WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation hailed the overwhelmingly bipartisan support shown for the Great American Outdoors Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide money for deferred maintenance projects at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands.

“Passing the Great American Outdoors Act is quite simply the most significant investment in conservation in decades. It’s a huge win for wildlife, our natural treasures, our economy, and all Americans, who enjoy our America’s public lands for solace, recreation, and exercise, especially amid this pandemic,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The Great American Outdoors Act shows us once again that investing in our public lands and waters is a rare issue that transcends partisan politics. All Americans will benefit from this historic legislation, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, expand outdoor recreation opportunities in every community, and accelerate our nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19.” 

“It is so important in these challenging times to create jobs and boost investments both in our rural and urban communities. We are grateful for the lawmakers who voted to expand opportunities for parks, trails, hunting and fishing access, and recreational facilities,” said Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO). “This bill will ensure continued access to our shared public lands for everyone.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has created and maintained local, state and national parks, hiking and biking trails, waterfront access and much more for over five decades. Last year Congress permanently reauthorized this successful conservation program. The Great American Outdoors Act provides full and permanent funding for it. The bill will also provide up to $9.5 billion for deferred maintenance projects at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands.