EDGEFIELD, SC —America’s Outdoor Recreation Act was reintroduced today in the 118th Congress with strong bipartisan support, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its members in the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy I urge this bill to pass quickly so many more Americans can enjoy the great outdoors and their associated health and wellness benefits. This groundbreaking legislation not only boosts local and national economies, but also gives more Americans, especially those in underserved areas, greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters without costing taxpayers a dime.
“This is a no-cost, common sense bill that will help equalize and improve access to green space and outdoor wilderness in every state across the country,” said Chris Perkins, senior director of the Recreation Roundtable. outdoor. “We are seeing unprecedented interest in outdoor recreation, but many of the policies that support outdoor recreation are out of date. This package will make it easier for Americans to access the outdoors and provide agencies with new tools to address longstanding outdoor recreation needs. We need solutions that improve outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting America’s public lands and waters, and AORA is a historic step to update these policies.”
Outdoor recreation is an $862 billion industry, providing 4.5 million American jobs and boosting economies in communities large and small. And studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person’s mental and physical health.
“Thanks to the work of Senator Manchin (D-WV), Senator Barasso (R-WY) and many other champions of the outdoor industry in Congress, Americans will have the opportunity to reap these benefits for generations to come,” Perkins continued. “ORR encourages swift bipartisan action to send this bill to the president’s desk.”
The United States Outdoor Recreation Act:
- enable permit simplification to ease the burdens on vendors and guides and improve access to outdoor experiences;
- improve access to recreation on public lands and waters;
- guarantee access to green spaces in underserved communities;
- upgrade outdoor recreation infrastructure;
- develop, improve and complete long range trails; and
- Invest in rural economic development.
America’s Outdoor Recreation Law, Explained
“Recreation in our great outdoors is invaluable to our physical and mental health and spiritual well-being,” said National Wild Turkey Federation Co-Executive Director Jason Burckhalter. “Like our members and I, millions venture onto national forests, grasslands, and public waterways for ethically harvested organic protein through hunting and fishing. The American Outdoor Recreation Act opens opportunities and provides infrastructure to support these and other recreational users and is vital to ensuring access for people from all walks of life who want to enjoy what nature has to offer.”
About the Outdoor Recreation Round Table
He Outdoor Recreation Round Table is the leading national coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations representing the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. ORR focuses on growing outdoor recreation by creating a better environment for sustainable growth of outdoor recreation businesses and driving a broader understanding of the value of the outdoor recreation economy . Our membership includes members of the National Outdoor Trade Association, business entities, non-profit organizations, and universities, serving more than 110,000 businesses and representing America’s boating, fishing, RV, biking, hiking, camping, hunting, motorized, diving, horse riding and skiing among much more.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.