[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2162-H2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EXPANDING PUBLIC LANDS OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCES ACT

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6492) to improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate 
greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6492

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding 
     Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act'' or the 
     ``EXPLORE Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

             TITLE I--OUTDOOR RECREATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                 Subtitle A--Outdoor Recreation Policy

Sec. 111. Congressional declaration of policy.
Sec. 112. Identifying opportunities for recreation.
Sec. 113. Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation.
Sec. 114. Recreation budget crosscut.

 Subtitle B--Public Recreation on Federal Recreational Lands and Waters

Sec. 121. Biking on long-distance trails.
Sec. 122. Protecting America's rock climbing.
Sec. 123. Range access.
Sec. 124. Restoration of overnight campsites.
Sec. 125. Federal interior land media.
Sec. 126. Cape and antler preservation enhancement.
Sec. 127. Motorized and nonmotorized access.
Sec. 128. Aquatic resource activities assistance.

    Subtitle C--Supporting Gateway Communities and Addressing Park 
                              Overcrowding

Sec. 131. Gateway communities.
Sec. 132. Improved recreation visitation data.
Sec. 133. Monitoring for improved recreation decision making.

 Subtitle D--Broadband Connectivity on Federal Recreational Lands and 
                                 Waters

Sec. 141. Connect Our Parks.
Sec. 142. Broadband internet connectivity at developed recreation 
              sites.
Sec. 143. Public lands telecommunications cooperative agreements.

             Subtitle E--Public-Private Parks Partnerships

Sec. 151. Authorization for lease of forest service administrative 
              sites.
Sec. 152. Partnership agreements creating tangible savings.
Sec. 153. Partnership agreements to modernize federally owned 
              campgrounds, resorts, cabins, and visitor centers on 
              Federal recreational lands and waters.
Sec. 154. Parking and Restroom opportunities for Federal recreational 
              lands and waters.
Sec. 155. Pay-for-performance projects.
Sec. 156. Outdoor recreation legacy partnership program.
Sec. 157. American battlefield protection program enhancement.

                        TITLE II--ACCESS AMERICA

Sec. 201. Definitions.

            Subtitle A--Access for People With Disabilities

Sec. 211. Accessible recreation inventory.
Sec. 212. Trail inventory.
Sec. 213. Trail pilot program.
Sec. 214. Accessible trails.
Sec. 215. Accessible recreation opportunities.
Sec. 216. Assistive technology.
Sec. 217. Savings clause.

               Subtitle B--Military and Veterans in Parks

Sec. 221. Promotion of outdoor recreation for military servicemembers 
              and veterans.
Sec. 222. Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons.
Sec. 223. Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation.
Sec. 224. National strategy for military and veteran recreation.
Sec. 225. Recreation resource advisory committees.
Sec. 226. Career and volunteer opportunities for veterans.

                        Subtitle C--Youth Access

Sec. 231. Increasing youth recreation visits to Federal land.
Sec. 232. Every Kid Outdoors Act extension.

          TITLE III--SIMPLIFYING OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR RECREATION

Sec. 301. Definitions.

             Subtitle A--Modernizing Recreation Permitting

Sec. 311. Special recreation permit and fee.
Sec. 312. Permitting process improvements.
Sec. 313. Permit flexibility.
Sec. 314. Permit administration.
Sec. 315. Service First Initiative; Permits for multijurisdictional 
              trips.
Sec. 316. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management temporary 
              special recreation permits for outfitting and guiding.
Sec. 317. Reviews for long-term permits.
Sec. 318. Adjustment of allocated visitor-use days.
Sec. 319. Liability.
Sec. 320. Cost recovery reform.
Sec. 321. Availability of Federal, State, and local recreation passes.
Sec. 322. Online purchases and establishment of a digital version of 
              America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal 
              Recreational Lands Passes.
Sec. 323. Savings provision.

                Subtitle B--Making Recreation a Priority

Sec. 331. Extension of seasonal recreation opportunities.

                 Subtitle C--Maintenance of Public Land

Sec. 341. Volunteers in the National Forests and Public Lands Act.
Sec. 342. Reference.

                  Subtitle D--Recreation Not Red Tape

Sec. 351. Good neighbor authority for recreation.
Sec. 352. Permit relief for picnic areas.
Sec. 353. Interagency report on special recreation permits for 
              underserved communities.
Sec. 354. Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act amendments.
Sec. 355. Savings provision.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Federal land management agency.--The term ``Federal 
     land management agency'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 
     (16 U.S.C. 6801).
       (2) Federal recreational lands and waters.--The term 
     ``Federal recreational lands and waters'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801).
       (3) Gateway community.--The term ``gateway community'' 
     means a community that serves as an entry point, or is 
     adjacent, to a recreation destination on Federal recreational 
     lands and waters or non-Federal land at which there is 
     consistently high, in the determination of the Secretaries, 
     seasonal or year-round visitation.
       (4) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       (5) Land use plan.--The term ``land use plan'' means--
       (A) a land use plan prepared by the Secretary pursuant to 
     section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
     1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712); and
       (B) a land management plan prepared by the Forest Service 
     for a unit of the National Forest Service pursuant to section 
     6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning 
     Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
       (6) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means each of--
       (A) the Secretary; and
       (B) the Secretary of Agriculture.
       (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (8) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' 
     means--

[[Page H2163]]

       (A) the Secretary, with respect to land under the 
     jurisdiction of the Secretary; or
       (B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land 
     managed by the Forest Service.
       (9) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the 
     United States.

             TITLE I--OUTDOOR RECREATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                 Subtitle A--Outdoor Recreation Policy

     SEC. 111. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY.

       Congress declares that it is the policy of the Federal 
     Government to foster and encourage recreation on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters, to the extent consistent with 
     the laws applicable to specific areas of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters, including multiple-use mandates and land 
     management planning requirements.

     SEC. 112. IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION.

       (a) Inventory and Assessments.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall--
       (A) conduct an inventory and assessment of recreation 
     resources for Federal recreational lands and waters;
       (B) develop the inventory and assessment with support from 
     public comment; and
       (C) update the inventory and assessment as the Secretary 
     concerned determines appropriate.
       (2) Unique recreation values.--An inventory and assessment 
     conducted under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) recognize--
       (i) any unique recreation values and recreation 
     opportunities; and
       (ii) areas of concentrated recreational use; and
       (B) identify, list, and map recreation resources by--
       (i) type of recreation opportunity and type of natural or 
     artificial recreation infrastructure;
       (ii) to the extent available, the level of use of the 
     recreation resource as of the date of the inventory; and
       (iii) identifying, to the extent practicable, any trend 
     relating to recreation opportunities or use at a recreation 
     resource identified under subparagraph (A).
       (3) Assessments.--For any recreation resource inventoried 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall assess--
       (A) the maintenance needs of, and expenses necessary to 
     administer, the recreation resource;
       (B) the suitability for developing, expanding, or enhancing 
     the recreation resource; and
       (C) the adequacy of the current management of the 
     recreation resource.
       (b) Existing Efforts.--To the extent practicable, the 
     Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing 
     applicable research and planning decisions and processes in 
     carrying out this section.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 200103 of title 54, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (d); and
       (2) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), and 
     (i) as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively.

     SEC. 113. FEDERAL INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON OUTDOOR RECREATION.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 200102 of title 54, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5) respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(1) Council.--The term `Council' means the Federal 
     Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation established under 
     section 200104.
       ``(2) Federal land and water management agency.--The term 
     `Federal land and water management agency' means the National 
     Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish 
     and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of 
     Reclamation, Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, and the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(3) Federal recreational lands and waters.--The term 
     `Federal recreational lands and waters' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) and also includes Federal 
     lands and waters managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
     Corps of Engineers, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration.''.
       (b) Establishment of Council.--Section 200104 of title 54, 
     United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 200104. Federal interagency council on outdoor 
       recreation

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     interagency council, to be known as the `Federal Interagency 
     Council on Outdoor Recreation'.
       ``(b) Composition.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Council shall be composed of 
     representatives of each of the following agencies, to be 
     appointed by the head of the respective agency:
       ``(A) The National Park Service.
       ``(B) The Bureau of Land Management.
       ``(C) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
       ``(D) The Bureau of Indian Affairs.
       ``(E) The Bureau of Reclamation.
       ``(F) The Forest Service.
       ``(G) The Army Corps of Engineers.
       ``(H) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(2) Additional participants.--In addition to the members 
     of the Council appointed under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     may invite participation in the Council's meetings or other 
     activities from representatives of the following:
       ``(A) The Council on Environmental Quality.
       ``(B) The Natural Resources Conservation Service.
       ``(C) Rural development programs of the Department of 
     Agriculture.
       ``(D) The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention 
     and Health Promotion.
       ``(E) The Environmental Protection Agency.
       ``(F) The Department of Transportation, including the 
     Federal Highway Administration.
       ``(G) The Tennessee Valley Authority.
       ``(H) The Department of Commerce, including--
       ``(i) the Bureau of Economic Analysis;
       ``(ii) the National Travel and Tourism Office; and
       ``(iii) the Economic Development Administration.
       ``(I) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
       ``(J) An applicable State agency or office.
       ``(K) An applicable agency or office of a local government.
       ``(L) Other organizations or interests, as determined 
     appropriate by the Secretary.
       ``(3) State coordination.--In determining additional 
     participants under this subsection, the Secretary shall seek 
     to ensure that States are invited and represented in the 
     Council's meetings or other activities.
       ``(4) Leadership.--The leadership of the Council shall 
     rotate every 2 years among the Council members appointed 
     under paragraph (1), or as otherwise determined by the 
     Secretary in consultation with the Secretaries of 
     Agriculture, Defense, and Commerce.
       ``(5) Funding.--Notwithstanding section 708 of title VII of 
     division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 
     (Public Law 117-328), the Council members appointed under 
     paragraph (1) may enter into agreements to share the 
     management and operational costs of the Council.
       ``(c) Coordination.--The Council shall meet as frequently 
     as appropriate for the purposes of coordinating on issues 
     related to outdoor recreation, including--
       ``(1) recreation programs and management policies across 
     Federal land and water management agencies, including 
     activities associated with the implementation of the Federal 
     Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.), as 
     appropriate;
       ``(2) the response by Federal land and water management 
     agencies to public health emergencies or other emergencies, 
     including those that result in disruptions to, or closures 
     of, Federal recreational lands and waters;
       ``(3) investments relating to outdoor recreation on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters, including funds made available 
     under section 40804(b)(7) of the Infrastructure Investment 
     and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592a(b)(7));
       ``(4) management of emerging technologies on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters;
       ``(5) research activities, including quantifying the 
     economic impacts of recreation;
       ``(6) dissemination to the public of recreation-related 
     information, in a manner that ensures the recreation-related 
     information is easily accessible with modern communication 
     devices;
       ``(7) the improvement of access to Federal recreational 
     lands and waters; and
       ``(8) the identification and engagement of partners outside 
     the Federal Government--
       ``(A) to promote outdoor recreation;
       ``(B) to facilitate collaborative management of outdoor 
     recreation; and
       ``(C) to provide additional resources relating to enhancing 
     outdoor recreation opportunities; and
       ``(9) any other outdoor recreation-related issues that the 
     Council determines necessary.
       ``(d) Effect.--Nothing in this section affects the 
     authorities, regulations, or policies of any Federal agency 
     described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b).''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 
     2001 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 200104 and inserting the 
     following:

