One year after the EXPLORE Act was signed into law, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is celebrating meaningful progress toward modernizing outdoor recreation access, strengthening local economies and advancing coordinated management across America’s public lands and waters.
Passed by Congress with unanimous bipartisan support in 2024, the EXPLORE Act is the first-ever outdoor recreation–specific legislative package in U.S. history and a major milestone for an industry that supports $1.2 trillion in economic output and more than 5 million jobs nationwide.
“One year in, the EXPLORE Act is already delivering real progress — from streamlining access through digital tools to aligning federal agencies around a shared implementation framework,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “This anniversary is both a celebration and a reminder: bipartisan leadership and private-sector innovation work, and with continued momentum in Year Two, we can ensure every community and every American benefits from this landmark law. We are grateful for the EXPLORE Act bipartisan sponsors and champions in Congress, and for the Administration’s continued partnership and leadership in turning this vision into action.”
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, who sponsored and was essential to the EXPLORE Act’s passage, said, “I’m proud to have championed the EXPLORE Act, which was first-of-its-kind outdoor recreation legislation designed to expand access and recreation opportunities on our beautiful public lands and waters. I am thrilled to see all the ways it has enhanced Americans’ enjoyment of the outdoors a year after its passage. As we enter America’s 250th year, I encourage every American to get outside and explore all that our public lands and waters have to offer.”
“I’m thrilled to celebrate one year of the EXPLORE Act — legislation that included my bills, the SOAR Act and the Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act, to expand access to our public lands for all,” said Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “I worked hard to pass this legislation because I knew how impactful it would be for public land users, small businesses, and New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy. This anniversary is a reminder that expanding access and protecting these places must go hand in hand, and I remain committed to making sure our public lands stay open, accessible, and preserved for future generations.”
“Outdoor recreation is essential to Wyoming. Whether it’s hiking in the Tetons or fishing in the Wind River Range, Wyoming’s recreational opportunities are second to none,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso. “One year after its passage, the EXPLORE Act is a monumental win for the West. It will help to streamline safety and access to our nation’s parks just in time for America to celebrate our 250th anniversary.”
“In Colorado, the preservation of our public lands and the strength of our outdoor recreation economy is not only integral to the spirit of our state but to the success of our people. From ensuring housing for the local workforce in our mountain communities to better facilitating residents’ enjoyment of the great outdoors, the EXPLORE Act delivered for folks in Colorado and across the nation. I’ve been proud of the progress we’ve made in the year since the bill’s enactment and remain committed to ensuring implementation of our hard-fought efforts,” said Congressman Neguse (D-CO-2).
Since becoming law in January 2025, the EXPLORE Act has moved from vision to action, even amid significant headwinds, including:
- Historic Passage: The EXPLORE Act was signed into law, marking the first comprehensive outdoor recreation package and demonstrating that the outdoors unite Americans across party lines.
- Secretarial Order Issued: The Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretarial Order last year establishing a coordinated, cross-bureau implementation framework—one of the strongest federal commitments to recreation modernization in decades.
- Technology & Innovation Leadership: ORR convened agency leaders, industry CEOs, and top innovators at the inaugural Outdoor Recreation Technology & Innovation Summit in September 2025, showcasing public-private partnerships and technology solutions critical to implementation.
- Digital America the Beautiful Pass: Progress advanced on a nationwide digital parks pass, streamlining access for visitors and improving the recreation experience.
- Every Kid Outdoors: More than 150,000 fourth graders used their free pass to connect with the outdoors, as advocacy continues to make the program permanent through congressional reauthorization.
- Accessibility Improvements: The Bureau of Land Management expanded accessible trail opportunities nationwide and enhanced public information through its Accessible Recreation Opportunities Map, with additional EXPLORE data releases expected in early 2026.
- Federal Coordination Restored: The Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR) was reinstated and is meeting regularly to advance EXPLORE Act implementation.
Year one demonstrated what bipartisan leadership and industry innovation can accomplish, but more work remains to fully realize the EXPLORE Act’s promise — particularly as communities and businesses continue to navigate economic uncertainty and operational challenges. Continued engagement from the administration, sustained bipartisan oversight in Congress, and strong collaboration with states, Tribes, gateway communities and the private sector will be essential to delivering the law’s full benefits.
ORR said it will continue to lead, convene and support partners across the public and private sectors to ensure the EXPLORE Act is fully implemented and delivers lasting outcomes for outdoor access, stewardship, and economic vitality.
