Washington - Today, President Joe Biden signed the Modernizing Access to Our Public LandAct (MAPLand Act) into law. U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) introduced the bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives last year.

"Congratulations to my good friend and committee colleague, Congressman Moore, on seeing his bill become law, an accomplishment that is the direct result of his leadership and tenacity as a member of Congress. MAPLand is practical, bipartisan legislation that will benefit not only Utah, but also every American who enjoys open access to our public lands. I look forward to seeing it put into action!" - House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"Today President Biden signed the MAPLand Act into law! This is a major win for all who enjoy our public lands. I look forward to the many ways this bill will improve our access to public land records so we can better hunt, fish, hike, and more. Many thanks to all who helped get this across the finish line!" - U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah)

Background

Currently, more than 9.52 million acres of land in the West lack permanent and legal access points for public use. In many cases, information regarding access easements and property boundaries for these lands is still kept on paper files. The MAPLand Act will help give federal land management agencies the resources they need to digitize these files for public use, as well as require federal land managers to provide information on seasonal vehicle restrictions on public roads and trails, hunting boundaries and watercraft restrictions.

Read the full bill text here.