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Protect LWCF to Protect the Places We Ride!

Protect LWCF to Protect the Places We Ride!

Land and Water Conservation Fund will expire this month without action

By: Eleanor Blick
Posted: September 13, 2018
Upper Buffalo IMBA EPIC, made possible by LWCF
Photo courtesy of: Upper Buffalo IMBA EPIC, made possible by LWCF

Since 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has helped create trailheads, parks, mountain bike trails and other great outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy all across the country. Eight IMBA EPICS, from Arkansas to Montana to Wisconsin, have been made possible through LWCF funding. LWCF is a popular, bipartisan program that reinvests royalties from offshore oil and gas drilling into recreation and conservation projects.

What’s the problem? The program is set to expire September 30 if not reauthorized by Congress.

TAKE ACTION: tell your representatives to reauthorize LWCF today!

Despite the program’s bipartisan support, 53-year history and long, impressive roster of enhancements made for trails and public lands close to home and across the country, the program is being held up by a small but strong opposition who are impeding the legislative process for reauthorization.

"There are numerous examples of LWCF-funded projects that benefit mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, anglers, hunters, climbers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts. That this program may expire at the end of September is simply unacceptable for trails close to home and around the country,” said Dave Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. Dave recently wrote an op-ed calling on Congress to reauthorize the program.

How can you make a difference? Contact your representatives and urge them to take the initiative to champion the reauthorization of the LWCF. We've made it easy for you to hit the high notes, but the more personalized your message, the better.

Thank you for being an awesome advocate!

About the author

Eleanor (she/her) was raised a two-wheeled advocate in the rolling hills of Wisconsin. From racing to riding to work and every trail in between, pedaling is her natural state of motion. Prior to joining the IMBA team she worked in journalism and nonprofit communications in Chicago while leading…

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