Land conservation fund's future in Senate's hand

While few people have probably heard about it, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund is a critical engine for the development and preservation of outdoor public recreation places across the country.

Created by Congress 46 years ago, it was designed to place revenue from oil and gas leases into a fund that would go to create and protect public parks, forests, rivers and other public spaces.

Yet it’s been underfunded since although the House-passed energy bill changes that to give $900 million a year to the fund. Conservationists are now waiting to see what the Senate will do.

In the meantime, The Nature Conservancy has prioritized a list of places in New England they say needs the conservation money. They are:

1. Cape Cod National Seashore
2. White Mountains National Forest
3. Acadia National Park
4. Appalachian Trail
5. Minuteman National Historic Park in Lexington, Concord and Lincoln. (or Boston Harbor Islands)

Photo caption: Minuteman National Historic Park (courtesy of TNC)