Save the Land and Water Conservation Fund

By Steve Hegedus, President of the Tri-County Trout Club

Steve Hegedus, president of the Tri-County Trout Club representing anglers in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, describes how his club works to educate anglers and protect trout fisheries for future generations.

Hegedus recounts his personal experiences fishing and hunting at various sites in Pennsylvania - Burrell Lake Park, state game lands, Nesshannock Creek and the Loyalhanna Gorge - all of which have benefited from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). He explains that the LWCF has funded acquisitions and improvements of parks, wildlife habitats and fishing access across the state.

He warns that failing to renew the LWCF will jeopardize hundreds of conservation projects, threaten wildlife habitats and reduce public access to natural areas. He urges Congress to permanently renew and fully fund the LWCF and encourages readers to contact their representatives to support reauthorization of this vital bipartisan program.