Washington, D.C. (Nov. 20, 2024) — With recently released economic and participation data showing ongoing rapid growth in outdoor recreation, public lands are in dire need of infrastructure improvements and additional financial support to manage those increasing levels of use, according to Outdoor Alliance, a non-profit that works on behalf of the human-powered outdoor recreation community to protect public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act, a first-of-its-kind package of legislation championed by Outdoor Alliance, could foster some of those improvements. Voicing direct public support to legislators in December may help it pass.
A new report released today from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. With outdoor participation growing, it’s important that Congress prioritize sound policy that would improve access, create more trails, and protect the outdoors, according to Outdoor Alliance. The EXPLORE Act takes important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, according to Outdoor Alliance and its partners, a coalition of nonprofits representing different types of outdoor recreation.
Last week, more than 300 outdoor recreation organizations and businesses signed on to a letter to members of Congress asking them to make sure EXPLORE is passed by the end of the year. In April, the House passed the bill unanimously, and leadership in the Senate has already advanced a similar bill (America’s Outdoor Recreation Act or AORA) out of committee. Now, a number of lawmakers, including Senator Manchin and Rep. Westerman are working to get the final bill text of EXPLORE passed by the end of the year.
The public can help move this legislation forward by contacting their representatives and asking them to pass it before the end of the year. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized letters to their lawmakers.
Highlights of the bill include the Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT) to identify and create more long-distance bike trails, the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC) to safeguard Wilderness climbing, the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR) that will improve recreational permitting for outfitters and guides, and permanent direction for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership and FICOR.
“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,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations at the Outdoor Alliance.
To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.
About Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize 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. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.
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