In a significant legislative development, the U.S. Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, signaling a new era for outdoor enthusiasts across the nation. This bipartisan initiative, led by Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), aims to modernize and expand access to public lands and waterways, promoting outdoor recreation for all Americans.
Introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), the EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills designed to modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways while supporting the 175.8 million Americans that participate in outdoor recreation. It also aims to address barriers to access for veterans, people with disabilities, and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support the more than five million employees who help drive the outdoor industry forward.
The EXPLORE Act encompasses several key provisions designed to enhance outdoor experiences:
- Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act: This component safeguards sustainable climbing in Wilderness areas by clarifying that activities such as the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors are permissible. It mandates that the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture issue national guidance on managing climbing within these regions, ensuring that iconic climbing destinations remain accessible while preserving their natural and cultural integrity.
- Streamlining Permitting Processes: The act simplifies the procedures for guides and outfitters, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating easier access for organized outdoor activities.
- Enhancing Accessibility: By addressing barriers faced by veterans, individuals with disabilities, and underserved populations, the legislation strives to make outdoor recreation more inclusive, ensuring that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of nature.
- Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act: This provision focuses on identifying and promoting long-distance bike trails, ensuring they connect public lands and communities. The BOLT Act aims to create more opportunities for sustainable bike tourism and recreation while supporting local economies.
The passage of the EXPLORE Act has garnered widespread acclaim from various stakeholders within the outdoor community. Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund, remarked, “Sustainable Wilderness climbing is good for our health, rural economies, and the environment, and Access Fund is thrilled that our federal leaders took a concrete step toward protecting it by passing the EXPLORE Act.”
Similarly, Kent Ebersole, President of the Outdoor Industry Association, stated, “We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which will ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in their own community, grow the recreation economy, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all.”
The act’s provisions are expected to profoundly impact states like Arkansas, where outdoor recreation is a significant contributor to the local economy and a cherished aspect of the state’s cultural heritage. By improving access and infrastructure, the EXPLORE Act is poised to enhance the experiences of hikers, climbers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts throughout the Natural State.
As the legislation advances to the President’s desk for final approval, the outdoor community anticipates a future where public lands are more accessible, inclusive, and equipped to support the growing demand for outdoor recreation.
For more detailed information on the EXPLORE Act and its implications, readers can refer to the official press releases from Access Fund and the Outdoor Industry Association.
You can read more about the EXPLORE Act in our articles here, here, here, and here.
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