Number: 1998-03
WHEREAS, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established in 1965 by Congress to preserve, develop and assure that all Americans have access to quality outdoor recreation to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the key goals of these funds were to: 1)provide funds to states to assist in planning, acquisition, and development of needed land and water areas and recreational facilities and 2) fund federal purchase of land and water areas for recreation and conservation and to develop recreational resources open to all Americans; and
WHEREAS, this fund receives approximately $900 million annually, primarily from fees paid by companies drilling off-shore for oil and gas to accomplish the established goals; and
WHEREAS, approximately 40 percent of these funds are to be equally divided among the states with the other 60 percent to be allocated to federal sites; and
WHEREAS, it should be recognized that states face increased fragmentation of habitat, loss of potential recreation opportunities, and loss of ability to manage sustainable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, many states have minimal federal lands and the LWCF would augment state acquisition funds; and
WHEREAS, a large portion of these funds are being diverted from their primary purpose; and
WHEREAS, in recent years the state-side of the LWCF has received no appropriation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 19-22, 1998, in Alexandria, Virginia, hereby urges Congress and the President of the United States to appropriate the full amount due the Federal LWCF on an annual basis for its intended purposes, including the states’ fair share to benefit all Americans.