Senate passes EXPLORE act enhancing recreational opportunities

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a landmark bipartisan legislation to improve outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The bill, a decade in the making, previously cleared the U.S. House and now heads to the president’s desk for final approval.

The EXPLORE Act introduces several measures to enhance recreational opportunities, including creating long-distance bike trails, safeguarding wilderness climbing, simplifying permitting processes, and funding parks and green spaces. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation continues to grow, contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy and supporting 5 million jobs.

“Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to celebrate the passage of the EXPLORE Act,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “This bipartisan effort underscores the importance of outdoor recreation and public lands, laying the groundwork for a vibrant outdoor future.”

Key provisions of the EXPLORE Act include:

• Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act: Identifies and develops long-distance bike trails.
• Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act: Ensures access to wilderness climbing areas.
• Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act: Streamlines permitting for outfitters and guides.
• Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership: Funds urban parks and green spaces.

The legislation was lauded by organizations representing diverse outdoor activities, including the American Alpine Club, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and American Canoe Association.

“This historic package will protect recreation resources, connect people to public lands, and sustain gateway communities,” said Ben Gabriel, Executive Director of the American Alpine Club.

The legislation also emphasizes equitable access to outdoor spaces. “Funding urban parks through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership ensures that green spaces reach the neighborhoods that need them most,” said Cramer.

With outdoor participation surging, advocates highlighted the urgency of the bill. “The EXPLORE Act equips us to meet the growing demand for safe, high-quality outdoor experiences,” said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers.

The president’s signature will finalize the EXPLORE Act, marking a pivotal moment in outdoor recreation policy. For more information on the legislation and advocacy efforts, visit Outdoor Alliance.