ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Congressman Vern Buchanan is calling to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund which expired on September 30. 

  • Land and Water Conservation Fund expired September 30
  • Congressman Buchanan calling to reauthorize program
  • Program supports protection of national parks, water resources, forests, etc.

The government program provides states, counties, and local government with funding to protect and preserve national parks, water resources, wildlife habitats, and historic sites. 

Florida has received more than $1 billion from the LWCF to protect the Everglades, Biscayne National Park, Osceola National Forest, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Caspersen Beach in Sarasota County. 

“This important conservation program will help preserve Florida’s iconic environmental resources for future generations,” Buchanan said. “It’s regrettable that despite broad bipartisan support Congress allowed this vital fund to expire.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was created in 1960 and has been celebrated as the country's greatest tool for funding conservation efforts throughout the United States.  The program safeguards some of America’s most important natural treasures, including the Everglades, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountains.

According to Buchanan, Florida's economy is dependent on the conservation program, which benefits the state's $60 billion outdoor recreation industry, supporting nearly half a million jobs and producing roughly $3.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. 

Congress is back in session today for the final weeks of the 115 legislative session.