Package includes Hickenlooper’s priority to continue the use of fixed anchors for rock climbing in wilderness areas
Legislation heads to president’s desk
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper celebrated the passage of the bipartisan outdoor recreation package known as the EXPLORE Act. The legislation expands access to outdoor recreation and improves recreation opportunities on public lands across the country.
“Our booming outdoor recreation economy creates jobs and drives local economies across Colorado,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re making it easier for our outdoor rec businesses and outfitters to thrive while improving access to our public lands.”
The legislation directs federal land management agencies to continue the use of fixed anchors for rock climbing in wilderness areas, which Hickenlooper has continually pushed to secure. He previously sent three letters urging the administration to reconsider proposed guidance from the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service to limit the use of fixed anchors in federal wilderness areas. Yesterday, NPS discontinued its proposed guidance.
The bill also includes language that reflects Hickenlooper’s More Parking, More Hiking Act and directs the federal land managers to improve parking availability at trailheads and federal recreational facilities, including by tapping into public-private partnerships and agreements with state, Tribal, and local governments.
Other key provisions of the EXPLORE Act will:
- Support gateway communities by directing federal land management agencies work with state and local governments to address community needs, such as visitation management and housing shortages
- Ease the burden on companies that rely on outdoor recreation permits by shortening wait times and allowing for joint permits covering multiple agencies
- Improve accessibility for those with disabilities to outdoor recreation at federal facilities
- Provide permanent direction for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), which funds community parks
- Codify the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR)
The bill now heads to the president’s desk.
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