Americans love their public lands, but today, the ability to protect these treasured places is under threat. Recent budget proposals and policy changes signal a concerning shift away from our nation’s bipartisan dedication to preserving our shared lands.

Here in Maine, we recognize that access to nature is crucial for healthier lives, stronger communities and a more inclusive and prosperous future. Whether it’s fishing with family or friends, hiking our favorite trail or simply breathing clean air, these experiences ground us and
deepen our connection to the world around us.

Five years ago, the administration appeared to support these fundamental truths when the president signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act — guaranteeing permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, or LWCF. This 60-year-old program has strengthened communities through investments in parks, open spaces, water and cultural heritage. It’s one of the most successful conservation programs in U.S. history, with broad support across the political spectrum — and because LWCF is funded through offshore oil and gas revenues, it doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

Earlier this month, the administration signed an executive order that created a commission to advance efforts to conserve public lands and
water. However, in clear contradiction to the commission’s own goal and previous actions, the White House budget proposed a 90% — or nearly $400 million — cut to LWCF programs that support public lands.

Across the country, LWCF has funded over 46,000 projects in all 50 states and nearly every county in the nation. In Maine, LWCF has delivered more than $226 million in funding — helping protect and enhance some of Maine’s nationally significant places, including Acadia National Park, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the Appalachian Trail.

LWCF has also funded the creation of our beloved state and local parks like Mt. Blue State Park and Crescent Beach State Park. Perhaps most significantly, it has funded countless local parks that Mainers rely on — from Deering Oaks Park in Portland to Hippach Field in Farmington.

Gutting LWCF would hurt local economies. In Maine, outdoor recreation is a pastime and a $4 billion industry, supporting nearly 30,000 jobs and contributing just under 4% of the state’s GDP. As a national leader in protecting working forests, Maine’s Forest Legacy Program, funded through LWCF, has protected some of our state’s most iconic landscapes.

From the Mahoosucs to Downeast, LWCF funding helps maintain the rural identity that defines our state. Cutting its funding could stall critical efforts to protect working forests and restrict outdoor access for both residents and visitors.

Maine’s future depends on our ability to protect what makes this state unique. So far, Congress appears to be uninterested in gutting LWCF and is doing the right thing by taking initial steps to protect LWCF as we know it.

As the annual spending bills make their way through Congress in the coming months, we are urging Mainers to speak up and speak out. Talk to your neighbors, continue supporting local and state conservation efforts and contact your members of Congress. Tell them to reject any cuts to or diversions of LWCF and uphold the promise made through the Great American Outdoors Act — so that all Mainers everywhere, regardless of income or ZIP code, can continue to enjoy the places we love, our cherished outdoors.