Number: 1978-18
WHEREAS, there is a continuing need to provide wholesome and healthful public recreational opportunities for all segments of the population; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Department of the Interior, is finalizing an urban recreation study which documents the oftentimes critical recreational needs of many urban areas; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation recognizes these legitimate needs, and supports measures to alleviate them within a well-defined framework of a balanced urban-rural national recreation policy; and
WHEREAS, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was created to facilitate the preservation of open space and the development of non-intensive recreational facilities, and other fund sources, such as open space block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), have traditionally supplied financial support for urban recreational needs; and
WHEREAS, oftentimes projects are planned at the local level, anticipating land and water conservation fund monies that are in direct conflict with sound fish and wildlife management;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 16-19, 1978, in Phoenix, Ariz., hereby supports the balanced development of both urban and rural recreational opportunities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization endorses an affirmative program providing funding for urban recreation through a separate taxing mechanism or sources other than the Land and Water Conservation Fund; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization opposes diversion of Land and Water Conservation Fund monies to finance primarily urban recreational needs.