WASHINGTON – After eight years coming up on the short end of Halloween-like pranks, the Interior Department and Forest Service are getting a treat this year – a $4.6 billion funding increase for 2010. The 16.8-percent increase passed by both the U.S. House and Senate today will provide a much needed boost for a wide range of initiatives including wildfire suppression, climate change research and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

By Associate Director for National Wilderness Campaigns Paul Spitler

Today's action clears the most significant hurdle to protecting some of the country’s most cherished landscapes. This legislation is the most important conservation measure in a decade.

WASHINGTON — This is a great day for American wilderness and for America. Today’s action clears the way for protecting some of the country’s most cherished landscapes. If signed into law, this legislation would provide for the greatest expansion of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 15 years.