WAUSAU, WI – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin met with hunters, fishermen and sportsmen in Wausau today to discuss the need to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to protect and preserve public lands for recreation and hunting. Funding for the LWCF is set to expire on September 30 if Congress does not act.
“Wisconsin has long been a national leader for conservation and we have a proud tradition of hunting, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. I’m proud to work across party lines to protect these traditions for future generations and safeguard the natural resources we enjoy in Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “Wisconsinites understand that protecting public access to our natural resources is critical to our quality of life and to our economy, so Congress must act swiftly to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund.”
Senator Baldwin was joined by representatives from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society, Wild Turkey Federation, Gathering Waters, Pheasants Forever, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.
Wisconsin has received more than $200 million in LWCF funding over the past five decades, protecting places like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the North Country Scenic Trail, the St. Croix National Scenic River and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Senator Baldwin has long advocated for investing in the LWCF. She also worked with a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act, which would permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund.