WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Thursday received the 2019 National Park Heritage Award from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for his leadership in the signing into law of the landmark John D. Dingell, Jr.

Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (S.47), which included permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the biggest bipartisan conservation and historic preservation law passed in decades.

“America’s beloved national parks and public lands represent our heritage and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity to Colorado’s local communities. We must be good stewards of these unspoiled vistas, and this includes being responsible for the lands placed into parks, historic sites and trails, monuments, and recreation areas,” said Senator Gardner. “I’m honored to be recognized with the 2019 National Park Heritage Award for my work in Congress to preserve and promote these sites for the millions of visitors each year, and I’ll continue my efforts to protect these cherished national treasures.”

“Our national parks protect the stories that define and unite us as a nation,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association. “They are the landscapes our ancestors cherished and where battles were fought for freedom and justice. For one hundred years, NPCA has been working to protect these places, and as we celebrate our centennial year, we remain just as steadfast in our commitment to defend them for one hundred years more. But we can’t do it alone, which is why it’s vital to have these members of Congress from across the nation and across the aisle work together to protect these places, for all who experience them now and for those who will come long after us. We are honored to recognize these park champions who worked to strengthen protections for national parks, wilderness areas and waterways across the country.”

Gardner spoke at an LWCF press conference about the importance of making the LWCF program permanent by promoting its 100-day campaign in June, and led another press conference reiterating the need for this program in November.