[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5711-S5712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Allard, Mr. 
        Bennett, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Smith of 
        Oregon, and Mr. Thomas):
  S. 978. A bill to provide for improved management of, and increased 
accountability for, outfitted activities by which the public gains 
access to and occupancy and use of Federal land, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today in 
conjunction with my colleagues, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Allard, Mr. Bennett, 
Mr. Campbell, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Smith of Oregon, Mr. Stevens, 
and Mr. Thomas, the Outfitter Policy Act of 2001.
  This legislation is very similar to legislation I introduced in past 
congresses. As that legislation did, this bill would put into law many 
of the management practices by which Federal land management agencies 
have successfully managed the outfitter and guide industry on National 
Forests, National Parks and other Federal lands over many decades.
  The bill recognizes that many Americans want and seek out the skills 
and experience of commercial outfitters and guides to help them enjoy a 
safe and pleasant journey.
  The Outfitter Policy Act's primary purpose is to ensure accessibility 
to public lands by all segments of the population and maintain the 
availability of quality recreation services to the public. Outfitters 
and guides across the nation provide opportunities for outdoor 
recreation for many families and groups who would otherwise find the 
backcountry inaccessible.
  Previous hearings and discussions on prior versions of this 
legislation helped to refine the bill I am introducing today. This 
process provided the intended opportunity for discussion. As well as it 
allowed for the examination of the historical practices that have 
offered consistent, reliable outfitter services to the public.
  Congress has twice addressed this issue with respect to the National 
Park System permits, originally establishing standards for Park Service 
administration of guide/outfitter permits on their lands in 1965 and 
amending that system in 1998. Therefore, it is appropriate to set 
similar legislative standards for other public land systems such as 
Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, these and 
other land management agencies are now without Congressional guidance, 
and instead rules, permit terms and conditions and other intricacies 
are often left to local agency personnel. The Outfitter Policy Act 
would alleviate the discord involved in land management permitting, 
providing consistent guidance on the administration of guide/outfitter 
permits for the other Federal land management agencies.
  The Outfitter Policy Act provides the basic terms and conditions 
necessary to sustain the substantial investment often needed to provide 
the level of service demanded by the public. However, the bill provides 
the agencies

[[Page S5712]]

ample flexibility to adjust use, conditions, and permit terms. All of 
which must be consistent with agency management plans and policies for 
resource conservation. The Outfitter Policy Act strives to provide a 
stable, consistent regulatory climate which encourages qualified 
entrants to the guide/outfitting business, while giving the agencies 
and operators clear directions.
  The Outfitter Policy Act is a measure that will facilitate access to 
public lands by the outfitted public, while providing incentives to 
outfitters to provide the high quality services over time. It is 
necessary to ensure that members of the public who need and rely on 
guides and outfitters for recreational access to public lands will 
continue to receive safe, quality services. I look forward to 
considering this legislation in the coming session of the 107th 
Congress.

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