NWTF Celebrates the Passage of the EXPLORE Act
EDEGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a groundbreaking bipartisan achievement that cements outdoor recreation and the industry that supports it as a cornerstone of America’s economy and a necessity to the quality of life for all Americans.
The legislation passed the House in April and now advances to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“As a partner in the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a consortium of outdoor recreation industry, agencies and nonprofits, the NWTF has been an advocate for the U.S. House’s EXPLORE Act, as well as its Senate companion, the American Outdoor Recreation Act,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “Both landmark packages highlight the importance of outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing and traditional outdoor pursuits, to the health and well-being of our citizens and the economic vitality of our country.”
The comprehensive, bipartisan and bicameral legislation was introduced by Bruce Westerman (R-AR), House Natural Resources Committee chairman, and ranking member Rául Grijalva (D-AZ) last fall to improve access and transform outdoor recreation opportunities on our public lands and waters. It passed the House in April before being approved by the Senate late Thursday afternoon.
The bill:
- Modernizes technology to improve visitor experiences, such as increasing broadband connectivity at recreation sites, creating digital recreation passes, and creating new pilot programs to monitor visitation.
- Streamlines the permitting process and reduces burdensome fees for small businesses that depend on reliable access to public lands, including hunting and fishing outfitters and guides.
- Reduces overcrowding by creating new and innovative models to encourage public recreation in less-traveled areas.
- Supports gateway communities by addressing housing shortages, parking and infrastructure issues, and challenges due to overcrowding.
- Transforms accessibility for individuals with disabilities by creating new accessible trails and recreation opportunities across our public lands.
“Nationally, hunting participation continues to decline following a temporary increase during COVID,” Lindler said. “This bill, when signed into law, will make it easier for more people, including hunters, to experience the life-changing power of the outdoors on our nation’s public lands and bolster rural communities that depend on hunting and outdoor recreation tourism to fuel their economies.”