Public lands need Land and Water Conservation Fund

As a veteran, I’m proud to have served my country in foreign lands. And right now, I’m concerned about our lands here at home.

National parks and forests provide the reflective space that help veterans decompress from military duties. Fishing, hiking and camping are excellent ways to recharge. These incredible natural surroundings also remind us of why we’re so proud of our country.

That’s why I, and many of my fellow soldiers, are urging Congress to reauthorize the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund – which is responsible for maintaining and expanding so many of our valuable park lands – is in danger if it’s not included in a continuing resolution budget bill this week. Monies for the LWCF come from royalties on oil and gas leases.

If the fund is not reauthorized, money in the bank will run out, and it will lose its ties to the revenue source.

I salute Sens. Cantwell and Murray for being longtime advocates for the LWCF. I am calling on the senators’ colleagues to reauthorize the fund and ensure that the parks that mean so much are there for all Americans, today, tomorrow and for decades to come.

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Public lands need Land and Water Conservation Fund."