Public Lands Package will help grow recreation economy for years to come
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) – the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations – strongly supports the passage of the Natural Resources Management Act (S.47) in the U.S. Senate.
This momentous bipartisan legislation takes great strides in conserving our public lands and waters – which suffered greatly during the recent government shutdown – and delivers needed reforms that will enhance visitor experiences in our great outdoors.
The public lands package includes reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, Every Kid Outdoors Act, 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act and much more.
“The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), along with our ORR partners, is grateful for the Senate’s long-awaited passage of S. 47,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s vice president of Government Affairs. “This legislative package includes a wide range of provisions that will enhance recreational fishing access on public lands and promote conservation of our nation’s public resources. Passage of this bill is an encouraging sign that the U.S. Senate will prioritize conservation and outdoor recreation over the course of the 116th Congress.”
The outdoor recreation economy accounts for 2.2 percent of the U.S. GDP, producing $734 billion output for the U.S. economy, supporting 4.5 million direct jobs and $887 billion in consumer spending.
Smart investments and public lands management policies are needed to continue to grow this industry and preserve these recreation opportunities for future generations. This new, public lands package is a welcome step towards investing in recreation access and infrastructure, helping this growing sector provide high-quality jobs while supporting rural communities and conserving the nation’s treasured places for future generations.
ORR applauds the Senate for coming together in support of our shared lands and waters and the world-class recreation experiences they provide. We look forward to working with our champions in the House of Representatives to bring this legislation across the finish line.
Read ORR’s letter of support for the bill here.
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