One of America’s most important conservation programs is at risk of being slashed if Congress doesn’t take action in December.

It is known as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and it has protected and expanded many of our state’s greatest parks and forests, such as Valley Forge, Gettysburg and Ohiopyle.

Our parks and forests are important to all Pennsylvanians.

They not only preserve our state’s natural heritage, but they also provide incredible recreational opportunities to visitors.

These treasured lands provide trails for hiking, grounds for camping and rivers for canoeing — giving visitors many reasons to return throughout the year.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson needs to make sure that this program is included in the fiscal cliff negotiations in order to save our protected areas.

Lacey Vogel, Philadelphia

The writer is a preservation associate with PennEnvironment.