Legislation will give millions of Americans greater opportunities to experience the outdoors
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) yesterday celebrated a big step forward for equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation with the passage of the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a broad package of recreation-oriented bills, by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will give millions of Americans living in areas lacking local parks, trails, and open space greater opportunities to experience the outdoors. It will also empower more opportunities for bikers, climbers, and people with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities.
“We are thrilled to see the outdoors bring people together and showcase the broad, bipartisan support for more recreation access,” said Nicole Zussman, president and CEO of AMC. “Passage of the EXPLORE Act through the U.S. House of Representatives, including the Outdoors for All Act, is a milestone for our collective work to ensure everyone has equitable access to nature and more opportunities to be outside.”
AMC, as a leader in the national Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition, worked in support of the package, which includes the Outdoors for All Act. Through the legislation, communities will gain greater access to funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). That will allow communities create and enhance parks in places that need them the most. The legislation also gives American Indian Tribes access to ORLP funds.
“We commend the House for recognizing the importance of supporting outdoor recreation as an economic powerhouse, and for making steps toward true equity of access for underserved communities,” said Heather Clish, Vice President of Conservation and Recreation Advocacy for AMC. “EXPLORE will open up more ways for people everywhere to experience the outdoors and make it an integral part of their lives.”
Yesterday’s vote in Congress comes just two weeks after the Department of the Interior announced 14 new ORLP grants in 11 states, including several in areas served by AMC:
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The City of Bridgeport, CT, will use funds for Phase I of the Sliver by the River Redevelopment Project, featuring a kayak launch, floating dock, nature playground, shade pavilion, multi-use open lawn, terraced lawn with seating, benches, and trees and native plantings that help cool the air and reduce the urban heat island.
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The City of Paterson, NJ, will transform Westside Park by restoring tennis and basketball courts and public restrooms, installing a multipurpose athletic complex, and a wide array of new spaces for gathering, playing, relaxing, and enjoying nature including new boat launch, and an expanded path system.
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New York City Parks will renovate and create multiple access points to Spring Creek Park North on the Brooklyn-Queens border. The plans include over 4,500 feet of trails, lighting, benches, and signs to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
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The City of Bethlehem, PA, will rehabilitate Friendship Park by providing a central public lawn, a new main entrance and two additional entrances, a fountain splash plaza, upgrades to existing play structures, a shade structure and picnic area, a new basketball court, and a pathway system.
The City of Richmond, VA will use funds to create a nature park at Broad Rock Creek by repairing the bridge, developing trails, building roads, restrooms, adding park amenities including wayfinding, kiosks, benches, water fountains, and trash cans.
“AMC welcomes these critical investments, that we worked in collaboration with LWCF Coalition partners for so many years to secure for our members and communities,” said Zussman. “This progress follows that of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, which was a huge victory for conservation and recreation access for all.”
About the Land and Water Conservation Fund
LWCF is America’s most important conservation program, responsible for protecting parks, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at the federal, state, and local level. For over half a century, it has provided critical funding for land and water conservation projects, recreational construction and activities and the continued historic preservation of our nation’s iconic landmarks from coast-to-coast. LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars – it is funded using a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments. Outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation activities contribute more than $778 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting 5.2 million jobs.
About the Appalachian Mountain Club
The Appalachian Mountain Club is the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization, committed to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Since 1876, AMC staff, members, and volunteers have encouraged generations to deepen their passion for the outdoors and helped protect some of the most precious natural environments in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Learn more at outdoors.org.