``200104. Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation''.

     SEC. 114. RECREATION BUDGET CROSSCUT.

       Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal year, 
     beginning with fiscal year 2025, the Director of the Office 
     of Management and Budget shall submit to Congress and make 
     public online a report that describes and itemizes the total 
     amount of funding relating to outdoor recreation that was 
     obligated in the preceding fiscal year in accounts in the 
     Treasury for the Department of the Interior and the 
     Department of Agriculture.

 Subtitle B--Public Recreation on Federal Recreational Lands and Waters

     SEC. 121. BIKING ON LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS.

       (a) Identification of Long-Distance Trails.--Not later than 
     18 months after the date of the enactment of this title, the 
     Secretaries shall identify--
       (1) not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make 
     use of trails and roads in existence on the date of the 
     enactment of this title; and
       (2) not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an 
     opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify 
     as a long-distance bike trail.

[[Page H2164]]

       (b) Public Comment.--The Secretaries shall--
       (1) develop a process to allow members of the public to 
     comment regarding the identification of trails and areas 
     under subsection (a); and
       (2) consider the identification, development, and 
     completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically 
     equitable manner.
       (c) Maps, Signage, and Promotional Materials.--For any 
     long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary concerned may--
       (1) publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue 
     promotional materials; and
       (2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-
     Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, development, 
     or completion of trails.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Secretaries, in partnership with 
     interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report 
     that lists the trails identified under subsection (a), 
     including a summary of public comments received in accordance 
     with the process developed under subsection (b).
       (e) Conflict Avoidance With Other Uses.--Before identifying 
     a long-distance bike trail under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary concerned shall ensure the long-distance bike 
     trail--
       (1) minimizes conflict with--
       (A) the uses, before the date of the enactment of this 
     title, of any trail or road that is part of that long-
     distance bike trail;
       (B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback 
     riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on 
     the date of the enactment of this title;
       (C) the purposes for which any trail was or is established 
     under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et 
     seq.); and
       (D) any area managed under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1131 et seq.); and
       (2) complies with land use and management plans of the 
     Federal recreational lands and waters that are part of that 
     long-distance bike trail.
       (f) Eminent Domain or Condemnation.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Secretaries may not use eminent domain or 
     condemnation.
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Long-distance bike trail.--The term ``long-distance 
     bike trail'' means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or 
     more trails or rights-of-way, that--
       (A) is not less than 80 miles in length;
       (B) primarily makes use of dirt or natural surface trails;
       (C) may require connections along paved or other improved 
     roads;
       (D) does not include Federal recreational lands where 
     mountain biking or related activities are not consistent with 
     management requirements for those Federal recreational lands; 
     and
       (E) to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of trails 
     and roads that were on Federal recreational lands on or 
     before the date of the enactment of this title.
       (2) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the 
     Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, 
     acting jointly.

     SEC. 122. PROTECTING AMERICA'S ROCK CLIMBING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, each Secretary concerned shall 
     issue guidance for recreational climbing activities on 
     covered Federal land.
       (b) Applicable Law.--The guidance issued under subsection 
     (a) shall ensure that recreational climbing activities comply 
     with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the 
     covered Federal land.
       (c) Wilderness Areas.--The guidance issued under subsection 
     (a) shall recognize that recreational climbing (including the 
     use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors) is an 
     appropriate use within a component of the National Wilderness 
     Preservation System, if undertaken--
       (1) in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 
     et seq.) and other applicable laws (including regulations); 
     and
       (2) subject to any terms and conditions determined by the 
     Secretary concerned to be appropriate.
       (d) Authorization.--The guidance issued under subsection 
     (a) shall describe the requirements, if any, for the 
     placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for recreational 
     climbing in a component of the National Wilderness 
     Preservation System, including any terms and conditions 
     determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate, 
     which may be issued programmatically or on a case-by-case 
     basis.
       (e) Existing Routes.--The guidance issued under subsection 
     (a) shall include direction providing for the continued use 
     and maintenance of recreational climbing routes (including 
     fixed anchors along the routes) in existence as of the date 
     of the enactment of this title, in accordance with this Act.
       (f) Public Comment.--Before finalizing the guidance issued 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall provide 
     opportunities for public comment with respect to the 
     guidance.
       (g) Covered Federal Land Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered Federal land''--
       (1) means the lands described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
     of paragraph (2); and
       (2) includes components of the National Wilderness 
     Preservation System.

     SEC. 123. RANGE ACCESS.

       (a) Definition of Target Shooting Range.--In this section, 
     the term ``target shooting range'' means a developed and 
     managed area that is authorized or operated by the Forest 
     Service, a concessioner of the Forest Service, or the Bureau 
     of Land Management (or their lessee) specifically for the 
     purposeful discharge by the public of legal firearms, 
     firearms training, archery, or other associated activities.
       (b) Assessment; Identification of Target Shooting Range 
     Locations.--
       (1) Assessment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     make available to the public a list that--
       (A) identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land 
     Management district that has a target shooting range that 
     meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B);
       (B) identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land 
     Management district that does not have a target shooting 
     range that meets the requirements described in paragraph 
     (3)(B); and
       (C) for each National Forest and each Bureau of Land 
     Management district identified under subparagraph (B), 
     provides a determination of whether applicable law or the 
     applicable land use plan prevents the establishment of a 
     target shooting range that meets the requirements described 
     in paragraph (3)(B).
       (2) Identification of target shooting range locations.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall identify at 
     least 1 suitable location for a target shooting range that 
     meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B) within 
     each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management 
     district with respect to which the Secretary concerned has 
     determined under paragraph (1)(C) that the establishment of a 
     target shooting range is not prevented by applicable law or 
     the applicable land use plan.
       (B) Requirements.--The Secretaries, in consultation with 
     the entities described in subsection (d), shall, for purposes 
     of identifying a suitable location for a target shooting 
     range under subparagraph (A)--
       (i) consider the proximity of areas frequently used by 
     recreational shooters;
       (ii) ensure that the target shooting range would not 
     adversely impact a shooting range operated on non-Federal 
     land; and
       (iii) consider other nearby recreational uses, including 
     proximity to units of the National Park System, to minimize 
     potential conflict and prioritize visitor safety.
       (3) Establishment of new target shooting ranges.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, at 1 or more suitable locations 
     identified on each eligible National Forest and Bureau of 
     Land Management district under paragraph (2)(A), the 
     Secretary concerned shall--
       (i) subject to the availability of appropriations for such 
     purpose, construct a target shooting range that meets the 
     requirements described in subparagraph (B) or modify an 
     existing target shooting range to meet the requirements 
     described in subparagraph (B); or
       (ii) enter into an agreement with an entity described in 
     subsection (d)(1), under which the entity shall establish or 
     maintain a target shooting range that meets the requirements 
     described in subparagraph (B).
       (B) Requirements.--A target shooting range established 
     under this paragraph--
       (i)(I) shall be able to accommodate rifles and pistols;
       (II) may include skeet, trap, or sporting clay 
     infrastructure; and
       (III) may accommodate archery;
       (ii) shall include appropriate public safety designs and 
     features, including--

       (I) significantly modified landscapes, including berms, 
     buffer distances, or other public safety designs or features; 
     and
       (II) a designated firing line; and

       (iii) may include--

       (I) shade structures;
       (II) trash containers;
       (III) restrooms;
       (IV) benches; and
       (V) any other features that the Secretary concerned 
     determines to be necessary.

