Historic public lands protection bill clears Congress

The Wilderness Society celebrated the passage of the Natural Resources Management Act in the House today with a bipartisan vote of 363 to 62. The bill conserves over 2.3 million acres of public lands and waters--including 1.2 million as wilderness, the highest level of protection--and reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). On February 12, the Senate voted 92 to 8 to approve that bill. The bill now heads to the president to be signed into law.

Statement from Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society:

“This is the most sweeping public lands protection bill in a decade and a testament to the nation’s commitment to conservation. Conserving more than two million acres of the nation’s wild lands is a tremendous gift to future generations. In addition, permanently reauthorizing LWCF is a huge accomplishment that will be felt in every state. This legislation reflects the vast majority of Americans who want enduring conservation of our public lands and waters. Passage of this bill provides a hopeful sign that the new Congress can and will step up to meet our nation’s pressing environmental challenges.”

Created in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund preserves park land and access to outdoor recreation sites ranging from local ballfields to national battlefields, all at no cost to taxpayers. The bill also extends for seven years the popular Every Kid Outdoors program, formerly known as Every Kid in a Park, which allows fourth graders and their families to visit national parks and other public lands for free.

For more information read our blog here.