Better access and better fishing on federal lands and waters.
Two new bills will improve and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.
Federal lands play an important role in providing recreational fishing. Legislation officially known as the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 873) in the Senate and the EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) in the House will modernize and enhance the management of, and access to, our nation’s public lands.
What’s The issue
The America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and EXPLORE Act are comprehensive legislative packages that contains dozens of provisions, ranging from addressing the spread of aquatic invasive species to expanding broadband service at park sites. Taken in whole, they will modernize and enhance the management of, and access to, our nation’s public lands.
Why It Matters
Outdoor recreation is big business. A recent study showed that outdoor recreation accounted for $1.1 trillion in economic output for the nation in 2022.
Building on recently enacted legislation, such as the Great American Outdoors Act and America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and EXPLORE Act demonstrate a continued commitment from Congressional leaders to ensure federal policies are accommodating Americans’ growing interest in outdoor recreation.
Simply put, improving access to outdoor recreation is good for our industry.
What ASA is Doing
Expanding fishing access on public lands is one of ASA’s top priorities. In support of the bill, ASA has:
- Issued a press release touting the bill’s introduction and thanking Sens. Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership.
- Released an Action Alert on our Keep America Fishing platform that encourages our members and the public to write to their Senators in support of the legislation.
- Published a blog on the Sportfishing Advocate touting the bill’s advancement in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and highlighting the unique sportfishing measures within the bill.
- Engaged Keep America Fishing supporters nationwide in support of the U.S. House of Representatives vote.
- Issued a press release when the EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House unanimously.
ASA will continue to advocate for the passage of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and the EXPLORE Act and will continue working with partner organizations and Congressional cosponsors to get this legislation across the finish line.
What You Can Do
Resources
- ASA Press Release on the bill’s introduction
- ASA Sportfishing Advocate blog on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s approval of the bill
- ASA Press Release on passage of the EXPLORE Act by the U.S. House of Representatives
- Social Media Graphics:
How to Take Action
Your company has tremendous reach to anglers who support expanding access to public lands. Use our toolkit to expand awareness and action in support of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act and EXPLORE Act today!
What YOU Can Do
For any questions or to coordinate on this campaign, please contact John Stillwagon.
