Keystone Fund Restored!
The Pennsylvania legislature has approved and the Governor has signed a budget that fully restores the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund for the 2012-2013 budget year. It also maintains dedicated funding for farmland preservation.
This marks a major victory for all of us who care about Pennsylvania’s open spaces, parks, and trails.
Many area legislators provided crucial support during the budget negotiations. We are particularly grateful to Rep. Bill Adolph, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, for taking a strong leadership role in restoring conservation funding. Our appreciation also goes to Representatives Kate Harper and Greg Vitali who, like many of their colleagues in the southeast, are consistent, passionate supporters of conservation.
Thanks, too, to each of you who voiced your support over the past several weeks. If you are inclined, this would be a great time to get back in touch with your legislators and express your gratitude that conservation funding was maintained.
As a recent poll from our friends at The Nature Conservancy demonstrates, there is broad bi-partisan agreement across the country that conserving our natural resources is essential. (Read more about the poll, here.) It is gratifying that, even in these difficult times, our representatives in Harrisburg have come together in support of conservation. However, the fiscal challenges they face are not going away any time soon. More difficult choices are coming with next year’s state budget so stay tuned…