WASHINGTON – An omnibus budget deal released by Congress early Wednesday morning increases agency funding and includes a measure that reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund – but for only three years.
The spending bill for Fiscal Year 2016 represents a hard-won – and at times bitterly contested – agreement that funds the federal government in the coming year while narrowly averting another shutdown. While acknowledging the hard work by Congress, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers reiterated the need for LWCF legislation that permanently reauthorizes and fully funds the highly successful conservation program.
“Christmas came early for sportsmen late last night when Congress passed a budget deal that not only avoided a government shutdown but also includes a provision to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three years at $450 million,” said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney.
“Strong bipartisan support for the LWCF overcame fringe elements in the Senate – and House Natural Resources Chair Rob Bishop – to do the right thing for conservation and public access,” Tawney continued. “Unfortunately this provision is like getting a bike for Christmas with no air in the tires. Congress had the opportunity to do the right thing for LWCF once and for all but failed to move language already developed that would permanently reauthorize one of our nation’s most historic, successful conservation programs.”
BHA applauded key increases in the spending bill for agencies responsible for managing public fish and wildlife habitat, public trails, campgrounds and much more. The sportsmen’s group also noted the absence of attack riders that would have impacted the greater sage-grouse, fish, waterfowl and species that rely on clean wetlands and streams. Highlights include the following:
Bureau of Land Management: $1.2 billion overall (an increase of $117 million from enacted levels); the BLM also received $60 million for sage steppe habitat restoration and improvement, benefitting species including sage-grouse, mule deer, pronghorn and elk
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: $1.5 billion (an increase of $69 million from enacted levels)
U.S. Forest Service: $2.5 billion (an increase of $35 million from enacted levels)
In addition, the LWCF was reauthorized at $450 million – an increase of $100 million from enacted levels.
“Tenacious efforts by hunters and anglers helped stave off attack riders on the Clean Water Act and sage grouse conservation – measures that would have diminished our ability to responsibly manage and conserve fish and wildlife populations and important areas of habitat,” stated Tawney. “But we cannot rest easy. These attacks will continue.
“Sportsmen and the citizenry at large have made abundantly clear our support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” he concluded. “It’s time for Congress to fulfill the will of the American people. We’ll celebrate this moment – but we’ll be doubling down on our efforts in the new year.”
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