Summary
Makes it easier for people to enjoy outdoor activities on public lands by updating rules, improving access, and creating new opportunities for everyone.
What problem does this solve?
Getting permits and finding accessible places to enjoy public lands can be hard due to old rules and a lack of information. This law simplifies the permit process, improves trails and facilities, and creates special programs to help more people get outdoors.
Who does this affect?
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- People with disabilities
- Veterans and military families
What does this law do?
Simplifies recreation permits
Creates a simpler process for getting permits for activities like outfitting and guiding, including options for online applications and temporary permits.
Improves access for people with disabilities
Requires agencies to assess and improve the accessibility of trails and facilities, and to build new accessible trails and recreation opportunities in every region.
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Promotion of outdoor recreation for military servicemembers and veterans
Supports veterans and military families
Creates programs to promote outdoor recreation for veterans and military members, including establishing liaison positions in federal agencies to coordinate activities.
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Digital version of the America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Rec
Creates digital park passes
Requires federal agencies to create a digital version of the 'America the Beautiful' National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass that can be stored on a mobile device.
Expands internet access in parks
Directs agencies to assess and create plans to install broadband internet and cellular service in developed areas of national parks and other recreation sites.
Modernizes filming and photography rules
Updates the rules for filming on public lands, making it so small crews and individuals often do not need a permit or have to pay a fee.
Promotes long-distance biking and climbing
Directs agencies to identify at least 10 long-distance bike trails and issue national guidance to manage and preserve access for rock climbing.
Establishes a recreation council
Creates the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation to coordinate recreation policies and management across different government agencies.
Extends 'Every Kid Outdoors' program
Extends the program that gives all 4th-grade students and their families a free pass to access federal lands and waters for a year until 2031.
What is the real world impact?
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Boosts local economies
Encourages more people to visit public lands, which helps nearby 'gateway' towns by increasing business for hotels, restaurants, and local shops that depend on tourism.
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Makes public lands more inclusive
Creates specific programs and requirements to improve access for people with disabilities, veterans, military families, and young people, ensuring more Americans can enjoy these spaces.
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Could change the 'wild' nature of parks
Adding more infrastructure like broadband internet and cellular service to parks and recreation areas might take away from the feeling of being in nature that many visitors are looking for.
When does this start?
This law sets various deadlines for agencies to create new programs, complete studies, and update rules over the next several years.
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Digital version of the America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Rec
Digital park pass
By January 1, 2026, a digital version of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass must be established.
Online permit applications
Within 3 years, applications for special recreation permits must be available for online submission.
Long-distance bike trails
Within 18 months, agencies must identify at least 10 long-distance bike trails and 10 areas for potential new trails.
Rock climbing guidance
Within 18 months, federal agencies must issue guidance for managing recreational climbing activities on public lands.
Accessible trails completion
Within 7 years, agencies must complete the development of new accessible trails in each of their regions.
Accessibility assessments
Within 5 years, agencies must complete a comprehensive assessment of the accessibility of their outdoor recreation facilities.