 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Senate Proposes $20 Million for Land Conservation, but House Proposes ZERO
The Senate and House budget conferees (see list <click>) have been appointed, and it is extremely important for them to hear from you right away. The budget conference committee will be deciding whether to adopt the House position on land conservation (ZERO dollars) or the Senate position on land conservation (TWENTY MILLION dollars). Your calls and letters made a huge difference in the Senate proposal.
Now we need you to make sure that the $20 million is included in the final budget.
Please contact the members of the budget conference committee today and ask them to make sure the final budget includes $20 million for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation.
Additional information:
. The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) makes matching grants for historic preservation, farm and forestland protection, natural areas and open space. Virginia's investment of $20 million would leverage private, local and federal investment.
. Under the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation formula, the $20 million would be spent as follows:
- $5 million for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Open Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund)
- $3.75 million for historic preservation
- $3.75 million for parks and open space
- $3.75 million for farm and forest land
- $3.75 million for natural areas
. The SJR 75 study recently released by the Board of Forestry recommends increased funding for the VLCF.
. Article XI of the Virginia Constitution states "it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands and waters from pollution, impairment or destruction for the benefit, enjoyment and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth." Clearly, protecting our natural heritage is a core function of state government.
. This funding will allow Virginia to begin to make real progress on the Chesapeake 2000 goal of permanently protecting 20% of the watershed by 2010. Pennsylvania has already met this goal, and Maryland will meet it soon. Virginia still has over 400,000 acres to go.
. Between 1992 and 2000, 54,000 acres of forestland were lost each year. Half of the state's wetlands have been converted to other uses. More than 60% of the Commonwealth's environmentally sensitive natural areas are unprotected.
. Protecting natural resources is important to Virginia's economy. Tourists spend over $12.9 billion in Virginia every year. The top destinations are historical and cultural sites and scenic areas. Virginia must invest in protecting these places.