Editor:

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects our country’s public lands that create economic opportunities for small businesses, is set to expire in less than 100 days unless lawmakers act quickly to reauthorize it. Small business owners understand the connection between the preservation of public lands and their bottom lines. National parks and monuments bring tourism dollars to their businesses and attract talented employees. Many entrepreneurs start businesses in communities near public lands for these very reasons.Small business owners are strongly in favor of reauthorizing the Conservation Fund because protecting public lands is good for their business. According to scientific polling conducted by Small Business Majority, a sweeping 90 percent of small business owners in Western states believe public spaces that draw tourists can boost business for local restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and more.

Entrepreneurs have seen first-hand how protecting public lands attracts customers and bolsters the economy, so it should come as no surprise that they overwhelmingly support saving the fund. Colorado lawmakers should listen to small businesses and vote to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund now.

Tim GaudetteSmall Business MajorityDenver