Statement from the Ohio Environmental Council on the Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization

Cassie Kelly, March 12, 2019

Columbus, Ohio — The following statement may be attributed in full, or in part, to Ricardo Granados, Public Lands Coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Council:

“Through its history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been one of the United States’ most important public lands funding mechanisms. Public lands across the country have benefited from LWCF’s infusion of billions of dollars into infrastructure and land acquisition since 1964. It is essential in the planning process for communities all over the country, and helps connect people with the natural world.

“More than $333 million have been invested in Ohio’s public lands through LWCF, helping to create and enhance places such as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Wayne National Forest, and Jesse Owens State Park. Across the nation, it has helped to protect Civil War battlefields, pioneer forts, Native American cultural sites, the birthplaces of civil rights leaders, and iconic landscapes.

“We applaud Congress on passing legislation that permanently reauthorizes this important fund, and eagerly hope that they will further their support by giving it the money it needs through continued appropriations. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, alongside Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Avon), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo), Rep. Mike Turner (R-Dayton), Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Warrensville Heights), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Niles), Rep. David Joyce (R-Russell Township), Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus), and Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Rocky River) all voted to further our public lands heritage. We are disappointed that Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Cincinnati), Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Cincinnati), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Lima), and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Troy) voted against this measure, and encourage them to vote for our public lands in the future.

“We are encouraged that President Trump signed this bill into law, ensuring a brighter future for public lands throughout Ohio and across the country.”