       (C) Recreation and public purposes act.--For purposes of 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned may consider a 
     target shooting range that is located on land transferred or 
     leased pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known 
     as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (44 Stat. 741, 
     chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), as a target shooting 
     range that meets the requirements described in subparagraph 
     (B).
       (c) Restrictions.--
       (1) Management.--The management of a target shooting range 
     shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary 
     concerned determines are necessary for the safe, responsible 
     use of--
       (A) the target shooting range; and
       (B) the adjacent land and resources.
       (2) Closures.--Except in emergency situations, the 
     Secretary concerned shall seek to ensure that a target 
     shooting range that meets the requirements described in 
     subsection (b)(3)(B), or an equivalent shooting range 
     adjacent to a National Forest or Bureau of Land Management 
     district, is available to the public prior to closing Federal 
     recreational lands and waters administered by the Chief of 
     the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management to recreational shooting, in accordance with

[[Page H2165]]

     section 4103 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, 
     Management, and Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 7913).
       (d) Coordination.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretaries shall coordinate with--
       (A) State, Tribal, and local governments;
       (B) nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, including 
     organizations that are signatories to the memorandum of 
     understanding entitled ``Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing, and 
     Shooting Sports Roundtable Memorandum of Understanding'' and 
     signed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land 
     Management on August 17, 2006;
       (C) shooting clubs;
       (D) Federal advisory councils relating to hunting and 
     shooting sports; and
       (E) individuals or entities with authorized leases or 
     permits in an area under consideration for a target shooting 
     range.
       (2) Partnerships.--The Secretaries may--
       (A) coordinate with an entity described in paragraph (1) to 
     assist with the construction, modification, operation, or 
     maintenance of a target shooting range; and
       (B) explore opportunities to leverage funding to maximize 
     non-Federal investment in the construction, modification, 
     operation, or maintenance of a target shooting range.
       (e) Annual Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this title and annually thereafter 
     through fiscal year 2033, the Secretaries shall submit to the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives a report describing the progress made with 
     respect to the implementation of this section.
       (f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section affects the 
     authority of the Secretary concerned to administer a target 
     shooting range that is in addition to the target shooting 
     ranges that meet the requirements described in subsection 
     (b)(3)(B) on Federal recreational lands and waters 
     administered by the Secretary concerned.

     SEC. 124. RESTORATION OF OVERNIGHT CAMPSITES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Recreation area.--The term ``Recreation Area'' means 
     the recreation area and grounds associated with the 
     recreation area on the map entitled ``Ouachita National 
     Forest Camping Restoration'' and dated November 30, 2023, on 
     file with the Forest Service.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (b) In General.--The Secretary shall--
       (1) not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment 
     of this title, identify 54 areas within the Recreation Area 
     that may be suitable for overnight camping; and
       (2) not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment 
     of this title--
       (A) review each area identified under paragraph (1); and
       (B) from the areas so identified, select and establish at 
     least 27 campsites and related facilities within the 
     Recreation Area for public use.
       (c) Requirements Related to Campsites and Related 
     Facilities.--The Secretary shall--
       (1) ensure that at least 27 campsites are available under 
     subsection (b), of which not less than 8 shall have electric 
     and water hookups; and
       (2) ensure that each campsite and related facility 
     identified or established under subsection (b) is located 
     outside of the 1 percent annual exceedance probability flood 
     elevation.
       (d) Reopening of Certain Sites.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary 
     shall open each campsite within the Recreation Area that--
       (1) exists on the date of the enactment of this title;
       (2) is located outside of the 1 percent annual exceedance 
     probability flood elevation;
       (3) was in operation on June 1, 2010; and
       (4) would not interfere with any current (as of the date of 
     the enactment of this title) day use areas.
       (e) Day Use Areas.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall take such 
     actions as are necessary to rehabilitate and make publicly 
     accessible the areas in the Recreation Area identified for 
     year-round day use, including the following:
       (1) Loop A.
       (2) Loop B.
       (3) The covered, large-group picnic pavilion in Loop D.
       (4) The parking lot in Loop D.

     SEC. 125. FEDERAL INTERIOR LAND MEDIA.

       (a) Filming in National Park System Units.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 1009 of title 54, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking section 100905 and inserting the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 100905. Filming and still photography in System units

       ``(a) Filming and Still Photography.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that a 
     filming or still photography activity or similar project in a 
     System unit (referred to in this section as a `filming or 
     still photography activity') and the authorizing or 
     permitting of a filming or still photography activity are 
     carried out consistent with--
       ``(A) the laws and policies applicable to the Service; and
       ``(B) an applicable general management plan.
       ``(2) No permits required.--The Secretary shall not require 
     an authorization or a permit or assess a fee, if a fee for a 
     filming or still photography activity is not otherwise 
     required by law, for a filming or still photography activity 
     that--
       ``(A)(i) involves fewer than 6 individuals; and
       ``(ii) meets each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5); or
       ``(B) is merely incidental to, or documenting, an activity 
     or event that is allowed or authorized at the System unit, 
     regardless of--
       ``(i) the number of individuals participating in the 
     allowed or authorized activity or event; or
       ``(ii) whether any individual receives compensation for any 
     products of the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(3) Filming and still photography authorizations for de 
     minimis use.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a de 
     minimis use authorization for certain filming or still 
     photography activities that meets the requirements described 
     in subparagraph (F).
       ``(B) Policy.--For a filming or still photography activity 
     that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (F), 
     the Secretary--
       ``(i) may require a de minimis use authorization; and
       ``(ii) shall not require a permit.
       ``(C) No fee.--The Secretary shall not charge a fee for a 
     de minimis use authorization under this paragraph.
       ``(D) Access.--The Secretary shall enable members of the 
     public to apply for and obtain a de minimis use authorization 
     under this paragraph--
       ``(i) through the website of the Service; and
       ``(ii) in person at the field office of the applicable 
     System unit.
       ``(E) Issuances.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(i) establish a procedure--

       ``(I) to automate the approval of an application submitted 
     through the website of the Service under subparagraph (D)(i); 
     and
       ``(II) to issue a de minimis use authorization under this 
     paragraph immediately on receipt of an application that is 
     submitted in person at the field office of the applicable 
     System unit under subparagraph (D)(ii); and

       ``(ii) if an application submitted under subparagraph (D) 
     meets the requirements of this paragraph, immediately on 
     receipt of the application issue a de minimis use 
     authorization for the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(F) Requirements.--The Secretary shall only issue a de 
     minimis use authorization under this paragraph if the filming 
     or still photography activity--
       ``(i) involves a group of not fewer than 6 individuals and 
     not more than 8 individuals;
       ``(ii) meets each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5); and
       ``(iii) is consistent with subsection (c).
       ``(G) Contents.--A de minimis use authorization issued 
     under this paragraph shall list the requirements described in 
     subparagraph (F).
       ``(4) Required permits.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B), 
     the Secretary may require a permit application and, if a 
     permit is issued, assess a reasonable fee, as described in 
     subsection (b)(1), for a filming or still photography 
     activity that--
       ``(i) involves more than 8 individuals; or
       ``(ii) does not meet each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5).
       ``(B) Wilderness act clarification.--No provision of this 
     subsection is intended to or shall be construed to conflict 
     with the provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 
     1131 et seq.).
       ``(5) Requirements for filming or still photography 
     activity.--The requirements referred to in paragraphs 
     (2)(A)(ii), (3)(F)(ii), (4)(B), and (7)(C) are as follows:
       ``(A) A person conducts the filming or still photography 
     activity in a manner that--
       ``(i) does not impede or intrude on the experience of other 
     visitors to the applicable System unit;
       ``(ii) except as otherwise authorized, does not disturb or 
     negatively impact--

       ``(I) a natural or cultural resource; or
       ``(II) an environmental or scenic value; and

       ``(iii) allows for equitable allocation or use of 
     facilities of the applicable System unit.
       ``(B) The person conducts the filming or still photography 
     activity at a location in which the public is allowed.
       ``(C) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity does not require the exclusive use of a 
     site or area.
       ``(D) The person does not conduct the filming or still 
     photography activity in a localized area that receives a very 
     high volume of visitation.
       ``(E) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity does not use a set or staging equipment, 
     subject to the limitation that handheld equipment (such as a 
     tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) shall not 
     be considered staging equipment for the purposes of this 
     subparagraph.
       ``(F) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity complies with and adheres to visitor use 
     policies, practices, and regulations applicable to the 
     applicable System unit.
       ``(G) The filming or still photography activity is not 
     likely to result in additional administrative costs being 
     incurred by the Secretary with respect to the filming or 
     still photography activity, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(H) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity complies with other applicable Federal, 
     State (as such term

[[Page H2166]]

