The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is one of America’s most successful conservation programs. Established in 1964, LWCF supported the protection of millions of acres for parks and public recreation across the United States.

The LWCF is funded by oil and gas revenues collected on federal land. No federal tax dollars are involved. Annually up to $900 million can be available to federal, state and local conservation efforts. Here in Covington, our parks and recreation department recently secured a half million dollar LWCF grant. This money helped expand Covington’s Community Park. The Community Park is a crown jewel in our city’s park system providing our residents with a stronger sense of place, greater opportunities for recreation and contemplation and a place for community events.

Unfortunately, LWCF is set to expire at the end of the month. Congress must act now or efforts to protect some of America’s most sacred places could be at risk. Senator Maria Cantwell is a staunch champion of LWCF and I thank her for her leadership on this important issue. While I don’t speak for the city council, I personally call upon the rest of Washington’s congressional delegation to follow Senator Cantwell’s lead and support this much needed fund.

Sean Smith

Mayor Pro Tem

Covington