WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The fiscal year 2012 budget request released by the Obama administration yesterday proposes continued investments in our nation's land, water, recreation and working landscapes that support local economies -- including full funding of $900 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition, a broad partnership of outdoor interests, expressed its strong support for the President's commitment to support communities across the country through investments in parks and open spaces.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides funding to safeguard natural areas, water resources and our cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Most importantly, the LWCF does not use taxpayer dollars -- it is already paid for through a percentage of revenues from offshore oil and gas development; $900 million a year from revenues that typically average over $6 billion annually. Because the program has rarely reached its authorized level of expenditure, there is a $17 billion credit of unspent LWCF funding in the U.S. Treasury.

"Throughout the United States, everyone benefits from protecting our natural and cultural heritages," said Will Manzer, CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports. "From rural communities looking to protect working landscapes and wild open spaces, to urban areas seeking parks, open space and cultural areas that provide recreation opportunities and neighborhood benefits, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is the lead federal program investing in what makes America great."

Many of the historical, cultural and natural places that have defined our nation would not be protected if it weren't for LWCF. National parks like Rocky Mountain, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains; historical areas like Gettysburg, Minute Man and the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania; national wildlife refuges, national forests, rivers and lakes, community parks, trails, and sports facilities in every one of our 50 states were set aside for Americans to enjoy thanks to federal funds from LWCF. LWCF is also used for easements on working ranches and forests, and protects critical inholdings that reduce agency management costs and ensure the integrity of our nation's public lands.

In addition, the program's state assistance grants help communities to develop park facilities and recreational amenities -- creating jobs and supporting the quality-of-life factors that allow communities to attract employers and a strong work force. Noteworthy projects completed with LWCF state assistance grants include the Bay Trail in Oakland, Calif., Eagle Nest Lake State Park in New Mexico, Central Park in New York City, Wimberly Blue Hole Regional Park in Texas, and Dash Point in Wash., which now provides new public access to Puget Sound. All of these projects leverage significant local effort and matching funds, stretching the federal dollar further.

"Montana has the privilege of being home to some of the most spectacular unspoiled nature in the lower 48 states. Federal programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund are critical to protecting our most precious natural and cultural assets," noted Cyndy Andrus, City Commissioner in Bozeman, Mont. "Like communities across Montana, Bozeman has seen direct benefits from LWCF in several of our most beloved local parks and other outdoor recreation areas that not only promote health and fitness but also improve the economic well being of our community."

The President's FY 2012 budget stands in stark contrast to the U.S. House of Representative's proposal for FY 2011 funding released last week. The House FY11 continuing resolution would reduce LWCF to $59 million, the lowest level in its 45-year history and a 90 percent cut from FY 10 enacted levels.

"The House proposal represents a direct attack on the program, not a rollback to previous levels," said Will Rogers, President of The Trust For Public Land. "The levels proposed are barely enough to cover the administrative costs of previously funded projects and activities. They will not protect one single additional acre of land, and so, for the first time in nearly 50 years, there would be no resources to respond to current threats or opportunities. Meanwhile, the President's FY 2012 request recognizes the need for those responses across the nation."

"Our government needs to live within its means, just like our businesses are doing. But the choice to slash funding for LWCF cripples a program proven to support millions of sustainable, American jobs -- jobs in every community, urban and rural, across our country," said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association. "On Main Streets across America, sales for specialty outdoor retailers grew at a rate that outpaced the retail sector as a whole. Chopping funding for parks, trails and greenways is a threat to small businesses and the jobs they create."

Outdoor recreation, much of which takes place on lands protected by LWCF, is vital to our nation's economy. Hunting, fishing, camping, climbing, hiking, paddling, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and other activities contribute a total of $730 billion annually to the economy, supporting 6.5 million jobs (1 of every 20 jobs in the U.S.) and stimulating 8 percent of all consumer spending according to the Outdoor Industry Foundation. In addition, a Department of the Interior report from 2010 found that 20 jobs are created for every $1 million invested in our recreation economy each year. Full funding of LWCF at $900 million would potentially create tens of thousands of recreation jobs in our local communities each year.

"Investing in the great outdoors will show a huge return. Funding things like the Land and Water Conservation Fund allows businesses like mine to hire more employees which will help more Americans get outdoors. And that will make both our people and our public lands healthier," commented Ashley Korenblat, President of Western Spirit Cycling in Moab, Utah.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition is an informal partnership working together to support full and dedicated funding for LWCF. The coalition includes hundreds of local, state and national business, recreation, private landowner and conservation organizations across the country.