EXPLORE Act: The Path to A More Inclusive Outdoors
The outdoor recreation community stands at a pivotal juncture in the journey toward a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all. The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act — which just passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent— represents a historic opportunity in this movement to redefine our relationship with the great outdoors. This is not just any legislation; it's the first-ever outdoor recreation package for the industry and one that resonates deeply with the mission of the inclusive recreation movement across the industry dedicated to making the outdoors a welcoming space for everyone, and the bill is supported by groups such as Together Outdoors, a coalition of outdoors-related organizations.
At the heart of this landmark bill are provisions that reflect our collective aspirations. Picture a world where gateway communities — those small, rural towns that serve as launching points to our national parks and forests — receive the support they need to flourish and welcome more people into the outdoors. The EXPLORE Act promises to assess and address the needs of these communities, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in expanding access to our federal lands and waters. This vision aligns perfectly with this movement’s commitment to bridging the gap between local communities and the natural world that surrounds them.
Among the key issues:
Funding
Imagine the transformative power of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program codified under this bill. This program isn't just about funding; it's a lifeline to urban and tribal communities that are often left on the fringes of the outdoor recreation economy and its benefits. It's about making sure everyone has a seat at the table and ensuring that the joy of outdoor recreation isn't a privilege for a few, but a right accessible to all. This echoes the belief in the power of nature to unite and heal.
Accessibility
Increasing accessibility to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities is a cornerstone of the EXPLORE Act — ensuring that the outdoors should be available to everyone. Consider the profound impact of making our trails and recreation sites accessible to people with disabilities. This isn't just about compliance; it's about expanding the identities and narratives of who belongs in and is allowed to enjoy the outdoors. It’s about creating spaces where differences are not just accommodated but celebrated.
Youth
The bill’s focus on youth is particularly close to my heart. In nurturing a connection between young people and nature, we're not just creating future conservationists; we're fostering future leaders, innovators and trailblazers who could better understand the intrinsic value of the natural world. Extending the “Every Kid Outdoors Act” is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that children from all neighborhoods across this country grow up with nature as their companion and guide.
As this crucial legislation passes the House Natural Resources Committee, the call to action is clear and urgent. We stand now at a crossroads where the path we choose can lead to a future where the outdoors is diverse, accessible and welcoming for all — especially to communities of color who have historically been excluded from enjoying its benefits. The House must move swiftly to pass the EXPLORE Act, not just for the sake of policy, but for the promise of a more inclusive and connected society. Together, let's turn this vision into a reality. Congress should act quickly as a whole to pass the EXPLORE Act and open the doors to a world where the outdoors truly belongs to everyone.
Ambreen F. Tariq J.D., is the senior program director at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and manager of Together Outdoors , with a focus on workforce, rural development, and state offices of outdoor recreation, as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. She is also the founder of the @BrownPeopleCamping social media initiative. She previously worked for 15 years in federal service, including the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency.
