WASHINGTON, D.C. - Recently, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 (GAOA 250). More than 140 organizations have expressed their support for the legislation that will make a historic investment in our national parks, public lands and Bureau of Indian Education facilities over the next five years. Here is what outdoor economy, recreation and sportsmen organizations are saying:
“The outdoor recreation economy is growing, and the outfitters and guides America Outdoors represents are at the center of that growth—running trips, employing local guides and driving dollars into rural communities across the country. That business depends on the trails, campgrounds, put-ins, and visitor infrastructure the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) has helped restore and maintain. Reauthorizing and strengthening the LRF is how we build on what's working and make sure public lands are ready for the next generation of outdoor recreationists.” – Aaron Lieberman, executive director, America Outdoors Association
“The original Great American Outdoors Act demonstrated that conservation, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity are issues that unite Americans across political and geographic lines. The introduction of GAOA 250 builds on that legacy by investing in the infrastructure, access and public lands that support millions of outdoor enthusiasts and countless small businesses throughout the country. The legislation would continue critical investments in public lands infrastructure while expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and access for hunters and anglers. AFFTA is grateful to Representatives Westerman and Huffman for demonstrating that bipartisan collaboration remains possible when it comes to conserving our nation's outdoor heritage.” – American Fly Fishing Trade Association
“With 63 million hikers across the country, American Hiking Society proudly supports the Great American Outdoors Act 250, led by Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman. The original GAOA has been a massive success, generating $4.5 billion in economic impact and restoring 1,500 critical projects. The new America’s Legacy Restoration Fund will expand on that victory—upgrading visitor recreation experiences, funding projects of every size in every corner of the country, and driving economic growth in communities nationwide. There is no better way to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this year than by investing in the public lands that unite us all.” — Tyler Ray, senior director for programs and advocacy, American Hiking Society
“Public lands and waters are the lifeblood of the sportfishing industry and the entire recreational fishing community, which contributes $230 billion to the nation's economy. No other country on earth enjoys the expansive public access and diversity of fishing opportunities as those afforded in the United States. Continued investments in sportfishing and outdoor recreation infrastructure on public lands and waters through the Legacy Restoration Fund and the Great American Outdoors Act 250 are critical to advancing our nation's fishing and outdoor recreation heritage for the next 250 years.” – Glenn Hughes, president and CEO, American Sportfishing Association
“ATC applauds the bipartisan legislation led by Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman to extend the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). The LRF has provided critical investment in maintenance and stewardship on the Appalachian Trail through the collaborative efforts of the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, ATC, 30 A.T. maintaining clubs and thousands of volunteers. We are grateful for this bipartisan support of our public lands and look forward to continuing this work for future generations.” – Cinda Waldbuesser, president and CEO, Appalachian Trail Conservancy
“CSF extends our strong appreciation to Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for introducing the Great American Outdoors Act 250. As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, it is important to reflect on what makes America unique, and in part, that is our network of federal public lands. This legislation renews and enhances our commitment to the legacy of our public lands.” – Taylor Schmitz, senior vice president, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“The Great American Outdoors Act was a significant achievement for our nation’s outdoor heritage and conservation legacy. No one contributes more to the stewardship of America’s public lands than hunters and anglers – what better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than by once again recognizing their impact? The Great American Outdoors Act 250 invests in Americans’ ability to go outside and experience the natural places that make our vast country so special, and we thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for leading this important legislation.” – Adam Putnam, CEO, Ducks Unlimited
“The Great American Outdoors Act 250 represents a critical investment in the infrastructure that keeps our national parks safe, accessible and protected. At Grand Canyon National Park, funding from the Legacy Restoration Fund is helping replace the aging South Rim Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring the park can meet the needs of millions of visitors each year while protecting the natural resources that make Grand Canyon so extraordinary. Reauthorizing this fund will allow parks across the country to continue addressing essential infrastructure needs and preserving these treasured places for future generations.” – Elizabeth Silkes, CEO, Grand Canyon Conservancy
“Idahoans cherish our beautiful public lands. Idaho Trails Association supports America's Legacy Restoration Fund as a crucial funding source for maintaining public access to trails and the wild places we love. Renewing this Fund to help improve access in the short term and preserve it for the next generation would make an outstanding birthday present to the whole nation.” – Melanie Vining, executive director, Idaho Trails Association
