I want to let everyone know about the genuine efforts Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is making to grow, protect and preserve public land for generations to come. Some might see things like Pint Nights or other social events done by BHA and wonder what BHA is doing to impact hunters and anglers or is it just a feel good movement. Well I want you to know they are putting their money where their mouth is and impacting people where it matters.
In May, BHA chapter members from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most popular and successful conservation program. Instead of bringing just lobbyists or people of bias they brought in real hunters and anglers from across the country to tell real stories and show how much LWCF means to them. For those of you who may not be completely familiar with the LWCF, since 1965 it has been funded from the collection of tax revenues received from offshore drilling and can be allocated to state and federal projects, up to $900 million in total per year. The fund is used for a wide variety of projects such as buying more land, improving state parks, and building local parks including baseball fields and playgrounds. Alaska has received $143 million alone over the years!
In September the LWCF is EXPIRING. As you know the government runs a deficit and everyone wants to get their hands on money for their interests. This is a quiet program that creates immeasurable benefits but would be easy for DC to just let it expire and slowly die off unless people stand up for it. People like us.
RECAP FROM THE TRIP (May 14-17)
Day 1: I flew from Fairbanks, AK which took the entire first day (Monday) and then we spent the evening getting to know the other members who had made the trip. Some really awesome folks that I will stay in contact with!
Day 2: We spent our first day in DC on the Hill training on the LWCF, DC etiquette, and most importantly effective communication strategies, taught by fellow HTer, Ben Long. It was awesome! I learned a great deal and built on some foundational communication skills. We spent the vening prepping for our visits the next day
Day 3: This was show time! I along with BHA experts such as Tim Brass and John Gale met with the offices of Rep. Don Young and Sen. Lisa Murkowski. We told them why we were there, why LWCF is so important, and asked how we could help them. They truly listen and good conversation was made. Both offices fully support LWCF currently but the most important part was to bring the importance of LWCF to their staff’s attention and emphasize the time that is running out. These were strategic visits because of the positions they hold and impact they can make. Sen Murkowksi is the Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Rep Young is the most senior member of the House along with being on the Natural Resource Committee.
Day 4: A loooong day back to AK but a day to reflect on the impact made, BHA roots that were started in DC and new friendships.
SUMMARY
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is expiring in September. BHA is working hard to get it permanently reauthorized rallying it’s the members and making our voices heard. If you have LWCF success stories please do share on this thread. The best advice I can give is to work with your state BHA chapter to stay informed and contact your representatives and emphasize the importance of LWCF.
Ben do you have anything to add?
If you want some quality information, BHA’s Podcast done by Hal Herring has some outstanding information about LWCF discussed during interviews with representatives such as Senator Heinrich of NM. I will try post more updates from BHA and the steps you can take to help but I wanted to post this update so you all were aware of the efforts currently being made.
See BHA’s press release about our trip here: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/lwcf_fly-in
Lots of LWCF info here: https://www.lwcfcoalition.com/
In May, BHA chapter members from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s most popular and successful conservation program. Instead of bringing just lobbyists or people of bias they brought in real hunters and anglers from across the country to tell real stories and show how much LWCF means to them. For those of you who may not be completely familiar with the LWCF, since 1965 it has been funded from the collection of tax revenues received from offshore drilling and can be allocated to state and federal projects, up to $900 million in total per year. The fund is used for a wide variety of projects such as buying more land, improving state parks, and building local parks including baseball fields and playgrounds. Alaska has received $143 million alone over the years!
In September the LWCF is EXPIRING. As you know the government runs a deficit and everyone wants to get their hands on money for their interests. This is a quiet program that creates immeasurable benefits but would be easy for DC to just let it expire and slowly die off unless people stand up for it. People like us.
RECAP FROM THE TRIP (May 14-17)
Day 1: I flew from Fairbanks, AK which took the entire first day (Monday) and then we spent the evening getting to know the other members who had made the trip. Some really awesome folks that I will stay in contact with!
Day 2: We spent our first day in DC on the Hill training on the LWCF, DC etiquette, and most importantly effective communication strategies, taught by fellow HTer, Ben Long. It was awesome! I learned a great deal and built on some foundational communication skills. We spent the vening prepping for our visits the next day
Day 3: This was show time! I along with BHA experts such as Tim Brass and John Gale met with the offices of Rep. Don Young and Sen. Lisa Murkowski. We told them why we were there, why LWCF is so important, and asked how we could help them. They truly listen and good conversation was made. Both offices fully support LWCF currently but the most important part was to bring the importance of LWCF to their staff’s attention and emphasize the time that is running out. These were strategic visits because of the positions they hold and impact they can make. Sen Murkowksi is the Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Rep Young is the most senior member of the House along with being on the Natural Resource Committee.
Day 4: A loooong day back to AK but a day to reflect on the impact made, BHA roots that were started in DC and new friendships.
SUMMARY
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is expiring in September. BHA is working hard to get it permanently reauthorized rallying it’s the members and making our voices heard. If you have LWCF success stories please do share on this thread. The best advice I can give is to work with your state BHA chapter to stay informed and contact your representatives and emphasize the importance of LWCF.
Ben do you have anything to add?
If you want some quality information, BHA’s Podcast done by Hal Herring has some outstanding information about LWCF discussed during interviews with representatives such as Senator Heinrich of NM. I will try post more updates from BHA and the steps you can take to help but I wanted to post this update so you all were aware of the efforts currently being made.
See BHA’s press release about our trip here: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/lwcf_fly-in
Lots of LWCF info here: https://www.lwcfcoalition.com/
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