Highlights of Fiscal Year 2002 Recreation Funding

December 16, 2001
from Capitol Trails Broadcast

On 11/5, President Bush signed the FY 2002 Interior funding bill, H.R. 2217, with some notable increases for trails and recreation.

Highlights include:
• $15 million increase for USDA Forest Service Recreation Management, Heritage and Wilderness.
• $3 million increase for Forest Service Trails Maintenance and Capitol Improvement.
• $1.32 billion for conservation and land acquisition programs including $573 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund ($429 million federal; $144 stateside). National scenic trails benefited from LWCF directly: The Ice Age Trail ($3 million), Pacific Crest Trail ($6 million), Florida Trail ($4 million), and Continental Divide Trail ($320,000).

The Interior bill also includes a two-year extension of the Fee Demo program. AHS and other recreation organizations fought a proposed four-year extension from the House.

Thanks to all trail and recreation advocates for helping achieve these funding increases!

For more information:
To call your Member of Congress:
US Capitol Switchboard
(202) 224-3121

To write your Senator:
The Honorable ______________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

To write your Representative:
The Honorable ______________
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

To locate your Member on-line