I was happy to hear the recent announcement that Hempfield Park received a grant from the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the nation’s cornerstone conservation program, which has preserved and improved parks and open spaces, created new recreational opportunities, and helped revitalize local communities.
Hempfield Park plans include construction of a pavilion, concession stand, comfort station parking area and walkways; installation of playground equipment; and disability access, landscaping and other site improvements.
Unfortunately, Congress allowed the LWCF to expire on Sept. 30. This means that future priority conservation projects in and around Westmoreland County may not happen without LWCF money.
Concerned citizens who want to continue protecting places like Hempfield Park should call on U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb to support permanently reauthorizing the LWCF as quickly as possible.
Jessica Bellwoar
Philadelphia
The writer is a conservation associate with PennEnvironment (pennenvironment.org).