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Help protect federal and state conservation funds
Legislators seeking drastic spending cuts are targeting dedicated conservation funds in a number of states -- as well as in Congress. We are mobilizing public support -- which has been shown so clearly through the ballot box -- to continue to invest in our land and water. We need you to speak up for nature near you and across the nation.
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 Act now to save federal Land and Water Conservation funding
In the U.S. Congress, the latest short-term continuing budget resolution cuts the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 16% from last year and 36% from the president's proposed budget. LWCF is the nation's premier program for protecting our land and water, and it is paid for through receipts from offshore oil and gas drilling.The proposed cuts jeopardize many pending conservation and outdoor recreation projects, and would divert LWCF funds from their intended use. Further devastating cuts could occur between now and April 8 during negotiations over the budget impasse. Representatives and Senators are home on a week-long recess until March 28. Now is the time to tell them, "No more cuts to LWCF." Find out how you can help.
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Around the states
Hike to support Florida Forever. On March 26, in a show of support for the Florida Forever conservation land-buying program, the Florida Forever Coalition and local supporters are organizing hikes across the state to celebrate the state's natural treasures and raise awareness of its public lands. Click here to find a hike. Iowa Listening Tour. The Iowa's Water and Land Legacy coalition (IWiLL) is holding a series of forums in key legislative districts statewide. The forums aim to increase public awareness and media coverage of potential funding cuts to natural resource programs and highlight support for funding the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, established by Iowa voters last November. For dates and locations, go to the IWiLL Facebook page or website. New York environment funding on track. The "We Love New York" campaign to keep funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) brought supporters from its broad coalition to a March 14 lobby day and is continuing an ad campaign focused on legislators. Leaders of the campaign -- sponsored by the Conservation Campaign -- are encouraged that budget proposals from the governor and both houses of the legislature maintain EPF funding at last year's level, but are asking supporters to keep eye on EPF funding until the budget is finalized. For updates, check http://keepprotectingny.com/. |