     is defined in section 3 of the EXPLORE Act), and local laws 
     (including regulations), including laws relating to the use 
     of unmanned aerial equipment.
       ``(6) Content creation.--Regardless of distribution 
     platform, any video, still photograph, or audio recording for 
     commercial or noncommercial content creation in a System unit 
     shall be considered to be a filming or still photography 
     activity under this subsection.
       ``(7) Effect.--
       ``(A) Permits requested though not required.--On the 
     request of a person intending to carry out a filming or still 
     photography activity, the Secretary may issue a permit for 
     the filming or still photography activity, even if a permit 
     for the filming or still photography activity is not required 
     under this section.
       ``(B) No additional permits, commercial use authorizations, 
     or fees for filming and still photography at authorized 
     events.--A filming or still photography activity at an 
     activity or event that is allowed or authorized, including a 
     wedding, engagement party, family reunion, or celebration of 
     a graduate, shall be considered merely incidental for the 
     purposes of paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(C) Monetary compensation.--The receipt of monetary 
     compensation by the person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity shall not affect the permissibility of 
     the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(b) Fees and Recovery Costs.--
       ``(1) Fees.--The reasonable fees referred to in subsection 
     (a)(4) shall meet each of the following criteria:
       ``(A) The reasonable fee shall provide a fair return to the 
     United States.
       ``(B) The reasonable fee shall be based on the following 
     criteria:
       ``(i) The number of days of the filming or still 
     photography activity.
       ``(ii) The size of the film or still photography crew 
     present in the System unit.
       ``(iii) The quantity and type of film or still photography 
     equipment present in the System unit.
       ``(iv) Any other factors that the Secretary determines to 
     be necessary.
       ``(2) Recovery of costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall collect from the 
     applicant for the applicable permit any costs incurred by the 
     Secretary related to a filming or still photography activity 
     subject to a permit under subsection (a)(4), including--
       ``(i) the costs of the review or issuance of the permit; 
     and
       ``(ii) related administrative and personnel costs.
       ``(B) Effect on fees collected.--All costs recovered under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to the fee described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Use of proceeds.--
       ``(A) Fees.--All fees collected under this section shall--
       ``(i) be available for expenditure by the Secretary, 
     without further appropriation; and
       ``(ii) remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Costs.--All costs recovered under paragraph (2)(A) 
     shall--
       ``(i) be available for expenditure by the Secretary, 
     without further appropriation, at the System unit at which 
     the costs are collected; and
       ``(ii) remain available until expended.
       ``(c) Protection of Resources.--The Secretary shall not 
     allow a person to undertake a filming or still photography 
     activity if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(1) there is a likelihood that the person would cause 
     resource damage at the System unit, except as otherwise 
     authorized;
       ``(2) the person would create an unreasonable disruption of 
     the use and enjoyment by the public of the System unit; or
       ``(3) the filming or still photography activity poses a 
     health or safety risk to the public.
       ``(d) Processing of Permit Applications.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process 
     to ensure that the Secretary responds in a timely manner to 
     an application for a permit for a filming or still 
     photography activity required under subsection (a)(4).
       ``(2) Coordination.--If a permit is required under this 
     section for 2 or more Federal agencies or System units, the 
     Secretary and the head of any other applicable Federal 
     agency, as applicable, shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, coordinate permit processing procedures, 
     including through the use of identifying a lead agency or 
     lead System unit--
       ``(A) to review the application for the permit;
       ``(B) to issue the permit; and
       ``(C) to collect any required fees.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 
     1009 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 100905 and inserting the 
     following:

``100905. Filming and still photography in System units.''.
       (b) Filming on Other Federal Land.--Public Law 106-206 (16 
     U.S.C. 460l-6d) is amended by striking section 1 and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1. FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY.

       ``(a) Filming and Still Photography.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall ensure 
     that a filming or still photography activity or similar 
     project at a Federal land management unit (referred to in 
     this section as a `filming or still photography activity') 
     and the authorizing or permitting of a filming or still 
     photography activity are carried out consistent with--
       ``(A) the laws and policies applicable to the Secretary 
     concerned; and
       ``(B) an applicable general management plan.
       ``(2) No permits required.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     not require an authorization or a permit or assess a fee, if 
     a fee for a filming or still photography activity is not 
     otherwise required by law, for a filming or still photography 
     activity that--
       ``(A)(i) involves fewer than 6 individuals; and
       ``(ii) meets each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5); or
       ``(B) is merely incidental to, or documenting, an activity 
     or event that is allowed or authorized at the Federal land 
     management unit, regardless of--
       ``(i) the number of individuals participating in the 
     allowed or authorized activity or event; or
       ``(ii) whether any individual receives compensation for any 
     products of the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(3) Filming and still photography authorizations for de 
     minimis use.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall establish 
     a de minimis use authorization for certain filming or still 
     photography activities that meets the requirements described 
     in subparagraph (F).
       ``(B) Policy.--For a filming or still photography activity 
     that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (F), 
     the Secretary concerned--
       ``(i) may require a de minimis use authorization; and
       ``(ii) shall not require a permit.
       ``(C) No fee.--The Secretary concerned shall not charge a 
     fee for a de minimis use authorization under this paragraph.
       ``(D) Access.--The Secretary concerned shall enable members 
     of the public to apply for and obtain a de minimis use 
     authorization under this paragraph--
       ``(i) through the website of the Department of the Interior 
     or the Forest Service, as applicable; and
       ``(ii) in person at the field office for the Federal land 
     management unit.
       ``(E) Issuances.--The Secretary concerned shall--
       ``(i) establish a procedure--

       ``(I) to automate the approval of an application submitted 
     through the website of the Department of the Interior or the 
     Forest Service, as applicable, under subparagraph (D)(i); and
       ``(II) to issue a de minimis use authorization under this 
     paragraph immediately on receipt of an application that is 
     submitted in person at the field office for the Federal land 
     management unit under subparagraph (D)(ii); and

       ``(ii) if an application submitted under subparagraph (D) 
     meets the requirements of this paragraph, immediately on 
     receipt of the application issue a de minimis use 
     authorization for the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(F) Terms.--The Secretary concerned shall only issue a de 
     minimis use authorization under this paragraph if the filming 
     or still photography activity--
       ``(i) involves a group of not fewer than 6 individuals and 
     not more than 8 individuals;
       ``(ii) meets each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5); and
       ``(iii) is consistent with subsection (c).
       ``(G) Contents.--A de minimis use authorization issued 
     under this paragraph shall list the requirements described in 
     subparagraph (F).
       ``(4) Required permits.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B), 
     the Secretary concerned may require a permit application and, 
     if a permit is issued, assess a reasonable fee, as described 
     in subsection (b)(1), for a filming or still photography 
     activity that--
       ``(i) involves more than 8 individuals; or
       ``(ii) does not meet each of the requirements described in 
     paragraph (5).
       ``(B) Wilderness act clarification.--No provision of this 
     subsection is intended to or shall be construed to conflict 
     with the provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 
     1131 et seq.).
       ``(5) Requirements for filming or still photography 
     activity.--The requirements referred to in paragraphs 
     (2)(A)(ii), (3)(F)(ii), (4)(B), and (7)(C) are as follows:
       ``(A) A person conducts the filming or still photography 
     activity in a manner that--
       ``(i) does not impede or intrude on the experience of other 
     visitors to the Federal land management unit;
       ``(ii) except as otherwise authorized, does not disturb or 
     negatively impact--

       ``(I) a natural or cultural resource; or
       ``(II) an environmental or scenic value; and

       ``(iii) allows for equitable allocation or use of 
     facilities of the Federal land management unit.
       ``(B) The person conducts the filming or still photography 
     activity at a location in which the public is allowed.
       ``(C) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity does not require the exclusive use of a 
     site or area.
       ``(D) The person does not conduct the filming or still 
     photography activity in a localized area that receives a very 
     high volume of visitation.
       ``(E) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity does not use a set

[[Page H2167]]

     or staging equipment, subject to the limitation that handheld 
     equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting 
     equipment) shall not be considered staging equipment for the 
     purposes of this subparagraph.
       ``(F) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity complies with and adheres to visitor use 
     policies, practices, and regulations applicable to the 
     Federal land management unit.
       ``(G) The filming or still photography activity is not 
     likely to result in additional administrative costs being 
     incurred by the Secretary concerned with respect to the 
     filming or still photography activity, as determined by the 
     Secretary concerned.
       ``(H) The person conducting the filming or still 
     photography activity complies with other applicable Federal, 
     State (as such term is defined in section 3 of the EXPLORE 
     Act), and local laws (including regulations), including laws 
     relating to the use of unmanned aerial equipment.
       ``(6) Content creation.--Regardless of distribution 
     platform, any video, still photograph, or audio recording for 
     commercial or noncommercial content creation at a Federal 
     land management unit shall be considered to be a filming or 
     still photography activity under this subsection.
       ``(7) Effect.--
       ``(A) Permits requested though not required.--On the 
     request of a person intending to carry out a filming or still 
     photography activity, the Secretary concerned may issue a 
     permit for the filming or still photography activity, even if 
     a permit for the filming or still photography activity is not 
     required under this section.
       ``(B) No additional permits, commercial use authorizations, 
     or fees for filming and still photography at authorized 
     events.--A filming or still photography activity at an 
     activity or event that is allowed or authorized, including a 
     wedding, engagement party, family reunion, or celebration of 
     a graduate, shall be considered merely incidental for the 
     purposes of paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(C) Monetary compensation.--The receipt of monetary 
     compensation by the person engaged in the filming or still 
     photography activity shall not affect the permissibility of 
     the filming or still photography activity.
       ``(b) Fees and Recovery Costs.--
       ``(1) Fees.--The reasonable fees referred to in subsection 
     (a)(4) shall meet each of the following criteria:
       ``(A) The reasonable fee shall provide a fair return to the 
     United States.
       ``(B) The reasonable fee shall be based on the following 
     criteria:
       ``(i) The number of days of the filming or still 
     photography activity.
       ``(ii) The size of the film or still photography crew 
     present at the Federal land management unit.
       ``(iii) The quantity and type of film or still photography 
     equipment present at the Federal land management unit.
       ``(iv) Any other factors that the Secretary concerned 
     determines to be necessary.
       ``(2) Recovery of costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall collect 
     from the applicant for the applicable permit any costs 
     incurred by the Secretary concerned related to a filming or 
     still photography activity subject to a permit under 
     subsection (a)(4), including--
       ``(i) the costs of the review or issuance of the permit; 
     and
       ``(ii) related administrative and personnel costs.
       ``(B) Effect on fees collected.--All costs recovered under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to the fee described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Use of proceeds.--
       ``(A) Fees.--All fees collected under this section shall--
       ``(i) be available for expenditure by the Secretary 
     concerned, without further appropriation; and
       ``(ii) remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Costs.--All costs recovered under paragraph (2)(A) 
     shall--
       ``(i) be available for expenditure by the Secretary 
     concerned, without further appropriation, at the Federal land 
     management unit at which the costs are collected; and
       ``(ii) remain available until expended.
       ``(c) Protection of Resources.--The Secretary concerned 
     shall not allow a person to undertake a filming or still 
     photography activity if the Secretary concerned determines 
     that--
       ``(1) there is a likelihood that the person would cause 
     resource damage at the Federal land management unit, except 
     as otherwise authorized;
       ``(2) the person would create an unreasonable disruption of 
     the use and enjoyment by the public of the Federal land 
     management unit; or
       ``(3) the filming or still photography activity poses a 
     health or safety risk to the public.
       ``(d) Processing of Permit Applications.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall establish 
     a process to ensure that the Secretary concerned responds in 
     a timely manner to an application for a permit for a filming 
     or still photography activity required under subsection 
     (a)(4).
       ``(2) Coordination.--If a permit is required under this 
     section for 2 or more Federal agencies or Federal land 
     management units, the Secretary concerned and the head of any 
     other applicable Federal agency, as applicable, shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, coordinate permit processing 
     procedures, including through the use of identifying a lead 
     agency or lead Federal land management unit--
       ``(A) to review the application for the permit;
       ``(B) to issue the permit; and
       ``(C) to collect any required fees.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Federal land management unit.--The term `Federal land 
     management unit' means--
       ``(A) Federal land (other than National Park System land) 
     under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior; and
       ``(B) National Forest System land.
       ``(2) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned' 
     means--
       ``(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to land 
     described in paragraph (1)(A); and
       ``(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land 
     described in paragraph (1)(B).''.

