On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the long-awaited EXPLORE Act, marking a significant milestone after a decade of advocacy for improved outdoor recreation on public lands. This bipartisan legislation, which had previously passed the House in April 2024, aims to enhance access to outdoor activities and includes several key provisions such as the BOLT Act for long-distance bike trails, the PARC Act for climbing, and the SOAR Act for recreational permitting [365ef61b].
The bill's passage was celebrated by key supporters, including Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso, who highlighted its potential to bolster local economies and promote community engagement with nature. Outdoor recreation is a vital sector, contributing approximately $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, which represents about 2.3% of the nation's GDP [365ef61b].
A notable aspect of the EXPLORE Act is its inclusion of provisions for affordable housing on U.S. Forest Service land, a measure supported by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis while also protecting recreational uses of public lands [d1c25cb4].
As part of the legislation, the EXPLORE Act mandates the retention of permit fees for trail maintenance and requires annual federal spending reports on outdoor recreation, ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to enhance public lands [365ef61b]. Additionally, the act addresses invasive species, particularly zebra mussels, through the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, co-sponsored by Senator Michael Bennet [d1c25cb4].
In a related initiative, Vermont's U.S. Senator Peter Welch recently launched the state's first fully accessible trail network in Bolton, aimed at providing outdoor recreation opportunities for adaptive riders. This effort aligns with the broader goals of the EXPLORE Act to make outdoor activities more inclusive and accessible [1b449fbc][21a6c407].
The successful passage of the EXPLORE Act not only reflects a growing recognition of the economic and social benefits of outdoor recreation but also serves as a model for future legislation aimed at enhancing access and opportunities on public lands across the nation [365ef61b]. Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper emphasized the importance of outdoor recreation for the state's economy, further underscoring the act's significance [d1c25cb4].