December 21, 2018 - Following the passage of a continuing resolution bill, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks released the following statement calling out the massive failure by the Republican-controlled Congress to include a provision to permanently reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most successful conservation and outdoor recreation program.

“Congress and the Trump administration have failed yet again to protect our national parks. They have squandered an historic opportunity to ensure that our public lands are protected for future generations. Congress’ failure to permanently reauthorize and fund the bipartisan LWCF jeopardizes the multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry and lets down millions of Americans who rely on this critical program to experience the great outdoors, in local communities across the United States.

The Coalition will continue to advocate for our national parks and National Park Service employees. We urge the new Congress to act swiftly and permanently reauthorize LWCF with full and dedicated funding. Our national parks are a sacred space for millions of Americans and we must do all we can to ensure they are preserved and protected for the enjoyment of future generations.”

A national poll released in September showed that 74% of Americans support reauthorization and funding of LWCF. The historically bipartisan program has received widespread support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is a reliable, respected, and effective advocate for achievement of the mission and goals of the National Park Service. Recognized as the Voice of Experience, CPANP studies, educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation and protection of the National Park System, and mission-related programs of the National Park Service. More information can be found at https://protectnps.org.