     SEC. 126. CAPE AND ANTLER PRESERVATION ENHANCEMENT.

       Section 104909(c) of title 54, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``meat from'' and inserting ``meat and 
     any other part of an animal removed pursuant to''.

     SEC. 127. MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED ACCESS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary concerned shall seek to 
     have, not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment 
     of this title, in a printed and publicly available format 
     that is compliant with the format for geographic information 
     systems--
       (1) for each district administered by the Director of the 
     Bureau of Land Management, a ground transportation linear 
     feature map authorized for public use or administrative use; 
     and
       (2) for each unit of the National Forest System, a motor 
     vehicle use map, in accordance with existing law.
       (b) Over-Snow Vehicle-Use Maps.--The Secretary concerned 
     shall seek to have, not later than 10 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, in a printed and publicly 
     available format that is compliant with the format for 
     geographic information systems, an over-snow vehicle-use map 
     for each unit of Federal recreational lands and waters 
     administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or Director 
     of the Bureau of Land Management on which over-snow vehicle-
     use occurs, in accordance with existing law.
       (c) Out-of-Date Maps.--Not later than 20 years after the 
     date on which the Secretary concerned adopted or reviewed, 
     through public notice and comment, a map described in 
     subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary concerned shall seek to 
     review, through public notice and comment, and update, as 
     necessary, the applicable map.
       (d) Motorized and Nonmotorized Access.--The Secretaries 
     shall seek to create additional opportunities, as 
     appropriate, and in accordance with existing law, for 
     motorized and nonmotorized access and opportunities on 
     Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the 
     Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of 
     Land Management.
       (e) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section prohibits a 
     lawful use, including authorized motorized or nonmotorized 
     uses, on Federal recreational lands and waters administered 
     by the Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the 
     Bureau of Land Management, if the Secretary concerned fails 
     to meet a timeline established under this section.

     SEC. 128. AQUATIC RESOURCE ACTIVITIES ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Aquatic nuisance species task force.--The term 
     ``Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force'' means the Aquatic 
     Nuisance Species Task Force established by section 1201(a) of 
     the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act 
     of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721(a)).
       (2) Decontamination.--The term ``decontamination'' means 
     actions to remove aquatic nuisance species to prevent 
     introduction or spread into new aquatic ecosystems.
       (3) Federal land and water.--The term ``Federal land and 
     water'' means Federal land and water operated and maintained 
     by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Forest Service, or 
     the National Park Service, as applicable.
       (4) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       (5) Inspection.--The term ``inspection'' means actions to 
     find aquatic nuisance species to prevent introduction or 
     spread into new aquatic ecosystems.
       (6) Partner.--The term ``partner'' means--
       (A) a Reclamation State;
       (B) an Indian Tribe in a Reclamation State;
       (C) an applicable nonprofit organization in a Reclamation 
     State;
       (D) a unit of local government in a Reclamation State; or
       (E) a private entity.
       (7) Reclamation state.--The term ``Reclamation State'' 
     includes any of the following States:
       (A) Alaska.
       (B) Arizona.
       (C) California.
       (D) Colorado.
       (E) Idaho.
       (F) Kansas.
       (G) Montana.
       (H) Nebraska.
       (I) Nevada.

[[Page H2168]]

       (J) New Mexico.
       (K) North Dakota.
       (L) Oklahoma.
       (M) Oregon.
       (N) South Dakota.
       (O) Texas.
       (P) Utah.
       (Q) Washington.
       (R) Wyoming.
       (8) Reclamation project.--The term ``reclamation project'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 2803(3) of the 
     Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-32(3)).
       (9) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means each of 
     the following:
       (A) The Secretary, acting through the Director of the 
     Bureau of Land Management, the Commissioner of Reclamation, 
     and the Director of the National Park Service.
       (B) The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief 
     of the Forest Service.
       (10) Vessel.--The term ``vessel'' means any watercraft or 
     other contrivance used or designed for transportation or 
     navigation on, under, or immediately above, water.
       (b) Authority of Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of 
     Reclamation, National Park Service, and Forest Service With 
     Respect to Certain Aquatic Resource Activities on Federal 
     Land and Waters.--
       (1) In general.--The head of each Federal land management 
     agency is authorized to carry out inspections and 
     decontamination of vessels entering or leaving Federal land 
     and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Federal 
     land management agency.
       (2) Requirements.--The Secretaries shall--
       (A) in carrying out an inspection and decontamination under 
     paragraph (1), coordinate with 1 or more partners;
       (B) consult with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to 
     identify potential improvements and efficiencies in the 
     detection and management of aquatic nuisance species on 
     Federal land and water; and
       (C) to the maximum extent practicable, inspect and 
     decontaminate vessels in a manner that minimizes disruptions 
     to public access for boating and recreation in 
     noncontaminated vessels.
       (3) Partnerships.--The Secretaries may enter into a 
     partnership to lead, collaborate with, or provide technical 
     assistance to a partner--
       (A) to carry out an inspection or decontamination of 
     vessels; or
       (B) to establish an inspection and decontamination station 
     for vessels.
       (4) Limitation.--The Secretaries shall not prohibit access 
     to vessels due solely to the absence of a Federal, State, or 
     partner's inspection program or station.
       (5) Exceptions.--
       (A) Authority to regulate vessels.--Nothing in this section 
     shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commandant 
     of the Coast Guard to regulate vessels provided under any 
     other provision of law.
       (B) Applicability.--Authorities granted in this subsection 
     shall not apply at locations where inspection or 
     decontamination activities would duplicate efforts by the 
     Coast Guard.
       (6) Data sharing.--The Secretaries shall make available to 
     a Reclamation State any relevant data gathered related to 
     inspections or decontaminations carried out under this 
     subsection in such State.
       (c) Grant Program for Reclamation States for Vessel 
     Inspection and Decontamination Stations.--
       (1) Vessels inspections in reclamation states.--Subject to 
     the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting 
     through the Commissioner of Reclamation, shall establish a 
     competitive grant program to provide financial assistance to 
     partners to conduct inspections and decontamination of 
     vessels operating in Reclamation projects, including to 
     purchase, establish, operate, or maintain a vessel inspection 
     and decontamination station.
       (2) Cost share.--The Federal share of the cost of a grant 
     under paragraph (1), including personnel costs, shall not 
     exceed 75 percent.
       (3) Standards.--Before awarding a grant under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary shall determine that the project is 
     technically and financially feasible.
       (4) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall coordinate with--
       (A) each of the Reclamation States;
       (B) affected Indian Tribes; and
       (C) the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

    Subtitle C--Supporting Gateway Communities and Addressing Park 
                              Overcrowding

     SEC. 131. GATEWAY COMMUNITIES.

       (a) Assessment of Impacts and Needs in Gateway 
     Communities.--The Secretaries--
       (1) shall collaborate with State and local governments, 
     Indian Tribes, housing authorities, applicable trade 
     associations, nonprofit organizations, private entities, and 
     other relevant stakeholders to identify needs and economic 
     impacts in gateway communities, including--
       (A) housing shortages;
       (B) demands on existing municipal infrastructure;
       (C) accommodation and management of sustainable visitation; 
     and
       (D) the expansion and diversification of visitor 
     experiences by bolstering the visitation at--
       (i) existing developed locations that are underutilized on 
     nearby Federal recreational lands and waters that are 
     suitable for developing, expanding, or enhancing recreation 
     use, as identified by the Secretaries; or
       (ii) existing developed and suitable lesser-known 
     recreation sites, as identified under section 5(b)(1)(B), on 
     nearby land managed by a State agency or a local agency; and
       (2) may address a need identified under paragraph (1) by--
       (A) providing financial or technical assistance to a 
     gateway community under an existing program;
       (B) entering into an agreement, right-of-way, or easement, 
     in accordance with applicable laws; or
       (C) issuing an entity referred to in paragraph (1) a 
     special use permit (other than a special recreation permit 
     (as defined in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801)), in accordance with 
     applicable laws.
       (b) Technical and Financial Assistance to Businesses.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture (acting 
     through the Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative 
     Service), in coordination with the Secretary and the 
     Secretary of Commerce, shall provide to businesses in gateway 
     communities the assistance described in paragraph (2) to 
     establish, operate, or expand infrastructure to accommodate 
     and manage sustainable visitation, including hotels, 
     campgrounds, and restaurants.
       (2) Assistance.--The Secretary of Agriculture may provide 
     assistance under paragraph (1) through the use of existing, 
     or the establishment of new, entrepreneur and vocational 
     training programs, technical assistance programs, low-
     interest business loan programs, and loan guarantee programs.
       (c) Partnerships.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretaries may, in accordance with applicable laws, enter 
     into a public-private partnership, cooperative agreement, 
     memorandum of understanding, or similar agreement with a 
     gateway community or a business in a gateway community.

