Land and Water Conservation Fund Advocacy Guide Photos (Left to Right): David Graves; RCO, PRISM; hj_west | Flickr

LWCF History Washington Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson helped create the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the benefit of future generations. Wikimedia Commons

LWCF History  $637 million invested in Washington state  Over 600 projects  Invested in over 400 state and local parks projects  Protected our most iconic places including:  Mt. Rainier National Park  The Pacific Crest Trail  Alpine Lakes Wilderness  The Columbia River Gorge  The San Juan Islands Top photo: Charles Miles | Flickr

How LWCF works Courtesy of The Wilderness Society  Using the depletion of one publicly-owned resource to sustain another.  Authorized for $900 million every year  Does NOT burden taxpayers who enjoy the benefits.

How LWCF works  Federal Land Management Agencies  State and Local Assistance Programs  Forest Legacy Program  Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (protects states from Endangered Species Act penalties) Courtesy of The Wilderness Society

How LWCF works LWCF has historically maintained an even balance between spending on federal and state projects.

Reauthorizing LWCF For 50 years LWCF has proven itself to be a wise, fiscally responsible investment in our nation’s natural and cultural heritage. The debate should be not about whether or not to reauthorize the fund, but how we can ensure it receives the full funding it deserves. Courtesy of The Wilderness Society

Fully Funding LWCF  Congress has only appropriated about 45% of the trust fund for its intended purpose of preserving public lands  Full funding over the life of the LWCF would mean $18 billion more in funding to protect and conserve our natural and cultural heritage

Policy Update We face a difficult congress in which it is hard to get much done Small but forceful opposition to conservation bogs legislation down in key committees A number of legislative vehicles have been introduced

Legislative Vehicles LegislationKey PlayersSignificance HR 1814Rep. Dave Reichert (R-8)Permanent Reauthorization S. 890Sen. Maria Cantwell (D)Permanent Reauthorization + full funding Senate Energy BillSen. Cantwell & Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Includes reauthorization in larger bill, passed committee LWCF/PILT/SRSCombines Permanent Reauthorization with reauthorization of two other popular programs

Senate Energy Bill A HUGE deal Includes permanent authorization for LWCF and the Historic Preservation Fund, a program that uses oil and gas fees to preserve historic landmarks Passed Committee – July 30 th A compromise – 40/40/20 split – 40% for Federal Acquisitions, 40% Stateside funding, 20% for discretionary appropriations Creates a maintenance fund which doesn’t use LWCF funding Directs agencies to use conservation easements where possible

PILT and SRS Senator Heinrich introducing a bill to reauthorize Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), Safe Routes to Schools (SRS), and LWCF PILT and SRS are very popular programs that would build a strong bipartisan coalition around reauthorization

Talking about LWCF

Principle: Emphasize Human Impact Always articulate a broad human value, not just a narrow conservation or habitat benefit Examples - Conservation is important because… It opens up lands for public access and recreation Promotes recreation which is an economic driver Safeguards water quality which is important for farmers Promotes health of waterways, critical for fishing and shellfishing

Principle: Non-partisan Support for reauthorization is bi-partisan—here in Washington we have leaders from both sides of the aisle like Rep. Reichert and Sen. Cantwell We shouldn’t cloak the messaging in terms that appeal chiefly to one party or another

Organizing Headline The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is our premier national program for conserving our natural and cultural heritage. Permanent reauthorization and full funding of LWCF is a critical part of protecting this vital economic engine for future generations. Flo Ware Park - The Children's Alliance

Good Fiscal Policy LWCF does not use taxpayer dollars and helps reduce operating costs  Depletion of one public resource used to conserve another  Fiscally responsible program  Reduction of maintenance costs and wildfire risks Ars Electronica | Flickr

Economic Prosperity LWCF’s investments are essential to outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic prosperity in our state  Iconic destinations: $4.6 billion in out of state visitor economic impact  $1 investments yields $4 in return  Washington state: $21.6 billion per year and 200,000 jobs Ben Amstutz | Flickr

Washington works: Forest Legacy LWCF helps forestry workers and land owners by investing in working lands that support the economy, protect wildlife habitat and clean water, and connect Washingtonians to their heritage.  Forest Legacy Program  Protecting working forests from sprawl Courtesy of Pope Resources

Creating Well-being LWCF provides access to safe, close-to-home parks and recreation for urban and suburban communities  Population growth and the need for green space  Matching grants promote economic growth  Outdoor spaces entice new residents and businesses Monty VanderBilt| Flickr

Clean Water, Healthy Lives LWCF protects clean water for our communities, farms, and fisheries  Protecting watersheds  Drought resilience  Farms, fisheries, and clean drinking water Scott Butner | Flickr

Adam Goch Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition Policy and Outreach Associate (206) For more information