Smucker Recognized as National Park Champion with Heritage Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) received the 2019 National Park Heritage Award from the National Parks Conservation Association for his leadership to protect and highlight the beauty of America's national parks and public lands.
Smucker received the National Park Heritage Award for his support of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S.47), the biggest piece of bipartisan conservation and historic preservation legislation passed in years. Smucker championed the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act, which designated York and Lancaster Counties and National Heritage Areas and was included in the final bill signed into law last month.
"Our nation is filled with so many beautiful natural resources," Smucker said. "From the Susquehannock State Park to Mill Creek Falls, Pennsylvania's 11th District has no shortage of natural areas to highlight. It's an honor to be recognized for this award and to keep working to protect our natural resources."
"It's an honor to recognize Rep. Smucker for championing this historic law that will enhance the National Park System for generations to come," said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association. "Our national parks protect the stories that define and unite us as a nation. Now, thanks to this new law, we have even more places to enjoy the outdoors and learn about our nation's history. We commend Congressional leaders like Rep. Smucker who worked with colleagues across the aisle and across the country in support of our shared national parks and public lands that their constituents, and all Americans, care so deeply about."
The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act provides various provisions for conservation as well as provisions for sportsmen. The legislation expands fishing, hunting and recreational shooting opportunities on federal lands and encourages Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to identify opportunities for hunting, fishing and recreational purposes on public land. The legislation permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation fund and reauthorizes sportsmen's wildlife conservation programs to help manage invasive species and promote anti-poaching programs.
