Congress quietly made history recently by unanimously passing the outdoor recreation-focused legislative package, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which will make critical improvements for the one thing that unites our country: the great outdoors.
The outdoor recreation economy plays an essential role in the lives of Americans — whether by fishing with grandparents, camping with friends, climbing rugged peaks, rafting rapids with trained guides and outfitters on our roaring rivers, hiking in our breathtaking forests and so much more. Outdoor recreation also bolsters local economies and enhances public health, contributes $1.2 trillion to the nation’s economy, and accounts for 5 million jobs — a cornerstone of our nation’s well-being. Over the past decade, this industry has grown faster than the overall U.S. economy as Americans have flocked outside.
The EXPLORE Act, signed by President Biden in early January, will be transformative for our economy and will affect tens of millions of Americans who recreate and those who historically have had limited access to the outdoors.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable members and the 110,000 American outdoor businesses they represent played an integral role in crafting and passing this legislation. This new law is for all our families, past, present and future.
At its core, the EXPLORE Act is about breaking down barriers to outdoor access for everyone, improving recreation management so it is easier to get outside, and catapulting economies through recreation-related jobs and businesses through procedural and policy changes that have no cost to taxpayers.
For example, it will mean more online sales of passes and fee collection, bringing outdoor recreation access into the digital age and making it easier for Americans to plan outdoor adventures. It also requires federal agencies to modernize and streamline processes to address the challenges that have hindered public access and enjoyment of our public lands and waters.
It provides better management tools and models for infrastructure in our campgrounds, marinas, trails and more, improves resources for hunters and anglers, boaters, powersports, service providers, skiers, and horseback riders, and expands parking at heavily visited destinations for all recreation users.
This new law also prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. It expands programs that support youth and veterans, ensuring that our kids and veterans have meaningful opportunities to connect with the outdoors.
The EXPLORE Act’s effect on local economies also cannot be overstated. It fosters sustainable economic growth, supports communities recovering from natural disasters, and builds resilient local economies through outdoor tourism and recreation. These investments in infrastructure and accessibility will yield long-term benefits, providing a lifeline to towns and businesses that depend on outdoor recreation for their livelihoods.
Jessica Wahl Turner is the president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition of outdoor recreation associations and organizations./InsideSources