Thanks to folks like you speaking up across the West, we are closer than ever to securing full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a national program that has invested millions of non-taxpayer dollars towards protecting Idaho's vast outdoor heritage. In February, President Donald Trump joined senators from both sides of the aisle in voicing support for the bill, making this effort truly bipartisan and opening up a historic moment for us. On June 17, 2020 the U.S. Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which includes full, permanent funding for the LWCF. This enormous victory would not have been possible without millions of Americans like you speaking up about the importance of public lands. Now, this historic bill heads to the House of Representatives for a vote in the coming weeks. 

Congressman Mike Simpson (ID-2) announced on June 4, 2020 his cosponsorship of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a statement, Rep. Simpson said "At the end of the day, and through these trying and unprecedented times, we realize the outdoors are why we live in Idaho. This legislation ensures generations to come will be able enjoy these amazing places as we do today." The time is now to support Rep. Simpson's leadership on the GAOA and to encourage Represenative Russ Fulcher to join his colleauges in speaking up for Idaho's public lands.

As Idaho deals with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, we're finding that our access to outdoor recreation, from neighborhood parks to iconic landscapes, is more important than ever. Our public lands keep us physically and mentally healthy, and offer us solace and revitalization in trying times. The crisis has also made clear how important the outdoor recreation economy is to Idaho, especially in our rural communities. Supporting the LWCF in channelling non-taxpayer dollars to support Idahoans and our businesses in uncertain times will put us on the path to recovery.

Full, permanent funding will vastly expand the LWCF's impact, which has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars here in Idaho and across the country. Take action today by sending a message to thank Rep. Simpson for his leadership and urge Rep. Fulcher to join the fight to pass this historic public lands package.