Montana's outdoors need support from Washington

I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to our members of Congress and the Department of the Interior about ways to enhance the outdoor recreation economy. I felt I had a positive story to share; as a state legislator representing the Glacier National Park area, I know firsthand the value that protected public lands provide to local communities. As an educator, I want to ensure that our young people have outstanding experiences accessing the great outdoors today and in the future.

Every time I leave Montana, it makes me appreciate our community and state that much more. It doesn’t take me long to want to hurry right back home. This trip to Washington was no exception, but I felt it was important to deliver a message in person to decision-makers about the value of outdoor recreation assets to rural communities in Montana.

One particularly valuable tool at our disposal that I highlighted during meetings is the Land and Water Conservation Fund, or LWCF. Surprisingly, this historic conservation and recreation program is on the brink of extinction.

It’s at risk for two reasons. First, President Trump and his department leaders including Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke did not ask Congress to support LWCF in their proposed 2019 budget. Second, LWCF is about to expire. Unless the fund is reauthorized before Sept. 30, Montanans and all Americans will lose the best long-standing funding source for outdoor recreation and conservation we have on the books.

For over 50 years, the LWCF has made it possible for kids and adults alike to get outside and enjoy our outdoor heritage. In Montana, nearly 75 percent of our fishing access is made possible by LWCF funds. The Trumbull Creek easement is now in place thanks to LWCF for outdoor recreation and timber management. As an advocate of building a bicycle and pedestrian path from Columbia Falls to West Glacier, I am particularly enthusiastic about the ability of LWCF to support trail construction.

Residents of House District 3 know that outdoor recreation opportunities can boost the economy in our state. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, “active outdoor recreation generates $7.1 billion annually in consumer spending in Montana, supports 71,000 jobs across the state which generate $2.2 billion in wages and salaries and produces $286 million annually in state and local tax revenue.”

Folks have heard me talk about the importance of managing taxpayer money soundly and living within our means. LWCF is not funded by your federal taxes but rather from offshore energy development.

Communities like ours that are lucky enough to have protected public lands like Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness have a real advantage. Our communities can be even more prosperous if the Department of the Interior provides additional recreation access and infrastructure on the lands they manage. The LWCF is one key way to make that happen.

I encourage Secretary Zinke to embrace LWCF in his role at Interior. Before he was confirmed as secretary, he assured the American people that he wanted LWCF to continue. Many Montanans remember Rep. Zinke telling his fellow members of Congress who voted against permanent reauthorization of LWCF to “take a hike.”

Fortunately for Montana, our U.S. senators are taking up the charge. Sen. Jon Tester calls the Land and Water Conservation Fund “our nation’s most effective conservation tool.” Sen. Steve Daines strongly called for permanent reauthorization and full funding of LWCF during an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on April 17. I am proud of our senators for their leadership and vision.

As a substitute teacher, I try to instill hope for the future in our high school students. I will take my own advice and reserve hope that Secretary Zinke will once again call on Congress to reauthorize LWCF — before it is too late.

Perry, a Columbia Falls Democrat, represents House District 3.