Washington, D.C. — Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) President Jessica Wahl Turner issued the following statement celebrating the 60th anniversary of one of the country’s most successful conservation and recreation programs:
“When legislation to create the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was signed into law 60 years ago, it was unimaginable the extent to which this program would help build up the outdoor recreation sector – now a $1.1 trillion economic powerhouse. LWCF has broad bipartisan support and has been critical to enhancing access to the outdoors, connecting communities, and protecting places we all treasure, including national, state and local parks; trails and waterways; forests, farms and ranches; wildlife areas for fishing and hunting; and much more. Protecting these special places and creating access for all Americans to enjoy them has made a huge difference for businesses, jobs, and communities in rural and urban areas alike. On behalf of over five million Americans who work in the outdoor recreation economy – and the tens of millions who take advantage of LWCF-funded programs and areas – we look forward to many, many decades more of LWCF success stories.”