Bipartisan EXPLORE Act Set to Revitalize and Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation
In a significant move to boost outdoor recreation nationwide, the U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed the EXPLORE Act, introduced by Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman. This legislation marks a bipartisan effort to address long-standing concerns over outdoor recreation management and accessibility. At the heart of the Act is a commitment to reinvigorating the Albert Pike Recreation Area in Pike County, a site that has been closed to overnight camping since a devastating flash flood in 2010 took the lives of 20 campers. The closure has been a contentious issue, with Congressman Westerman and his constituents advocating for the site’s reopening to restore the recreational and economic benefits it provides to the area.
The EXPLORE Act seeks to rectify the previous oversight by not only reopening the Albert Pike Recreation Area for camping but also by ensuring such facilities are established away from vulnerable flood plains. This legislative move is a response to the need for safer, more accessible outdoor experiences for everyone. Westerman’s bill extends its focus beyond reopening campsites; it aims to set a new standard for outdoor recreation nationwide. By improving infrastructural and service standards, the Act promises to make outdoor activities more accessible to a broader demographic, including military service members, veterans, the disabled, and children. This inclusive approach recognizes the importance of outdoor activities in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and social connections among diverse groups in society.
The passing of the EXPLORE Act by the House represents a significant step forward in renewing and expanding access to the nation’s outdoors. The bipartisan support for the bill underscores a collective recognition of the importance of outdoor recreation in American life, along with an acknowledgment of past mismanagements and a dedication to ensuring the safety and accessibility of recreational sites for future generations.