** How to fund America's conservation future
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Friday, November 8, 2019
The National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, is but one place that has benefited from
the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a current staple of the United States' conservation funding mechanisms
Y ([link removed]) ellowstone National Park Photo Collection ([link removed])

A new report ([link removed]) from the Center for Western Priorities lays out a bold vision for the future of conservation funding ([link removed]) and land management across the United States. The report proposes establishing a Conservation Trust Fund in order to reduce the maintenance backlog at government land management agencies, which has been caused by inadequate funding. Not only do agencies have massive backlogs, but agencies within the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture face increasing challenges in the years ahead, including climate change, development, and increasing visitation.

The proposed Conservation Trust Fund ([link removed]) would channel diverse funding streams that could augment general fund appropriations. Some of those funding options include increasing rent and royalties on hardrock mining and oil, gas, coal, and renewable energy production; instituting a small tax on outdoor recreation equipment; and using a portion of revenue from sports gambling and legal marijuana sales.

Such a trust fund would certainly help with many funding issues, but would not eliminate the need for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The program, which relies on proceeds from offshore oil and gas drilling rather than taxpayer dollars, funds grants for states to preserve and maintain parks, cultural sites, forests and recreation areas. Although LWCF was permanently authorized earlier this year, it is subject to the congressional appropriations process and has historically been underfunded.

A dive into the role that public lands could play in the 2020 election
In the latest episode of Go West ([link removed]) , Young Podcast, pollster Brian Gottlieb and Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala take a deep dive into CWP’s Winning the West poll to find out what Western voters want to hear from candidates in the 2020 election.
Quick hits


** Interior prepares major water giveaway to former Bernhardt client
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As ([link removed]) sociated Press News ([link removed])


** BLM to suffer talent loss, losing people every day
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Government Executive ([link removed])


** How to fund America's conservation future
E ([link removed]) &E News ([link removed]) | Westwise ([link removed])
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** Eastern Sierra towns want more control over Forest Service land
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
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** BLM could bring as many as 40 jobs to new Colorado headquarters
Grand Junction ([link removed]) Daily Sentine ([link removed]) l ([link removed])
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** Auditors find that Colorado’s park preservation program operates effectively and efficiently
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Colorado Politics ([link removed])


** Film traces burly, beautiful mule deer migration route
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W ([link removed]) yofile ([link removed])


** Opinion: Bush EPA Administrator says drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is unnecessary and risky
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The Dallas Morning News ([link removed])
Quote of the day

In 30 years in federal government, I’ve never seen people with lower morale... We’re losing people every day... It’s a huge loss of a talented, dedicated workforce.”
—Anonymous employees at the Bureau of Land Management
Government Executive ([link removed])
Picture this


** @G ([link removed]) randCanyonNPS ([link removed])
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Grand Canyon National Park will commemorate #VeteransDay ([link removed]) on Monday, Nov. 11, with entry-fee FREE ADMISSION. Visit one of your nearby 419 national park areas to fish, hike, bike, explore, or simply relax. #GrandCanyon ([link removed]) #Arizona ([link removed])

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