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, snowmobiling on a cold winter day, 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. This uniquely American business is even larger than traditional industries like agriculture and mining.
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. Celebrating this monumental achievement reminds me why I started working on outdoor recreation access and infrastructure a decade ago. I remember the times I spent outdoors with my parents, grandparents, friends and my children. 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 and less hassle 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 their outdoor adventures. It also requires federal agencies to modernize and streamline processes to address the long-standing 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. These updates are not just practical but essential for meeting the growing demand for outdoor experiences.
The law also tackles inefficiencies that have burdened recreation management for decades. For example, it unifies and standardizes data collection across agencies, allowing for better decision-making and resource allocation.
For guides, outfitters, and recreationists everywhere, the EXPLORE Act will be a game-changer. It addresses outdated permitting systems, such as for film and photography on public lands, and it creates new opportunities for businesses and individuals to share the beauty and value of our natural spaces with broader audiences. It also provides much-needed transparency and flexibility for cross-agency outings, streamlining the experience for those who plan and participate in outdoor events and adventures.
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. Whether it’s a fourth grader exploring a national park for the first time or a veteran finding solace in nature’s healing power, this legislation ensures that outdoor experiences remain a source of inspiration and renewal for all.
In other words, when implemented, EXPLORE will make recreation experiences better for millions of recreationists, businesses, and local communities in visible and behind-the-scenes ways.
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.
The EXPLORE Act’s passage is how government should work. Its implementation will require the same level of collaboration it took to pass it, this time among federal, state, Tribal, and local governments, and private-sector partners.
With this law, Congress reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every American, whether they live in rural towns or urban centers, has access to world-class outdoor experiences. It’s a worthy and doable goal for something that will quietly but profoundly benefit every corner of our nation, from backyard trails to backcountry adventures.