Secretary Of Interior Calls On Congress To Renew Conservation Funds During Wisconsin Visit

During a visit to La Crosse, U.S. Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell called on Congress to reauthorize special funds for conservation and recreation projects.

Jewell toured the Upper Mississippi National Fish and Wildlife Refuge by boat, as federal officials showed off decades-worth of restoration work. Money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund has gone toward some projects in the area, as well as the Apostle Islands and Ice Age Trail. The fund was authorized in 1965 and is financed by off-shore oil and gas revenues.

Jewell said the Land and Water Conservation Fund needs to be renewed to keep lands accessible, especially as people become busier and spend more time in front of screens.

“If people come out here, they begin to understand the science,” said Jewell. “They have a lot of fun. They are not afraid of bugs. They learn how to fish. It fills a gap, I’d say, in their soul that we all need as human beings.”

She said that places like the refuge are especially important for children.

“Facilities like this close to population centers are really, really important to help children understand what’s out here — what a mayfly is, what a trumpeter swan is, how they migrate, why places like this are so important,” said Jewell.

The program is set to expire Sept. 30. Some members of Congress want to funnel the money elsewhere.