Senator Manchin wins praise for leadership in conservation victory
Bill ensures future generations of West Virginians can access public lands for hunting, fishing, other outdoor traditions
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2019 ---- The Wilderness Society praised Senator Joe Manchin today for his leadership in advancing a bipartisan Senate bill that reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund and protects millions of acres of America’s wild public lands.
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.
Statement from Jamie Williams, president, The Wilderness Society:
“Senator Manchin’s leadership to get this bill across the finish line will help ensure that future generations of West Virginians can access their public lands for hunting, fishing and other outdoor traditions enjoyed by so many in the Mountain State.“
By investing in park land, rec centers and increasing access to wild public lands, the Land and Water Conservation Fund supports West Virginia’s growing outdoor recreation economy, which generates $9 billion in annual consumer spending in West Virginia and supports 91,000 jobs with $2.4 billion in salary and wages in the state.
The bill approved by the Senate today also provides protections for wild lands in several states and extends for seven years the popular Every Kid in a Park program, which allows fourth graders and their families free visits to national parks.
CONTACT: Michael Reinemer, michael_reinemer@tws.org, (202) 429-3949
The Wilderness Society is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. Founded in 1935, and now with more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 109 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. Visit www.wilderness.org.
