Through a combination of bipartisan and bicameral bills the outdoor recreation industry has long supported — including the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, Recreation Not Red Tape Act(RNR), and the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act– as well as other outdoor recreation legislation like the newly introduced Outdoor Recreation Act, this package would be a legacy achievement for our shared natural resources and all who enjoy them today and in the future.
These bills streamline the permitting process for outfitted excursions, support “gateway” communities, create public/private partnerships to modernize campground infrastructure, extend shoulder seasons and improve visitation data on public lands to help with overcrowding, make common-sense updates to antiquated systems, and provide more tools in the toolbox for land managers to plan for sustainable recreation for years to come.
These administrative and management improvements will not just improve recreationists’ experiences on our public lands and waters, they will also support sustainable recreation economies and help mitigate the impacts COVID-19 and climate change have on businesses, our resources, and outdoor enthusiasts. These improvements will make recreation more accessible for everyone, especially those getting outside for the first time. The best part is that these provisions are bipartisan, bicameral, and come at no increased cost to taxpayers.