WASHINGTON, D.C.—A historic, bipartisan conservation package that expands protections for American public lands and supports outdoor projects across the nation was signed into law in March by President Trump after passing the House and Senate with overwhelming majorities. The John Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, considered one of the biggest conservation bills to pass in a decade, permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The federal program supports projects for trails, wildlife, and outdoor spaces, including at popular local recreation areas like Riverside State Park. The act also designated new wilderness areas in several states; renewed the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides fourth grade students and their families free admission to all national parks; and in Washington State, protected the iconic Methow Valley from industrial-scale mining, improved irrigation and salmon recovery in the Yakima River Basin, and designated several heritage areas.
[Feature photo courtesy of National Park Service]
