The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been one of America’s most important conservation programs for over 60 years. It supports the parks, trails, and public lands that connect people with nature and strengthen communities. Landscape architects see the impact of LWCF every day, from local playgrounds to national parks. That’s why ASLA is deeply concerned about a major threat to the program’s future. 

The administration’s proposed FY26 budget would roll back full funding for LWCF, funding that was guaranteed by the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act in 2020. That law promised $900 million a year for LWCF and does not use any taxpayer dollars.  Now, just five years later, the administration is proposing to divert those funds elsewhere, breaking the promise that was made to the American people and putting critical conservation and recreation projects at risk. 

If this proposal goes forward, it could mean fewer resources for public lands and parks, less access for hunting and fishing, fewer local green spaces, and serious harm to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. Communities across the country, especially rural areas and underserved neighborhoods, stand to lose most. 

In response, ASLA joined with national partners like the LWCF Coalition, the Trust for Public Land, and others to speak out and fight back. We’re calling on Congress to reject the proposed cuts and restore the full funding LWCF was promised. Many landscape architects have already started contacting lawmakers, and we’re encouraging everyone in the ASLA network to do the same. 

LWCF helps make landscape architects’ projects possible. It improves lives, protects nature, and strengthens communities. Now it needs our support. Tell Congress to reject the LWCF cuts and protect the future of our parks and public lands.Together, we can help make sure this promise is kept.