A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the America the Beautiful Act (link). This bill would reauthorize and expand a key public lands fund, potentially bringing millions of dollars in outdoor infrastructure investments to Arkansas and other states.
The legislation — introduced by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) — would extend and enhance the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) through 2033. Originally established under the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020, the fund targets a massive backlog of maintenance needs across federal lands, including national forests, parks, and wildlife refuges.
For Arkansas, this could mean substantial funding for trail repair, campground upgrades, and river access improvements across popular destinations such as the Buffalo National River, Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, and Hot Springs National Park.
The America the Beautiful Act would increase annual LRF funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion per year, broaden eligible projects to include all federal land management agencies, and streamline the process for tackling deferred maintenance. It also requires the agencies to maintain a two-year project list, increasing transparency and encouraging public-private partnerships.
“Investments in our public lands not only enhance visitor experiences but directly support rural economies,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “This act helps ensure safe, accessible experiences for millions who depend on outdoor recreation for their well-being and livelihoods.”
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the outdoor recreation economy contributes $1.2 trillion to the national economy, supporting over 5 million jobs. In Arkansas, outdoor recreation generates an estimated $3.5 billion annually and supports more than 39,000 jobs, according to recent reports from the Outdoor Industry Association.
Key areas that could see benefits in Arkansas include:
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Repair and maintenance of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in the Ouachita Mountains
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Campground improvements in Ozark National Forest
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Enhancements to access points along the Buffalo River, which saw record visitation during the pandemic
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Support for gateway communities like Jasper and Mountain View that depend on tourism tied to federal lands
The bill is one of the few bipartisan efforts with wide support from industry, conservation, and recreation groups. It’s backed by organizations ranging from the American Sportfishing Association to the RV Industry Association, all of whom say it’s critical to maintain the places that support their members’ activities and businesses.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and dozens of industry leaders are urging Congress to pass the act before the current fund sunsets, warning that failure to act could jeopardize momentum built over the past four years.
“The America the Beautiful Act continues a legacy of investment that sustains jobs, restores lands, and ensures the outdoors remain a pillar of American life,” Turner said.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