“The National Deer Association is proud to support the introduction of the Great American Outdoors Act 250. As our nation approaches its semiquincentennial anniversary, we believe there is no better way to honor America’s outdoor heritage than by investing in the public lands and waters that sustain our way of life. Trails, roads, access sites, campgrounds and other critical infrastructure are essential to ensuring that hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy and steward these treasured landscapes. We are grateful to Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to conserving and improving America’s public lands for current and future generations.” – Nick Pinizzotto, president and CEO, National Deer Association
“The Great American Outdoors Act 250 represents a practical investment in America’s outdoor heritage and the infrastructure that makes it accessible. For NWTF members and hunters nationwide, maintained trails and access roads on national forests and refuges are essential to quality hunting experiences. This bill also supports hunters with disabilities through improved accessibility for members of our Wheelin’ Sportsmen program. A thriving hunting tradition depends on having access to lands that are well cared for.” – Jason Burckhalter, co-CEO, National Wild Turkey Foundation
“The Legacy Restoration Fund has become one of the most effective and broadly supported public lands programs in recent memory, helping address long-standing maintenance challenges while improving the visitor experience on public lands across the country. Outdoor Alliance is grateful to Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their bipartisan leadership in introducing legislation to continue this important work. Their commitment to maintaining the trails, campgrounds, roads and other infrastructure that Americans rely on will help ensure that public lands can continue to support recreation, local economies and outdoor traditions for years to come.” – Jamie Ervin, senior policy manager, Outdoor Alliance
“From trails and campgrounds to marinas and visitor facilities, these investments have enhanced access, supported local economies, and improved the visitor experience. Reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund now represents a generational opportunity to build on that success and ensure public lands and waters are equipped to meet a growing interest in outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of healthy, resilient and sustainable economies and communities as we celebrate America’s 250th and for the next 250 years to come.” – Jessica Turner, president, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
“Upland hunters and conservationists benefit when federal agencies have the resources needed to improve wildlife habitat, maintain and increase public access and ensure future generations can experience our nation’s public lands. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Great American Outdoors Act 250 to reauthorize and invest in the Legacy Restoration Fund, and we look forward to working with Congress to advance this critical legislation.” – Andrew Schmidt, director of government affairs, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
“This bipartisan legislation is a true win for hunters and our nation’s outdoor traditions. It brings people together across party lines to protect access and strengthen conservation efforts so future generations can enjoy responsible hunting. Just as importantly, it supports jobs and drives much-needed revenue in rural communities while protecting the very lands that outdoor recreation depends on. SCI is proud to support a measure that unites us around our shared commitment to preserving our outdoor heritage.” – W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO, Safari Club International
“The Great American Outdoors Act 250 is a strong investment in public lands, outdoor recreation, and access. Tennessee Wildlife Federation applauds this effort to improve critical infrastructure, support rural economies and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the outdoors. This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment needed to protect and strengthen our outdoor heritage.” – Michael Butler, CEO, Tennessee Wildlife Federation
“Trust for Public Land applauds Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for working together to advance a bipartisan vision that makes much-needed investments in our parks, public lands and Bureau of Indian Education schools. This bill will build upon the legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act by reauthorizing the successful Legacy Restoration Fund, while also ensuring Congress’s long-standing commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund endures.” – Kate Kelly, vice president of government relations and policy, Trust for Public Land
“Visitors to Voyageurs National Park depend on safe, reliable infrastructure to experience one of America's premier freshwater landscapes and internationally recognized dark skies. From navigating the park's interconnected waterways to viewing some of the nation's most spectacular night skies, visitors rely on well-maintained facilities and access points to connect with these remarkable resources. The Legacy Restoration Fund has helped national parks tackle long-overdue maintenance needs, ensuring that public lands remain accessible, resilient and welcoming. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will build on this success, supporting local economies, enhancing visitor experiences and protecting treasured places like Voyageurs for future generations.” – Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director, Voyageurs Conservancy
“The Wild Sheep Foundation is excited to support the introduction of the Great American Outdoors Act 250. There is no better way to celebrate this anniversary of our country than to continue taking good care of our nation’s public lands. Trails, roads, campgrounds and buildings are essential infrastructure that underpin the experiences of hunters and anglers who utilize our nation’s millions of acres of public lands. These assets deserve care, attention and upkeep. We want to express our gratitude to Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their leadership in advancing this important work in a bipartisan fashion.” – Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO, Wild Sheep Foundation
For more information about GAOA 250, click here.
