Ingrassia Discusses EXPLORE Act and Outdoor Recreation – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column by Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) was originally published in the February issue of RV Executive Today. It is reposted here with permission.
One of the outdoor recreation community’s top priorities is now law and the industry is eagerly anticipating the implementation of the EXPLORE Act this year. EXPLORE stands for Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences – and that’s what’s at the heart of this legislation, which received crucial support from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which includes RVDA, RVIA, and the RV parks and campground national association, OHI.
If you’ve visited national parks and forests over the past few years, you’ve likely noticed infrastructure projects funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law during President Trump’s first term. From campground upgrades to wastewater system modernization and new parking facilities, these projects have been transforming public lands across the country. The EXPLORE Act builds on the framework laid out by the Great American Outdoors Act, further cementing a bipartisan commitment to enhancing access to our nation’s public lands, which will benefit RVers and all outdoor enthusiasts. Some key highlights of the EXPLORE Act are:
Strengthening Recreation Infrastructure
The EXPLORE Act allocates significant resources to address the growing maintenance backlog on federal lands, which includes everything from campsite restoration to the development of new trails. It also directs land management agencies to further improve facilities such as parking lots, broadband access, restrooms, and accessible infrastructure at recreation sites, to create a better experience for all visitors.
Streamlining Permitting Processes
Outdoor recreation has long been hindered by complex and time-consuming permitting processes. The EXPLORE Act tackles this issue by reforming and simplifying the permitting system, making it easier for businesses, guides, and other organizations to operate on federal lands. This change will encourage innovation and growth within the outdoor recreation industry while improving access for all.
Enhanced Collaboration Between Federal Agencies
It can be frustrating when dealing with various public land jurisdictions when out on the road, particularly in western states, where you can be in National Park Service, BLM, and U.S. Forest Service areas all in the same day. The act encourages modernization of administrative processes, including the creation of a digital “America the Beautiful” pass, making it easier for individuals to access public lands nationwide.
Supporting Gateway Communities
Gateway communities – towns located near public lands – play a crucial role in supporting outdoor recreation. The EXPLORE Act recognizes this by investing in these communities to address housing shortages, infrastructure needs, and economic development. By strengthening these towns, the legislation ensures that they can accommodate visitors in a sustainable manner, helping preserve the health of both local economies and the natural environments they depend on.
Real-Time Data for Visitors
The EXPLORE Act introduces a Real-Time Data Pilot Program, giving visitors access to real-time information about park accessibility and conditions. This tool not only helps manage overcrowding at popular destinations but also promotes sustainable recreation by directing visitors to lesser-known sites.
The EXPLORE Act marks a significant milestone in the effort to support outdoor recreation and by extension, the businesses that enable people to enjoy our public lands. By removing barriers to access, empowering local communities, and investing in critical infrastructure, the EXPLORE Act can help ensure that public lands and waters remain vibrant sources of inspiration and opportunity for generations to come.
Through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the industry will monitor progress to ensure that RV travelers and visitors benefit from this landmark law.
