The 50th Anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Wilderness Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Wilderness Act. This landmark legislation established a dedicated and permanent funding source for the conservation and protection of America's irreplaceable recreational, natural, historic, and cultural landmarks.

All told, New Mexico has received over $230 million from the LWCF to preserve areas that support our outdoor recreational economy and public well-being. In my district, important sites such as Petroglyphs National Monument and the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge--the first refuge in the Southwest to serve an urban area--will be protected for generations to come thanks to the LWCF.

The LWCF has created outdoor recreation opportunities in every state and 98 percent of counties across the country, yet there are so many other natural and historic wonders that deserve protection.

The best way we can honor the LWCF's half century of success is to reauthorize the fund before it expires next year. We owe it to our children and our children's children to ensure LWCF has the opportunity to celebrate many more anniversaries.
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