Posts by Tyler Ray

310 Organizations urge Congress to pass the EXPLORE Act

Support for the committee’s consideration of and further enhancements to the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act (ATCA), H.R. 9159, which will support hikers, the National Trails System, and public lands.

On behalf of American Hiking Society and the millions of trail users our collective 240 organizations and entities represent who spend their time, money, and energy to get out on trails for recreation, health and wellness, and to volunteer, we thank the Committee for the opportunity to provide testimony on the importance of adequately funding our nation’s trails and public lands to ensure access for all

We write in support of the committee’s consideration of the EXPLORE Act, and the sections highlighted below, which will support hikers, trails, public lands, and the outdoors by expanding outdoor recreation access and bringing much needed improvements to public access of these spaces.

Your bags are packed, the car is loaded, and you are about to set off on a nice outdoor getaway to enjoy some hiking and fresh air when you hear then news that the government has shut down and you may not be able to access your favorite trail. Don’t fear, you can likely still go out and enjoy your hike, but you will be more limited in where you can go, what resources will be available, and who will be there to assist you.

As Congress works together on a final bill, we ask you to adopt the following trail specific funding levels and report language that are included in the respective House and Senate versions of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bills, so the federal government can continue to leverage private contributions and benefit from volunteer labor as well as provide inexpensive, healthy outdoor recreation options for your constituents and all Americans.