Harmful budget proposals moving through Congress threaten to reverse decades of bipartisan conservation progress and undermine the landmark Great American Outdoors Act. The proposed cuts would slash funding for public lands and outdoor access, breaking the law’s promise of permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and jeopardizing clean air and water, climate resilience, and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. The Appalachian Mountain Club, which fought to secure the Act in 2020, stands firmly opposed. As Amy Lindholm, AMC’s Director of Federal Affairs, warns: “This [budget] would fly in the face of Congress’s overwhelming bipartisan mandate, damage the outdoor recreation economy and communities across the country, and undo the President’s conservation legacy.” We must act now.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. Photo by Corey David Photography.
What’s at Stake
1. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): A Broken Promise
The Great American Outdoors Act authorized the annual funding of $900 million in the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the protection of natural areas and recreation opportunities for all Americans. The budget request siphons off $400 million from the fund for non-LWCF purposes, effectively dismantling the Act. That doesn’t just hurt public lands next year. It rolls back conservation and recreation efforts for the foreseeable future.
2. AmeriCorps: Zeroed Out
AmeriCorps is more than a service program—it’s a force for good in rural, urban, and climate-vulnerable communities. AmeriCorps members help maintain trails, respond to disasters, educate youth, and build local resilience. Eliminating it entirely is a short-sighted blow to the environmental workforce we need.
3. National Parks and Forests: Billions in Cuts
The National Park Service stands to lose nearly one-third of its operating budget. That’s over 350 parks at risk of closure. Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service could see a 22% reduction, slashing wildfire preparedness, trail upkeep, and forest health initiatives. Imagine Acadia without rangers. The White Mountain National Forest without trail crews. Campgrounds, parking lots, and visitor centers closed for those seeking solace in nature.
4. Scientific Research: Gutted
Environmental Protection Agency programs, NOAA, and the Department of Energy’s science initiatives would suffer deep cuts—some over 90%. These reductions would eviscerate research and mitigation programs for clean air, water, and climate resilience—not to mention the weather forecasts that keep us safe on our outdoor adventures. For AMC’s trail planning and climate research initiatives, this threatens our ability to understand and adapt to a changing environment.
5. Trails and Recreation Programs: Under Siege
AMC’s work on trails—including the New England National Scenic Trail—depends on funding from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the National Park Service. Proposed changes in Department of Transportation funding could jeopardize these projects. The proposed budget also slashes National Park Service recreation and preservation grants from $49 million to just $2 million, threatening local trail and park initiatives.
AMC AmeriCorps Trail Crew. Photo by Corey David Photography.
Why This Matters for AMC—and You
AMC’s mission is to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. That’s not just a tagline—it’s a century-and-a-half promise to our members, our region, and future generations.
We lead trail crews across the Northeast, protect irreplaceable landscapes in the Appalachian corridor, and offer life-changing outdoor experiences. We bring science, service, and joy to the outdoors. And we do it all by working hand-in-hand with federal agencies, experts, and public programs now at risk.
This budget proposal jeopardizes everything we’ve worked for:
- Funding for 30×30 conservation goals
- Progress on climate research and trail resiliency
- Fostering access to nature for all communities
- The legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act, which we proudly helped pass
An AMC youth outdoors program. Photo by Paula Champagne.
Take Action Now
Conservation is nonpartisan. Outdoor access is not negotiable. And the health of our environment, economy, and communities should never be sacrificed for short-term political gains.
AMC is standing strong to protect what we’ve built. But we need our community to hold the line. Donate to AMC’s Annual Fund today. Your gift bolsters the advocacy, research, trail work, and community programs that federal cuts threaten to erase. Every dollar helps us preserve the places you love and stand up for those who depend on them. We will urge Congress to reject these harmful cuts and fully fund LWCF, AmeriCorps, trails, public lands, and environmental protection programs.
“This budget request is a direct attack on our ability to enjoy the outdoors now and in the future. Join AMC in calling for its swift rejection. We are loudest when we speak together. ”
—Nicole Zussman, President and CEO, Appalachian Mountain Club
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey. Photo by Corey David Photography.