     SEC. 132. IMPROVED RECREATION VISITATION DATA.

       (a) Consistent Visitation Data.--
       (1) Annual visitation data.--The Secretaries shall 
     establish a single visitation data reporting system to report 
     accurate annual visitation data, in a consistent manner, 
     for--
       (A) each unit of Federal recreational lands and waters; and
       (B) land held in trust for an Indian Tribe, on request of 
     the Indian Tribe.
       (2) Categories of use.--Within the visitation data 
     reporting system established under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretaries shall--
       (A) establish multiple categories of different recreation 
     activities that are reported consistently across agencies; 
     and
       (B) provide an estimate of the number of visitors for each 
     applicable category established under subparagraph (A) for 
     each unit of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (b) Real-Time Data Pilot Program.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, using existing funds available 
     to the Secretaries, the Secretaries shall carry out a pilot 
     program, to be known as the ``Real-Time Data Pilot Program'' 
     (referred to in this section as the ``Pilot Program''), to 
     make available to the public, for each unit of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters selected for participation in 
     the Pilot Program under paragraph (2)--
       (A) real-time or predictive data on visitation (including 
     data and resources publicly available from existing 
     nongovernmental platforms) at--
       (i) the unit of Federal recreational lands and waters;
       (ii) to the extent practicable, areas within the unit of 
     Federal recreational lands and waters; and
       (iii) to the extent practicable, recreation sites managed 
     by any other Federal agency, a State agency, or a local 
     agency that are located near the unit of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters; and
       (B) through multiple media platforms, information about 
     lesser-known recreation sites located near the unit of 
     Federal recreational lands and waters (including recreation 
     sites managed by any other Federal agency, a State agency, or 
     a local agency), in an effort to encourage visitation among 
     recreational sites.
       (2) Locations.--
       (A) Initial number of units.--On establishment of the Pilot 
     Program, the Secretaries shall select for participation in 
     the Pilot Program--
       (i) 10 units of Federal recreational lands and waters 
     managed by the Secretary;
       (ii) 5 units of Federal recreational lands and waters 
     managed by the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the 
     Chief of the Forest Service);
       (iii) 1 unit of Federal recreational lands and waters 
     managed by the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration); and
       (iv) 1 unit of Federal recreational lands and waters 
     managed by the Assistant Secretary of Army for Civil Works.
       (B) Report.--Not later than 6 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Secretaries shall submit a 
     report to Congress regarding the implementation of the pilot 
     program, including policy recommendations to expand the pilot 
     program to additional units managed by the Secretaries.
       (C) Feedback; support of gateway communities.--The 
     Secretaries shall--

[[Page H2169]]

       (i) solicit feedback regarding participation in the Pilot 
     Program from communities adjacent to units of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters and the public; and
       (ii) in carrying out subparagraphs (A) and (B), select a 
     unit of Federal recreation lands and waters to participate in 
     the Pilot Program only if the community adjacent to the unit 
     of Federal recreational lands and waters is supportive of the 
     participation of the unit of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters in the Pilot Program.
       (3) Dissemination of information.--The Secretaries may 
     disseminate the information described in paragraph (1) 
     directly or through an entity or organization referred to in 
     subsection (c).
       (4) Inclusion of current assessments.--In carrying out the 
     Pilot Program, the Secretaries may, to the extent 
     practicable, rely on assessments completed or data gathered 
     prior to the date of enactment of this title.
       (c) Community Partners and Third-Party Providers.--For 
     purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary 
     concerned may--
       (1) coordinate and partner with--
       (A) communities adjacent to units of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters;
       (B) State and local outdoor recreation and tourism offices;
       (C) local governments;
       (D) Indian Tribes;
       (E) trade associations;
       (F) local outdoor recreation marketing organizations;
       (G) permitted facilitated recreation providers; or
       (H) other relevant stakeholders; and
       (2) coordinate or enter into agreements, as appropriate, 
     with private sector and nonprofit partners, including--
       (A) technology companies;
       (B) geospatial data companies;
       (C) experts in data science, analytics, and operations 
     research; or
       (D) data companies.
       (d) Existing Programs.--The Secretaries may use existing 
     programs or products of the Secretaries to carry out this 
     section.
       (e) Privacy Clauses.--Nothing in this section provides 
     authority to the Secretaries--
       (1) to monitor or record the movements of a visitor to a 
     unit of Federal recreational lands and waters;
       (2) to restrict, interfere with, or monitor a private 
     communication of a visitor to a unit of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters; or
       (3) to collect--
       (A) information from owners of land adjacent to a unit of 
     Federal recreational lands and waters; or
       (B) information on non-Federal land.
       (f) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, and annually thereafter, the 
     Secretaries shall publish on a website of the Secretaries a 
     report that describes the annual visitation of each unit of 
     Federal recreational lands and waters, including, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, visitation categorized by 
     recreational activity.
       (g) DEFINITIONS.--In this section--
       (1) Federal recreational lands and waters.--The term 
     ``Federal recreational lands and waters''--
       (A) has the meaning given the term in section 802 of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801); 
     and
       (B) includes Federal lands and waters managed by the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. 
     Army Corps of Engineers.
       (2) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means--
       (A) the Secretary, with respect to lands under the 
     jurisdiction of the Secretary;
       (B) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief 
     of the Forest Service, with respect to lands under the 
     jurisdiction of the Forest Service;
       (C) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, with respect to Federal waters under the 
     jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration; and
       (D) the Assistant Secretary of Army for Civil Works, with 
     respect to lakes and reservoirs under the jurisdiction of the 
     U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

     SEC. 133. MONITORING FOR IMPROVED RECREATION DECISION MAKING.

       (a) In General.--The Secretaries shall seek to capture 
     comprehensive recreation use data to better understand and 
     inform decision making by the Secretaries.
       (b) Pilot Protocols.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the enactment of this title, and after public notice and 
     comment, the Secretaries shall establish pilot protocols at 
     not fewer than 10 land management units under the 
     jurisdiction of each of the Secretaries to model recreation 
     use patterns (including low-use recreation activities and 
     dispersed recreation activities) that may not be effectively 
     measured by existing general and opportunistic survey and 
     monitoring protocols.
       (c) Secretaries Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``Secretaries'' means--
       (1) the Secretary, with respect to lands under the 
     jurisdiction of the Secretary;
       (2) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief 
     of the Forest Service, with respect to lands under the 
     jurisdiction of the Forest Service;
       (3) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, with respect to Federal waters under the 
     jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration; and
       (4) the Assistant Secretary of Army for Civil Works, with 
     respect to lakes and reservoirs under the jurisdiction of the 
     U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 Subtitle D--Broadband Connectivity on Federal Recreational Lands and 
                                 Waters

     SEC. 141. CONNECT OUR PARKS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate;
       (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Broadband internet access service.--The term 
     ``broadband internet access service'' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or a successor regulation).
       (3) Cellular service.--The term ``cellular service'' has 
     the meaning given the term in section 22.99 of title 47, Code 
     of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
       (4) National park.--The term ``National Park'' means a unit 
     of the National Park System.
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National 
     Park Service.
       (b) Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall complete an 
     assessment of National Parks to identify--
       (A) locations in National Parks in which there is the 
     greatest need for broadband internet access service, based on 
     the considerations described in paragraph (2)(A); and
       (B) areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest 
     need for cellular service, based on the considerations 
     described in paragraph (2)(B).
       (2) Considerations.--
       (A) Broadband internet access service.--For purposes of 
     identifying locations in National Parks under paragraph 
     (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each 
     National Park, the availability of broadband internet access 
     service in--
       (i) housing;
       (ii) administrative facilities and related structures;
       (iii) lodging;
       (iv) developed campgrounds; and
       (v) any other location within the National Park in which 
     broadband internet access service is determined to be 
     necessary by the superintendent of the National Park.
       (B) Cellular service.--For purposes of identifying areas in 
     National Parks under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
     consider, with respect to each National Park, the 
     availability of cellular service in any developed area within 
     the National Park that would increase--
       (i) the access of the public to emergency services and 
     traveler information technologies; or
       (ii) the communications capabilities of National Park 
     Service employees.
       (3) Report.--On completion of the assessment under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress, and make available on the website of 
     the Department of the Interior, a report describing the 
     results of the assessment.
       (c) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall develop a 
     plan, based on the results of the assessment completed under 
     subsection (b) and subject to paragraph (4)--
       (A) to install broadband internet access service 
     infrastructure in certain locations in National Parks; and
       (B) to install cellular service equipment and 
     infrastructure in certain areas of National Parks.
       (2) Consultation.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary shall consult with--
       (A) affected Indian Tribes; and
       (B) local stakeholders that the superintendent of the 
     applicable National Park determines to be appropriate.
       (3) Requirements.--The plan developed under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) provide for avoiding or minimizing impacts to--
       (i) National Park viewsheds;
       (ii) cultural and natural resources;
       (iii) the visitor experience;
       (iv) historic properties and the viewsheds of historic 
     properties; and
       (v) other resources or values of the National Park.
       (B) provide for infrastructure providing broadband internet 
     access service or cellular service to be located in--
       (i) previously disturbed or developed areas; or
       (ii) areas zoned for uses that would support the 
     infrastructure;
       (C) provide for the use of public-private partnerships--
       (i) to install broadband internet access service or 
     cellular service equipment; and
       (ii) to provide broadband internet access service or 
     cellular service;
       (D) be technology neutral; and
       (E) in the case of broadband internet access service, 
     provide for broadband internet access service of at least--

[[Page H2170]]

       (i) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and
       (ii) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
       (4) Limitation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a plan 
     developed under that paragraph shall not be required to 
     address broadband internet access service or cellular service 
     in any National Park with respect to which the superintendent 
     of the National Park determines that there is adequate access 
     to broadband internet access service or cellular service, as 
     applicable.

