Congressman Ryan Mackenzie Joins Groups in Support of Land and Water Conservation Fund to Support Local

Emmaus, P.A. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) coalition partners for a discussion of local investments and a hike at Wildlands Conservancy's South Mountain Preserve. LWCF is the nation's most effective conservation program for protecting parks, trails, forests, and outdoor recreation spaces at the federal, state, and local levels. For over 60 years, LWCF has expandedpublic access to outdoor spaces, supported conservation, and strengthened the outdoor recreation economy, which contributes more than $887 billion annually and supports 7.6 million American jobs. Congressman Mackenzie was joined by representatives from the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and the Wildlands Conservancy.

Congressman Mackenzie has been a longstanding supporter of conservation efforts. As a Pennsylvania State Representative, Mackenzie advanced bipartisan conservation-related legislation, including work to authorize a land parcel adjustment in Topton to improve streambank restoration and maintain public natural areas.

During the appropriations process earlier this year, Congressman Mackenzie advocated for full funding for LWCF in Fiscal Year 2026 and for maintaining the balanced allocation between federal and state-level conservation programs. He also joined efforts with House colleagues calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior to reverse administrative restrictionsthat limit how LWCF dollars can be used, and to restore full implementation of the program as authorized under the Great American Outdoors Act.

"LWCF has helped communities across the country protect natural spaces and expand outdoor recreation access, including right here in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos" said Congressman Mackenzie. "It's essential that we protect our local greenspace and create opportunities for local families to access our region's natural beauty. I'll continue working to ensure this program is implemented as Congress intended so that resources remain available for conservation and recreation projects in our communities."

LWCF has had a direct impact across the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. Pennsylvania has received roughly $375 million from LWCF over the years, and nearly$15 million has been invested in this district alone, supporting nearly 200 local projects.

"There's no better way to understand the value of conservation than to lace up your boots and take a hike. Walking the trails of South Mountain Preserve with Congressman Mackenzie underscored how federal programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Highlands Conservation Act protect the outdoor places where people connect with nature and with one another. Congressman Mackenzie's strong support for conservation helps ensure those opportunities continue to grow and, I hope, will inspire all of us to help build the next generation of outdoor stewards," said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

LWCF is funded through a portion of revenues from offshore energy development - not taxpayer dollars - and has supported conservation and recreation projects in nearly every county in the United States.

Photos available HERE