BELLINGHAM, Wash. — For more than 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected America’s parks, trails, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at federal, state and local levels, but its funding source may be in jeopardy.
Mitch Friedman with Conservation Northwest says the fund has helped establish and maintain some our most beloved local assets, including the Whatcom Creek Trail, Cornwall Park, Maritime Heritage Park and Boulevard Park.
The LCWF doesn’t use taxpayer money but is funded by part of the royalties for off-shore oil and gas leases.
The law establishing the fund expired last year and Congress voted to reauthorize it permanently.
But that didn’t come with funding.
Bills before the House and Senate would make funding permanent and Conservation Northwest is asking residents to contact their lawmakers.
Visit this page to hear KGMI’s full interview with Mitch Friedman.