     SEC. 142. BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTIVITY AT DEVELOPED 
                   RECREATION SITES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary and the Chief of the Forest 
     Service shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary of 
     Commerce to foster the installation or construction of 
     broadband internet infrastructure at developed recreation 
     sites on Federal recreational lands and waters to establish 
     broadband internet connectivity--
       (1) subject to the availability of appropriations; and
       (2) in accordance with applicable law.
       (b) Identification.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this title, and annually thereafter 
     through fiscal year 2031, the Secretary and the Chief of the 
     Forest Service, in coordination with States and local 
     communities, shall make publicly available--
       (1) a list of the highest priority developed recreation 
     sites, as determined under subsection (c), on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters that lack broadband internet;
       (2) to the extent practicable, an estimate of--
       (A) the cost to equip each of those sites with broadband 
     internet infrastructure; and
       (B) the annual cost to operate that infrastructure; and
       (3) a list of potential--
       (A) barriers to operating the infrastructure described in 
     paragraph (2)(A); and
       (B) methods to recover the costs of that operation.
       (c) Priorities.--In selecting developed recreation sites 
     for the list described in subsection (b)(1), the Secretary 
     and the Chief of the Forest Service shall give priority to 
     developed recreation sites--
       (1) at which broadband internet infrastructure has not been 
     constructed due to--
       (A) geographic challenges; or
       (B) the location having an insufficient number of nearby 
     permanent residents, despite high seasonal or daily 
     visitation levels; or
       (2) that are located in an economically distressed county 
     that could benefit significantly from developing the outdoor 
     recreation economy of the county.

     SEC. 143. PUBLIC LANDS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE 
                   AGREEMENTS.

       (a) Cooperative Agreements for the Department of the 
     Interior.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements to carry out activities related to communications 
     sites on lands managed by Federal land management agencies, 
     including--
       (1) administering communications use authorizations;
       (2) preparing needs assessments or other programmatic 
     analyses necessary to establish communications sites and 
     authorize communications uses on or adjacent to Federal 
     recreational lands and waters managed by a Federal land 
     management agency;
       (3) developing management plans for communications sites on 
     or adjacent to Federal recreational lands and waters managed 
     by a Federal land management agency on a competitively 
     neutral, technology neutral, nondiscriminatory basis;
       (4) training for management of communications sites on or 
     adjacent to Federal recreational lands and waters managed by 
     a Federal land management agency;
       (5) obtaining, improving access to, or establishing 
     communications sites on or adjacent to Federal recreational 
     lands and waters managed by a Federal land management agency; 
     and
       (6) any combination of purposes described in subparagraphs 
     (1) through (5).
       (b) Clarification of Cooperative Agreement Authority for 
     the Forest Service.--Section 8705(f) of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 1761a(f)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Cooperative agreement authority.--Subject to the 
     availability of appropriations made in advance for such 
     purposes, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements 
     to carry out the activities described in subparagraphs (A) 
     through (D) of paragraph (4).''.
       (c) Assessment of Rental Fee Retention Authority.--Not 
     later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
     title, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive assessment 
     to evaluate the potential benefits of rental fee retention 
     whereby any fee collected for the occupancy and use of 
     Federal lands and waters authorized by a communications use 
     authorization would be deposited into a special account and 
     used solely for activities related to communications sites on 
     lands and waters managed by the Secretary.

             Subtitle E--Public-Private Parks Partnerships

     SEC. 151. AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF FOREST SERVICE 
                   ADMINISTRATIVE SITES.

       Section 8623 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 
     U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 115-334) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)(D), by striking ``dwelling;'' and 
     inserting ``dwelling or multiunit dwelling;'';
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``Secretary'' in the 
     middle of the sentence and inserting ``Chief of the Forest 
     Service, or their designee'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (3)(B)(ii)--
       (i) in subclause (I), by inserting ``such as housing,'' 
     after ``improvements,'';
       (ii) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (iii) in subclause (III), by striking ``or'' at the end and 
     inserting ``and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(IV) services occurring off the administrative site 
     that--

       ``(aa) occur at another administrative site in the same 
     unit in which the administrative site is located or a 
     different unit of the National Forest System;
       ``(bb) benefit the National Forest System; and
       ``(cc) support activities occurring within the unit of the 
     National Forest System in which the administrative site is 
     located; or''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Lease term.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term of a lease of an administrative 
     site under this section shall be not more than 100 years.
       ``(B) Reauthorization of use.--A lease of an administrative 
     site under this section shall include a provision for 
     reauthorization of the use if the--
       ``(i) use of the administrative site, at the time of 
     reauthorization, is still being used for the purposes 
     authorized;
       ``(ii) use to be authorized under the new lease is 
     consistent with the applicable land management plan; and
       ``(iii) lessee is in compliance with all the terms of the 
     existing lease.''
       ``(C) Savings.--A reauthorization of use under subparagraph 
     (B) may include new terms in the use, as determined by the 
     Chief of the Forest Service, or their designee.'';
       (4) in subsection (g), by--
       (A) striking ``to a leaseholder'' after ``payments''; and
       (B) inserting ``or constructed'' after ``improved''; and
       (5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2023'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 152. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS CREATING TANGIBLE SAVINGS.

       Section 101703 of title 54, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 101703. Cooperative management agreements

       ``(a) In General.--To facilitate the administration of the 
     System, the Secretary, under such terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary considers advisable, may enter into an agreement 
     with an eligible entity managing lands and waters located 
     near a System unit to provide for cooperative management of 
     either a System unit or the lands and waters located near a 
     System unit to promote more effective and efficient 
     management of a System unit. The Secretary may not transfer 
     administration responsibilities for any System unit under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(b) Provision of Goods and Services.--
       ``(1) In general.--Under a cooperative management 
     agreement, the Secretary may acquire by purchase, donation, 
     or exchange from and provide to an eligible entity on a 
     reimbursable basis goods and services to be used by the 
     Secretary or the eligible entity in the cooperative 
     management of land and waters.
       ``(2) Retention of funds.--Reimbursements received under 
     this section may be credited to the appropriation current at 
     the time reimbursements are received.
       ``(c) Co-location.--Under the cooperative management 
     agreement, the Secretary and an eligible entity may co-locate 
     in offices and facilities owned or leased by either party.
       ``(d) Employees.--
       ``(1) Assignment of employee.--The Secretary may arrange an 
     assignment under section 3372 of title 5 of a Federal 
     employee or an employee of an eligible entity as mutually 
     agreed upon, for work on any Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
     land.
       ``(2) Extension of assignment.--The assignment provided in 
     paragraph (1) may be extended for any period of time 
     determined by the Secretary and the eligible entity to be 
     mutually beneficial.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
     State or local entity or any political subdivision thereof, 
     or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization.
       ``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304(e)).
       ``(3) State.--The term `State' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the 
     United States.
       ``(4) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 4(l) of the Indian 
     Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304(1)).''.

     SEC. 153. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS TO MODERNIZE FEDERALLY OWNED 
                   CAMPGROUNDS, RESORTS, CABINS, AND VISITOR 
                   CENTERS ON FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS AND 
                   WATERS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered activity.--The term ``covered activity'' 
     means--
       (A) a capital improvement, including the construction, 
     reconstruction, and nonroutine

[[Page H2171]]

     maintenance of any structure, infrastructure, or improvement, 
     relating to the operation of, or access to, a covered 
     recreation facility; and
       (B) any activity necessary to operate or maintain a covered 
     recreation facility.
       (2) Covered recreation facility.--The term ``covered 
     recreation facility'' means a federally owned campground, 
     resort, cabin, or visitor center that is--
       (A) in existence on the date of the enactment of this 
     title; and
       (B) located on Federal recreational lands and waters 
     administered by--
       (i) the Chief of the Forest Service; or
       (ii) the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
       (3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a unit of State, Tribal, or local government;
       (B) a nonprofit organization; and
       (C) a private entity.
       (b) Pilot Program.--The Secretaries shall establish a pilot 
     program under which the Secretary concerned may enter into an 
     agreement with, or issue or amend a land use authorization 
     to, an eligible entity to allow the eligible entity to carry 
     out covered activities relating to a covered recreation 
     facility, subject to the requirements of this section and the 
     terms of any relevant land use authorization, regardless of 
     whether the eligible entity holds, on the date of the 
     enactment of this title, an authorization to be a 
     concessionaire for the covered recreation facility.
       (c) Minimum Number of Agreements or Land Use 
     Authorizations.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall enter 
     into at least 1 agreement or land use authorization under 
     subsection (b) in--
       (1) a unit of the National Forest System in each region of 
     the National Forest System; and
       (2) Federal recreational lands and waters administered by 
     the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in not fewer 
     than 5 States in which the Bureau of Land Management 
     administers Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (d) Requirements.--
       (1) Development plans.--Before entering into an agreement 
     or issuing a land use authorization under subsection (b), an 
     eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary concerned a 
     development plan that--
       (A) describes investments in the covered recreation 
     facility to be made by the eligible entity during the first 3 
     years of the agreement or land use authorization;
       (B) describes annual maintenance spending to be made by the 
     eligible entity for each year of the agreement or land use 
     authorization; and
       (C) includes any other terms and conditions determined to 
     be necessary or appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
       (2) Agreements and land use authorizations.--An agreement 
     or land use authorization under subsection (b) shall--
       (A) be for a term of not more than 30 years, commensurate 
     with the level of investment;
       (B) require that, not later than 3 years after the date on 
     which the Secretary concerned enters into the agreement or 
     issues or amends the land use authorization, the applicable 
     eligible entity shall expend, place in an escrow account for 
     the eligible entity to expend, or deposit in a special 
     account in the Treasury for expenditure by the Secretary 
     concerned, without further appropriation, for covered 
     activities relating to the applicable covered recreation 
     facility, an amount or specified percentage, as determined by 
     the Secretary concerned, which shall be equal to not less 
     than $500,000, of the anticipated receipts for the term of 
     the agreement or land use authorization;
       (C) require the eligible entity to operate and maintain the 
     covered recreation facility and any associated infrastructure 
     designated by the Secretary concerned in a manner acceptable 
     to the Secretary concerned and the eligible entity;
       (D) include any terms and conditions that the Secretary 
     concerned determines to be necessary for a special use permit 
     issued under section 7 of the Act of April 24, 1950 (commonly 
     known as the ``Granger-Thye Act'') (64 Stat. 84, chapter 97; 
     16 U.S.C. 580d), including the payment described in 
     subparagraph (E) or the Federal Land Policy and Management 
     Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), as applicable;
       (E) provide for payment to the Federal Government of a fee 
     or a sharing of revenue--
       (i) consistent with--

