Great Acronym, Great Idea: EXPLORE Act Passes

I think I need this on a calendar. Image courtesy facebook.com/BLMNational ; Daniel Pabst

Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences … a bipartisan idea whose time has come.

Not everything has to be a question of Political Left vs. Political Right. Some laws just make sense to just about everyone, and the EXPLORE Act seems to be one of them. The majesty of the outdoors and the beauty of America’s public lands have a tendency to unite people across the political spectrum, and isn’t that wonderful?

Sportsmen-friendly conservation groups like the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) are celebrating the United States Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, sending the most comprehensive public lands package since 2019 to the President’s desk. This bipartisan legislation marks a pivotal moment for outdoor recreation and public lands access, advancing several critical priorities of the sporting community.

“The passage of the EXPLORE Act underscores the power of collaboration in advancing access to America’s public lands,” said Gray N. Thornton, President and CEO of WSF. “From streamlining permitting for small film crews to enhancing recreational shooting opportunities, this bill delivers practical solutions to the challenges faced by federal land managers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It reflects a shared commitment to conserving and promoting our outdoor heritage.”

Key provisions of the EXPLORE Act include:

• Expanding Recreational Shooting Opportunities: Mandates the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to provide at least one public shooting range in each district, fostering safe and accessible locations for target shooting.
• Advancing the FILM Act: Simplifies permitting for small film crews (six individuals or fewer), ensuring they are no longer subjected to the same regulations as large-scale productions. This change benefits filmmakers promoting conservation and public lands use while safeguarding Fair Chase hunting ethics.
• Passing the CAPE Act: To provide additional flexibility for individuals serving as “qualified volunteers” in executing National Park Service wildlife management prescriptions.

Thornton added, “We extend our gratitude to House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR), as well as Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) for championing this legislation. Their leadership, along with the dedication of many other Members, reaffirms the importance of access and stewardship for the benefit of all Americans.”