Our public lands deserve protection

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is an essential tool for protecting America’s national parks and public lands. I should know; I spent years with the National Park Service, protecting and preserving our nation’s most treasured natural and cultural resources. I worked for the NPS in Alaska for 14 years and enjoyed four years as Regional Director of the Alaska Region. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the value of getting Americans outside, into our national parks, and connected with their heritage.

LWCF is our nation’s primary source for preserving nationally significant public lands and providing recreational opportunities in communities across the country. National parks and battlefields, local ballfields and hiking trails have all benefited from the fund. This funding is a critical investment not only in our quality of life and the continued protection of our public lands for future generations, but also in America’s economy. Outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation activities contribute greatly to the U.S. economy and support millions of jobs. In Alaska alone, the outdoor recreation industry is responsible for 72,000 jobs and more than $7 billion in consumer spending every year.

Here in Alaska, we’ve received roughly $149 million in LWCF funding in the past 50 years. The fund supports our local communities, providing funds for a playground in Barrow, a swim beach in Fairbanks and a ski area in Cordova. It has also helped national parks such as Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias.

The fund relies mainly on revenue from the depletion of some natural resources - offshore oil and gas drilling - to support the conservation of other precious resources - our land and water. It does not use any state or federal taxpayer dollars. Nearly $1 billion in revenues from offshore drilling are authorized to be spent on LWCF projects every year, but Congress almost always diverts most of that funding to unrelated purposes. Failing to fully fund LWCF ensures that projects that would benefit our communities go unfunded for another year or much longer.

During the fund’s lifetime, more than $22 billion has been redirected by Congress to be spent on unrelated items. It is long past time to correct this injustice and fully fund our public lands and community-based recreation opportunities, which is not a controversial concept.

Created as a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and our cultural heritage, as well as provide recreational opportunities to all Americans, LWCF has a long history of support across party lines. While its permanent reauthorization passed Congress earlier this year, LWCF still needs full funding.

Without full funding for LWCF at $900 million annually, we are failing to do our best to protect our public lands, preserve access to our outdoor spaces, and improve our communities. Alaska benefits greatly from LWCF and I believe full and mandatory funding is critical for its continued success. Sen. Lisa Murkowski understands the value of public lands in Alaska, and I urge her to continue to do what is best for Alaskans and support full funding for the LWCF.

Marcia Blaszak spent 39 years working at the National Park Service, including 14 years in Alaska, where she held several senior positions, including Regional Director. She’s a recipient of the Interior Department’s Meritorious Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award, and is a member of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

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