1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Thank you for your efforts to secure funding for conservation in the recent appropriations bills. I urge you to continue to support strong funding levels for these programs as you are working on the next federal appropriations bills. This funding is cost-effective and has a tremendous return on investment. A new review of nearly 1,500 credible studies and articles shows that, on average nationally, spending $1 on conservation returns $4 in economic benefits that help protect our lands, water and communities. Conservation is essential to our nation's prosperity. It results in more jobs, stronger economies, cleaner air and water, more outdoor recreation opportunities, enhanced national security and reduced disaster risk. Cutting these investments would be a mistake and would halt our progress on achieving the nation's environmental, energy and economic goals. I urge you to continue to protect federal funding for nature and conservation priorities in the federal budget.