[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION 
           FUND AND THE WILDERNESS ACT BEING SIGNED INTO LAW

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                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, September marks the 50th anniversary of 
both the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the 
Wilderness Act being signed into law. I rise in celebration of these 
two milestones, as they have resulted in the preservation of our 
nation's most treasured resources.
  For 50 years, LWCF has remained the nation's premier conservation and 
recreation support program. While authorized by Congress, the program 
is not funded by taxpayer dollars, making it a responsible, practical 
method to protect our nation's natural landscape and beauty.
  The parks, trails, forests, wildlife refuges, battlefields, historic 
sites, and working lands sustained by LWCF funding support an outdoor 
recreation and tourism sector that contributes a total of $1.06 
trillion annually to the American economy. This program supports 9.4 
million jobs that are vital to our nation's recovery.
  Additionally, since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness 
Act into law, Congress has added over 100 million acres to the unique 
land preservation system. This landmark conservation bill created a way 
for Americans to protect their cherished wild lands for future 
generations.
  Polling has found that a strong majority of the American people 
believe that Congress should continue to honor its commitment to both 
the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Wilderness Act. I am proud 
to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve and 
protect these programs.

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