US Congress Passes EXPLORE Act, Marking Major Win for Outdoor Recreation
In a significant (and rare) bipartisan achievement for outdoor enthusiasts, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act cleared its final hurdle in Congress this week. Passed unanimously by the Senate and approved by the House earlier this year, the landmark legislation now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature. Once signed into law, the EXPLORE Act will usher in a host of new and improved opportunities for Americans to explore and enjoy public lands across the country.
Supporters are hailing the act’s passage as the culmination of a decade-long effort by lawmakers, advocacy groups, and industry leaders from the recreational fishing, hunting, climbing, cycling, and broader outdoor communities.
Key Provisions and Impact
The bill combines more than 15 individual provisions, reflecting a broad consensus that outdoor recreation is a significant economic driver and a vital national priority.
Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT Act)
One of the act’s highest-profile elements is the BOLT Act, designed to identify and develop new long-distance bike trails on federal land. Advocates say these multi-day or cross-state routes will spur cycling tourism, create new business opportunities in gateway communities, and encourage more Americans to explore remote areas by bike.
Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC Act)
Rock climbers and outdoor organizations worked closely with lawmakers on the PARC Act. It safeguards fixed anchors and bolts for climbing in federally designated Wilderness Areas, ensuring that wilderness climbing—one of the fastest-growing segments of outdoor recreation—remains accessible and safe for future generations.
Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR Act)
Outfitters and guides have long argued that permitting processes on federal lands are bureaucratically complex and cost-prohibitive. The SOAR Act aims to streamline these processes and reduce fees, enabling small businesses to operate more efficiently and connect a wider demographic of people to the outdoors.
Strengthening Other Programs
Beyond these marquee items, the EXPLORE Act permanently directs funding to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP), which invests in parks and green spaces in underserved communities. It also codifies the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR), ensuring more coordinated efforts between federal agencies tasked with managing public lands. It will also help to identify and create long-distance bike trails.
The bill supports efforts to address housing shortages in popular recreation destinations, modernizes infrastructure like campgrounds and digital passes, and improves access for veterans, service members, children, and individuals with disabilities.
Bipartisan Collaboration
Leaders on both sides of the aisle expressed pride in the bipartisan nature of the bill. Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) played pivotal roles in guiding the EXPLORE Act through the Senate, while Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) championed it in the House.
“This is really, really good news for our country,” said Manchin upon the bill’s passage. “Outdoor recreation isn’t a partisan issue. It’s something everyone can get behind.”
Westerman, who attended the Senate session during final deliberations, noted, “Some of this legislation has been going on for years, and we finally got it all packaged up and got it passed. It’s a great day for outdoor recreation.”
Industry and Advocacy Response
A broad coalition of organizations spanning different outdoor pursuits—climbing, cycling, fishing, hunting, boating, horseback riding, and more—credited grassroots advocacy for helping the legislation cross the finish line.
Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, called the act’s passage “a clear message that outdoor recreation and our public lands are bipartisan priorities.” He added, “Signing this bill into law represents a meaningful investment in our shared outdoor heritage and the vibrant outdoor recreation economy it sustains.”
The outdoor recreation industry accounts for an economic impact of about $1.2 trillion, according to a recent U.S. Department of Commerce assessment. Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, said the EXPLORE Act’s passage “will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry and is a victory for our economy, our communities, our quality of life, and our shared connection to the outdoors.”
Cycling advocates like PeopleForBikes and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) highlighted the importance of the BOLT Act, which they believe will expand cycling opportunities nationwide.
Meanwhile, rock climbers, including professional climber Sasha DiGiulian, praised the PARC Act for protecting crucial climbing routes. Hunting and fishing organizations pointed to improvements in public shooting range availability, aquatic invasive species control, and fee-less land access as major wins.
Local Economies and Gateway Communities
For many gateway communities—towns on the periphery of national parks and forests—the EXPLORE Act’s provisions could be transformative. The bill includes authority for the U.S. Forest Service to lease administrative sites for housing, an idea championed by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) to help address affordable housing shortages in mountain towns.
“It’s as simple as this: In Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people,” Neguse said in a statement. “I am proud to see these bills through to the finish line—and even more excited for the ways in which they will deliver for our communities.”
Looking Ahead
With President Biden’s signature expected soon, many observers say the real work of implementing the EXPLORE Act is just beginning. Advocacy groups are already pushing for strong funding appropriations, timely rulemaking, and administrative follow-through to ensure the new provisions become reality on the ground.
In the meantime, supporters remain confident that the bill’s broad scope and bipartisan backing herald a new era for outdoor recreation in the United States.
“Participation in outdoor activities continues to surge,” said Cramer of Outdoor Alliance. “The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands and waters—an investment not only in our nation’s natural heritage, but in the well-being of all Americans who value the great outdoors.”
For more information about the EXPLORE Act and how to thank lawmakers involved, visit Outdoor Alliance’s website or contact your representatives directly.
We will continue to follow this story as implementation of the EXPLORE Act unfolds, providing updates on new long-distance trails, conservation efforts, permit changes, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts in Southern California and beyond.
