US Lawmakers Vote Unanimously To Pass The EXPLORE Act

The US House of Representatives has passed the EXPANDING PUBLIC LANDS OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCES (EXPLORE) ACT. It’s a first-of-its-kind bi-partisan package of outdoor recreation policy to improve outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters.

The passage of this outdoor recreation policy package creates opportunities to improve how public lands are managed to enhance outdoor experiences for all. The EXPLORE Act includes many key bills that OUTDOOR ALLIANCE and its partners have helped develop and refine alongside lawmakers.

The Senate is expected to take up the bill in coming weeks, as it has already introduced bi-partisan companion legislation, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), that has passed out of committee.

The EXPLORE Act aims to improve outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters and will also help land managers coordinate their efforts to improve access to nature and expand green space in communities that need it most.

“Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to see the House pass the EXPLORE Act, a first-of-its-kind package of outdoor recreation policy that will improve and protect outdoor recreation experiences on public lands and waters,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance.

“Millions of Americans get outside each year, and the EXPLORE Act will improve management for climbing and mountain biking, enhance how agencies manage outdoor recreation and invest in parks where they are needed most with the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership.”

Tom Vogl, CEO, The Mountaineers, added, “As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, we need more tools to get people outside safely and responsibly. The EXPLORE Act will streamline the federal recreational permitting process to enable more people to experience the outdoors through organized group experiences facilitated by outdoor leaders and educators.”

Highlights from the policy include:

• The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails
• The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing
• The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) improves recreational permitting for outfitters and guides
• It codifies FICOR and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighbourhoods that need it most

Todd Keller, Director of Government Affairs, International Mountain Bicycling Association, said, “The mountain bike community is specifically excited about the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act that has been included within the text of the underlying bill.

“The BOLT Act will identify at least 10 existing long-distance bike trails and identify at least 10 areas where there is an opportunity to develop or complete such trails. The bill will also direct the Department of Interior to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and distribute promotional materials.”

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organisation in the US that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilise the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience.

A non-profit coalition comprised of ten national advocacy organisations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, the American Canoe Association, Access Fund, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club and the Surfrider Foundation.