Recently I attended an event where I listened to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., explain why our outdoor recreation economy should be supported in Oregon and Washington. I was moved and inspired.
Our outdoor recreation opportunities are assets that bring people here to start families, businesses, or to even retire. They also bring tourists by the millions, from near and far. People enjoy experiencing the outdoors on public lands.
I am dismayed that Congress failed to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. LWCF is one of the best ways to support and grow our outdoor recreation economy. For example, without LWCF, the Cape Horn Trail in the Columbia River Gorge likely wouldn’t exist. In fact, several amazing parts of the Gorge would doubtlessly flaunt “McMansions” with “no trespassing” signs, rather than provide accessible open space.
Now, Oregonians and Washingtonians are working together to forward a new project, Pathways to the Pacific, enhancing tourism through increased habitat protection, thus potentiating new hunting, fishing and recreation opportunities. But we need LWCF.
Thanks and kudos to Jewell and Wyden for their leadership and vision. It’s crucial to get LWCF passed. Moving forward, let’s make it a reality.
