn more about why Congress should reauthorize the conservation fund visit http://lwcfcoalition.org/

Mojave Desert Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values through acquisition, land stewardship and strategic partnerships. Since 2006 we have protected over 54,000 acres of desert land.