Advocacy

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.

On behalf of American Hiking Society (AHS) and the 59.6 million strong hiking community we write in support of the proposed Public Lands Rule and thank the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the opportunity to submit comments.

On behalf of American Hiking Society (AHS) and the 57 million strong hiking community we write in support of the impact that the Great American Outdoors Act National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) has had in improving outdoor recreation and public lands access for hikers across the country.