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The EXPLORE Act Has Passed in Congress: What It Means for Backpackers
The EXPLORE Act, a landmark piece of legislation that outdoor lovers across the country should be excited about, has recently passed both houses of Congress and now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
Designed to enhance recreational opportunities and preserve access to public lands and waters, this bill is a prime example of how political engagement directly impacts the outdoor spaces we cherish. But what exactly does the EXPLORE Act mean for backpackers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts? Let’s break it down.
What the EXPLORE Act Does
The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or the EXPLORE Act for short, introduces sweeping improvements to public land access and infrastructure. Here are some of its key provisions:
- Increased Access: The act prioritizes better access to public lands and waters, creating more opportunities for recreation.
- Technology Modernization: From increasing broadband availability to implementing digital recreation passes, the legislation focuses on enhancing visitor experiences.
- Streamlined Permitting: The bill reduces permitting fees and simplifies processes for small businesses relying on public land access, like guide services and outfitters.
- Infrastructure Investments: Campgrounds and recreational facilities will see much-needed updates, including restoration projects and modernization efforts.
- Long-Distance Trails: The Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act, included in the EXPLORE Act, prioritizes creating and promoting long-distance bike trails, benefiting backpackers and cyclists alike.
- Inclusivity: The act emphasizes improving access for people with disabilities, veterans, and youth, making outdoor spaces more welcoming for everyone.
Why Does This Matter?
For backpackers and other recreationists, the EXPLORE Act is a wonderful investment in the outdoors. By improving trail infrastructure and enhancing access, it ensures that iconic experiences remain viable for future generations.
Additionally, the inclusion of the BOLT (Biking on Long Distance Trails) Act sets the stage for the expansion of long-distance trail networks — a win for anyone who enjoys multi-day or multi-week adventures. With added signage, published maps, and promotional materials, these trails will be more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
Why Voting Matters (Besides the Obvious Reasons)
The EXPLORE Act wouldn’t exist without the lawmakers who pushed it forward. Outdoor enthusiasts often focus on enjoying the wilderness, but the policies that govern these spaces come from elected officials. Voting for representatives who prioritize public lands, conservation, and outdoor recreation directly impacts the quality and availability of the spaces we love.
This legislation also underscores the importance of bipartisan support. The act’s passage involved cooperation across party lines, showing what’s possible when representatives work together on shared values. Supporting candidates who champion outdoor recreation—regardless of political affiliation—can lead to meaningful progress for sustainability and outdoor access.
What Now?
As the EXPLORE Act awaits President Biden’s signature, outdoor advocates are celebrating its potential to transform public lands. But the work doesn’t stop here. Staying engaged, voting in elections, and holding elected officials accountable will ensure continued investments in outdoor spaces.
For backpackers, hikers, and nature lovers, this act is a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of civic engagement. By supporting policies and leaders who prioritize the outdoors, we can ensure that our trails, parks, and public lands thrive for long into the future.
You can read the full text of the EXPLORE Act on Congress’ website here.
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Comments 8
While I appreciate the overall idea of this bill, I immediately see a major red flag in the very first paragraph, which leaves our precious lands wide open to abuse by big companies. It states:
To improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
This “for other purposes” is vague and this is why republicans went for this bill. This will essentially hand our pristine lands over to oil companies and all manner of careless, greedy people. There are also other statements in this bill that do not have the best interest of the land in mind.
Agree, way too vague, even suspicious. What were they thinking for possible other purposes? Must have had something(s) in mind.
They should have described further for more clarity.
“Other purposes” is code words for containment zones for Sasquatch, Dogman, the Rake, Slenderman, and extraterrestrials. Isn’t it obvious? 😁🤣
How does the BOLT act benefit cyclists and backpackers alike? It seems that hikers would have to jump out of the way every time bikers come through.
Just curious how this would work on the trails.
I had been casually following the legislation and had concerns about the impact these new initiatives would have on wild spaces in general and backpacking in particular. I was glad to see the article headline and hoped the piece would address the pros and cons more clearly. While I agree there are concerning red flags in the vague language on ‘easing’ commercial access, the specifics are equally disappointing: more bikes, roads, parking areas, pavement, water/sewer are coming to our wild spaces. While I am excited at the upward trend in appreciation for the outdoors, I don’t see how we can increase usage without increasing wilderness acreage at the same time. And I will miss the loss of cell service dead zones – I so love not having constant access to the internet for days or weeks at a time. Am I the only one?
Any time government is involved it’s never good. And this administration is so wrapped up in its stupid policy implementation that they toss the baby with the bath water. So I hope it’s not signed. Sorry to you bid government folks, but from my experience since the 1960s and the way several of the alphabet agencies have treated citizens it needs not be enacted.
I agree with the commenters. It looks like this bill passed both the House and Senate with essentially unanimous voice votes, and this bill looks like it
contains pork for everyone. My legislators are dead set against things like wilderness areas, and are very much in favor of drillers, miners, and loggers. More development and roads in the woods makes America’s lands more amenable for harvesting. And there will be more people out there.
In short America’s wild lands won’t be so wild after this bill is implemented.
I was sad to see this article published with such a positive spin on the EXPLORE Act, but I was glad to read the comments! The commenters are spot on—this is a real problem for Wilderness and the environment. Pro-recreation isn’t the same as pro-environment. For anyone interested, the non-profit @wilderness_watch has great info.