5 ways the EXPLORE Act improves outdoor access
Nickay3111, flickr
Recently signed into law, the EXPLORE Act addresses barriers to outdoor recreation.
In a time where access to nature is more important than ever for positive mental health and well-being, the EXPLORE Act will help ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.
The EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492), or the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, is a package of bills designed to improve access to outdoor spaces, especially for youth, families, people with disabilities, veterans and those living in nature-deprived neighborhoods. It cleared both chambers of Congress in 2024 and President Biden signed it into law on Jan. 4, 2025.
Here's some of what the EXPLORE Act is set to do:
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Extension of free park passes
Extends the popular free park pass program, Every Kid Outdoors, for fourth-grade students and their families, ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to experience the wonders of public lands.
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An outdoors for all
Makes the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program—a program dedicated to improving and building parks where they are needed most—permanent, creating parks, trails and green spaces, especially in communities with historic low investment.
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Respect for tribal sovereignty
Allows Tribal Nations to directly apply to the federal government for federal conservation funding, recognizing and respecting their sovereignty and role in environmental stewardship.
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Improving outdoor recreation
Streamlines and improves the permitting process for outfitters and organized groups so they can spend more time doing what they do best—helping others enjoy and recreate on public lands.
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Veterans in parks
Enhances outdoor recreational opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members by building more accessible trails and campgrounds; providing more fishing, hunting and boating opportunities; and ensuring veterans and wounded warriors have greater representation in public lands.
Outdoor recreation is a $1.2 trillion industry, supporting 5 million jobs across the nation. The EXPLORE Act will help ensure that all people, regardless of race, income or geography, can equitably enjoy nature and all it has to offer.
