[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND AND THE 
                             WILDERNESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this month 
marks the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
(LWCF) and the Wilderness Act. This landmark legislation established a 
dedicated and permanent funding source for the conservation and 
protection of America's irreplaceable recreational, natural, historic, 
and cultural landmarks.
  All told, New Mexico has received over $230 million from the LWCF to 
preserve areas that support our outdoor recreational economy and public 
well-being. In my district, important sites such as Petroglyphs 
National Monument and the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge--the 
first refuge in the Southwest to serve an urban area--will be protected 
for generations to come thanks to the LWCF.
  The LWCF has created outdoor recreation opportunities in every state 
and 98 percent of counties across the country, yet there are so many 
other natural and historic wonders that deserve protection.
  The best way we can honor the LWCF's half century of success is to 
reauthorize the fund before it expires next year. We owe it to our 
children and our children's children to ensure LWCF has the opportunity 
to celebrate many more anniversaries.

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