Senator Ayotte is attempting to protect funding for conservation. A young staffer who dreams of being a senator himself someday has meticulously crafted this press release to tell you all about it:
As part of her ongoing efforts to protect New Hampshire's open spaces, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today introduced a measure aimed at ensuring full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - which has helped advance public-private efforts to protect thousands of acres in New Hampshire without using taxpayer dollars. Ayotte's proposal comes as an amendment to the Sportsmen's Act (S. 2363), which is currently pending on the Senate floor. Her measure would create a budget "point of order" against any legislation that doesn't fully fund LWCF.
"Preserving New Hampshire's pristine landscape is important to our state's economy and way of life," said Senator Ayotte. "LWCF has been used to protect thousands of acres in New Hampshire - without using taxpayer dollars. The amendment I introduced is a continuation of my efforts to bolster this critical conservation program, which has made a real difference in our state."
LWCF is an account in the U.S. Treasury that collects a small percentage of offshore oil and gas leasing receipts, specifically intended to be used for conservation projects. At the local, state, and federal levels, LWCF provides grants to help conserve our natural resources and protect outdoor recreation opportunities, working forests, and wildlife areas.
Also today, Ayotte welcomed news that the Interior Department will release $43 million in LWCF funds to states - including $435,478 for New Hampshire. "These funds will help advance key conservation efforts to preserve land in New Hampshire for the benefit of future generations," said Senator Ayotte.
Susan Arnold, Appalachian Mountain Club Vice President for Conservation, said: "The Appalachian Mountain Club is pleased that New Hampshire will be receiving $435,478 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund's (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. The program has funded local trails, public parks, and other important recreational lands that New Hampshire families and visitors enjoy every day. For instance, popular trailheads in the White Mountain National Forest and scenic lands surrounding the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are among the special outdoor places that have been protected by LWCF. State parks including Franconia Notch and Pawtuckaway were created in part using LWCF funds. This funding is one example of the positive impact LWCF could have nationwide if it were fully funded at its authorized level of $900 million per year. LWCF is supported by a small portion of offshore oil and gas leases, ensuring the conservation of important public lands for the benefit of all Americans. We look forward to working with Senator Ayotte and the entire New Hampshire delegation to help move LWCF toward the reauthorization and full dedicated funding that is essential for the future."