PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 4, 2025
Americans love their public lands, but budget proposals and policy changes signal a shift away from bipartisan dedication to preserving our shared lands. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is one of the most successful conservation programs in U.S. history, with broad support across the political spectrum. Because it is funded through offshore oil and gas revenues, it doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime. Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order that created a commission to advance efforts to conserve public lands and water. However, in contradiction to the commission’s own goal, the White House budget proposes a 90% cut to LWCF programs. In Maine, LWCF has helped protect Acadia National Park, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the Appalachian Trail, and our beloved state and local parks. Outdoor recreation is a $4 billion industry in Maine, supporting nearly 30,000 jobs. Tell your members of Congress to reject any cuts to or diversions of LWCF. ~ Betsy Cook, Trust for Public Land