News

Landmark Public Lands Bill Signed Into Law

Washington, DC --- August 5, 2020

Good news for all outdoor recreation enthusiasts!

On August 4^th, 2020, President, Donald Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act, overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation, that will create more safe and sustainable recreation access for all Americans.

The Great American Outdoors Act focuses on two priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund – a key program for conserving and amplifying outdoor recreation access. The Act ensures that $15 million annually is dedicated to expanding public access for fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation. Second, the bill addresses the maintenance backlog on public lands and waters by investing $9.5 billion over five years to the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to improve trails, campgrounds, roads, visitor centers, and boating infrastructure like docks, ramps and parking facilities.

“With more Americans flocking to boating in the era of social distancing, the Great American Outdoors Act is the shot in the arm we need to continue delivering the memorable experiences and significant economic impact our industry provides, including more than 35,000 businesses and 700,000 American jobs,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “We applaud Congress for coming together in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner on legislation that ensures both local economies and families can reap the benefits of outdoor recreation activities for generations to come.”

“We are pleased and grateful that the leaders of our country could work together and cooperatively support the Great American Outdoors Act, which helps more Americans enjoy boating and fishing today and in the future,” noted Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White Vice President-Marketing.

To learn more visit https://asafishing.org/advocacy/president-trump-signs-great-american-outdoors-act-into-law/