WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved a bipartisan bill that would expand outdoor recreation opportunities for sportsmen in Maine and across America. The Sportsmen’s Act of 2015, which Senator King cosponsored, would prioritize recreation on federal lands and promote cooperation with state and local governments. Additionally, the bill would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which expired at the end of September. The legislation passed out of Committee with near unanimous support.

“Outdoor recreation, like hunting, fishing, and hiking, is not only a strong part of our tradition as a state, but it’s also a central force in our economy that supports our rural communities,” Senator King said. “By building on existing opportunities for our sportsmen, this legislation will enhance our recreation economy and ensure that time-honored traditions enjoyed by Maine families will continue for future generations.”

The Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 includes a broad array of bipartisan measures to enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy.

The legislation also permanently reauthorizes the LWCF, a move Senator King has repeatedly called for, and which would ensure the strength and sustainability of this successful program that has helped increase access to outdoor recreation for the last 50 years.

“The LWCF is one of the most important and significant conservation measures ever passed by Congress,” Senator King said. “It has helped to preserve hundreds of thousands of acres of land in Maine and it supports local programs across the state that get kids involved in the outdoors. I’m encouraged that this bill would permanently reauthorize the fund, and hope the Senate will follow-suit quickly.”

As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Senator King works will his colleagues to promote and expand opportunities for sportsmen in Maine and around the country. The Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 was originally introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

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