June 16, 2022 3:00 a.m.

On Wednesday, Senator Ron Wyden announced that he is calling for increased investments in the Land and Water Conservation Fund for fiscal year 2023.

A release said a bipartisan letter addressed to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, requested an investment of $450 million in discretionary funds, in addition to mandatory LWCF funding to address the numerous ready-to-go-project opportunities.

Wyden said, “From protecting clean drinking water to making the outdoors more accessible to everyone, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is essential to the health of our communities”. Wyden said that more recreation around the state’s natural wonders also means more-good-paying jobs in places like rural Oregon. Wyden said, “Simply put, if you want to support rural economies and make sure our public lands are enjoyed for generations to come, more funding for the LWCF must be a priority”.

Wyden’s letter was signed by four other senators. A similar letter was signed by a group of Representatives in the House.

Tom Cors, Director of Government Relations for Lands, The Nature Conservancy said he applauded the letters. Cors said, “These vital additional funds will help protect land, water, wildlife and way of life in every corner of the country, from the smallest local and state parks, to our iconic National Parks, Forests. Wildlife Refuges and beyond”. Cors said, “The time to bolster our investment is now”.