River permits for both commercial outfitters and private paddlers just got a shot in the arm as the House Committee on Natural Resources voted to pass the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act out of committee and on to the House floor. The EXPLORE Act incorporates all provisions from America Outdoors’ flagship legislation, the SOAR Act, among many other outdoor recreation initiatives.
“Seeing this bill move through the House Natural Resources Committee is a landmark moment, and I am thrilled to see the bipartisan support,” says America Outdoors Executive Director Aaron Bannon. “The EXPLORE Act will benefit facilitated recreation providers, public lands agencies, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts alike. It is time to modernize the permitting process to allow outfitters and guides the opportunity to focus on what they do best- facilitating life-changing outdoor experiences.”
Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) were big supporters of the legislation facilitating recreation opportunities, as well as the 35 additional Republican and Democratic co-sponsors.
“The EXPLORE Act will be revolutionary for outfitters and the industry,” says Austin Albers, owner of Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, Arkansas. “I’d like to thank Congressman Westerman, who has been a steadfast supporter of outdoor recreation in Arkansas and beyond.”
The EXPLORE Act will:
- Incentivize existing outfitters to return unused operating days to the managing agency for use by other operators without penalty;
- Preserve the integrity of existing special recreation permits;
- Create an avenue for new operators to access and grow their operations;
- Ensure that operators are not charged excessive fees to operate on federal lands;
- Establish a multi-jurisdictional permitting authority for activities that travel through more than one agency
- Ensure that US Forest Service Temporary Permits continue
“The EXPLORE Act will make a tremendous difference for guides and outfitters, land managers, and all people who love recreating on America’s public lands,” adds Scott Cundy of Wildland Trekking, based in Flagstaff, Arizona. “For the 200+ guides and 8,000+ guests who lead and join Wildland Trekking trips annually, this crucial legislation will ensure access to our iconic mountains, forests, canyons, deserts and seashores. I want to express our deep appreciation to Congressman Grijalva and Congressman Westerman for championing this important bill so that current and future generations can enjoy America’s breathtaking landscape.!”
About America Outdoors: America Outdoors is committed to growing, protecting, and serving outfitter businesses and organizations through advocacy, business resources, and community. AO has been working on behalf of the outdoor industry for over 30 years. For more information, please visit our website www.americaoutdoors.org.