For More Information:
Thad Nation, 414.412.7814

LWCF will expire on September 30th

JANESVILLE — A new electronic billboard in Paul Ryan’s District is counting down the days and minutes to the expiration of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is America’s most important conservation and recreation program, responsible for protecting parks, trails, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at the federal, state and local level. For over 52 years, it has provided critical funding for land and water conservation projects, access to recreation, and the continued historic preservation of our nation’s iconic landmarks. LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars – it is funded using a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments.

“We know that Speaker Paul Ryan is a dedicated outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family in the great outdoors,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wisconsin for Public Lands. “There is no program that is more important for protecting America’s public lands than the Land and Water Conservation Fund.”

The billboard has gone up after new poll results last week showed the overwhelming majority of Wisconsin voters want Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), with fully 86% of the state’s electorate in support of continued funding.

“You would be hard pressed to find any federal program that enjoys more bipartisan support in Wisconsin than LWCF,” Nation continued. “We urge Speaker Ryan to make the permanent reauthorization and full funding of LWCF his priority for passage before it expires September 30th.”

LWCF has provided funding to help protect some of Wisconsin’s most special places and ensure recreational access for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Wisconsin has received approximately $218 million in LWCF funding over the past five decades, protecting places such as the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Ice Age Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, St. Croix National Scenic River and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

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