       (I) the land use fee for a special use permit authorized 
     under section 7 of the Act of April 24, 1950 (commonly known 
     as the ``Granger-Thye Act'') (64 Stat. 84, chapter 97; 16 
     U.S.C. 580d); or
       (II) the value to the eligible entity of the rights 
     provided by the agreement or land use authorization, taking 
     into account the capital invested by, and obligations of, the 
     eligible entity under the agreement or land use 
     authorization; and

       (ii) all or part of which may be offset by the work to be 
     performed at the expense of the eligible entity that is 
     separate from the routine costs of operating and maintaining 
     the applicable covered recreation facility and any associated 
     infrastructure designated by the Secretary concerned, as 
     determined to be appropriate by the Secretary concerned;
       (F) include provisions stating that--
       (i) the eligible entity shall obtain no property interest 
     in the covered recreation facility pursuant to the 
     expenditures of the eligible entity, as required by the 
     agreement or land use authorization;
       (ii) all structures and other improvements constructed, 
     reconstructed, or nonroutinely maintained by that entity 
     under the agreement or land use authorization on land owned 
     by the United States shall be the property of the United 
     States; and
       (iii) the eligible entity shall be solely responsible for 
     any cost associated with the decommissioning or removal of a 
     capital improvement, if needed, at the conclusion of the 
     agreement or land use authorization; and
       (G) be subject to any other terms and conditions determined 
     to be necessary or appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
       (e) Land Use Fee Retention.--A land use fee paid or revenue 
     shared with the Secretary concerned under an agreement or 
     land use authorization under this section shall be available 
     for expenditure by the Secretary concerned for recreation-
     related purposes on the unit or area of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters at which the land use fee or revenue is 
     collected, without further appropriation.

     SEC. 154. PARKING AND RESTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEDERAL 
                   RECREATIONAL LANDS AND WATERS.

       (a) Parking Opportunities.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretaries shall seek to increase and 
     improve parking opportunities for persons recreating on 
     Federal recreational lands and waters--
       (A) in accordance with existing laws and applicable land 
     use plans;
       (B) in a manner that minimizes any increase in maintenance 
     obligations on Federal recreational lands and waters; and
       (C) in a manner that does not impact wildlife habitat that 
     is critical to the mission of a Federal agency responsible 
     for managing Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (2) Authority.--To supplement the quantity of parking 
     spaces available at units of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters on the date of the enactment of this title, the 
     Secretaries may--
       (A) enter into a public-private partnership for parking 
     opportunities on non-Federal land;
       (B) enter into contracts or agreements with State, Tribal, 
     or local governments for parking opportunities using non-
     Federal lands and resources; or
       (C) provide alternative transportation systems for a unit 
     of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (b) Restroom Opportunities.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretaries shall seek to increase and 
     improve the function, cleanliness, and availability of 
     restroom facilities for persons recreating on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters, including by entering into 
     partnerships with non-Federal partners, including State, 
     Tribal, and local governments and volunteer organizations.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall submit a report 
     to Congress that identifies--
       (A) challenges to maintaining or improving the function, 
     cleanliness, and availability of restroom facilities on 
     Federal recreational lands and waters;
       (B) the current state of restroom facilities on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters and the effect restroom 
     facilities have on visitor experiences; and
       (C) policy recommendations that suggest innovative new 
     models or partnerships to increase or improve the function, 
     cleanliness, and availability of restroom facilities for 
     persons recreating on Federal recreational lands and waters.

     SEC. 155. PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE PROJECTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Independent evaluator.--The term ``independent 
     evaluator'' means an individual or entity, including an 
     institution of higher education, that is selected by the pay-
     for-performance beneficiary and pay-for-performance investor, 
     as applicable, or by the pay-for-performance project 
     developer, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, 
     to make the determinations and prepare the reports required 
     under subsection (e).
       (2) National forest system land.--The term ``National 
     Forest System land'' means land in the National Forest System 
     (as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland 
     Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 
     1609(a))).
       (3) Pay-for-performance agreement.--The term ``pay-for-
     performance agreement'' means a mutual benefit agreement 
     (excluding a procurement contract, grant agreement, or 
     cooperative agreement described in chapter 63 of title 31, 
     United States Code) for a pay-for-performance project--
       (A) with a term of--
       (i) not less than 1 year; and
       (ii) not more than 20 years; and
       (B) that is executed, in accordance with applicable law, 
     by--
       (i) the Secretary of Agriculture; and
       (ii) a pay-for-performance beneficiary or pay-for-
     performance project developer.
       (4) Pay-for-performance beneficiary.--The term ``pay-for-
     performance beneficiary'' means a State or local government, 
     an Indian Tribe, or a nonprofit or for-profit organization 
     that--
       (A) repays capital loaned upfront by a pay-for-performance 
     investor, based on a project outcome specified in a pay-for-
     performance agreement; or

[[Page H2172]]

       (B) provides capital directly for costs associated with a 
     pay-for-performance project.
       (5) Pay-for-performance investor.--The term ``pay-for-
     performance investor'' means a State or local government, an 
     Indian Tribe, or a nonprofit or for-profit organization that 
     provides upfront loaned capital for a pay-for-performance 
     project with the expectation of a financial return dependent 
     on a project outcome.
       (6) Pay-for-performance project.--The term ``pay-for-
     performance project'' means a project that--
       (A) would provide or enhance a recreational opportunity;
       (B) is conducted on--
       (i) National Forest System land; or
       (ii) other land, if the activities would benefit National 
     Forest System land (including a recreational use of National 
     Forest System land); and
       (C) would use an innovative funding or financing model that 
     leverages--
       (i) loaned capital from a pay-for-performance investor to 
     cover upfront costs associated with a pay-for-performance 
     project, with the loaned capital repaid by a pay-for-
     performance beneficiary at a rate of return dependent on a 
     project outcome, as measured by an independent evaluator; or
       (ii) capital directly from a pay-for-performance 
     beneficiary to support costs associated with a pay-for-
     performance project in an amount based on an anticipated 
     project outcome.
       (7) Pay-for-performance project developer.--The term ``pay-
     for-performance project developer'' means a nonprofit or for-
     profit organization that serves as an intermediary to assist 
     in developing or implementing a pay-for-performance agreement 
     or a pay-for-performance project.
       (8) Project outcome.--The term ``project outcome'' means a 
     measurable, beneficial result (whether economic, 
     environmental, or social) that is attributable to a pay-for-
     performance project and described in a pay-for-performance 
     agreement.
       (b) Establishment of Pilot Program.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall establish a pilot program in accordance 
     with this section to carry out 1 or more pay-for-performance 
     projects.
       (c) Pay-for-Performance Projects.--
       (1) In general.--Using funds made available through a pay-
     for-performance agreement or appropriations, all or any 
     portion of a pay-for-performance project may be implemented 
     by--
       (A) the Secretary of Agriculture; or
       (B) a pay-for-performance project developer or a third 
     party, subject to the conditions that--
       (i) the Secretary of Agriculture shall approve the 
     implementation by the pay-for-performance project developer 
     or third party; and
       (ii) the implementation is in accordance with applicable 
     law.
       (2) Relation to land management plans.--A pay-for-
     performance project carried out under this section shall be 
     consistent with any applicable land management plan developed 
     under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
     Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
       (3) Ownership.--
       (A) New improvements.--The United States shall have title 
     to any improvements installed on National Forest System land 
     as part of a pay-for-performance project.
       (B) Existing improvements.--Investing in, conducting, or 
     completing a pay-for-performance project on National Forest 
     System land shall not affect the title of the United States 
     to--
       (i) any federally owned improvements involved in the pay-
     for-performance project; or
       (ii) the underlying land.
       (4) Savings clause.--The carrying out of any action for a 
     pay-for-performance project does not provide any right to any 
     party to a pay-for-performance agreement.
       (5) Potential conflicts.--Before approving a pay-for-
     performance project under this section, the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall consider and seek to avoid potential 
     conflicts (including economic competition) with any existing 
     written authorized use.
       (d) Project Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the Act of June 30, 1914 
     (38 Stat. 430, chapter 131; 16 U.S.C. 498), or subtitle C of 
     title XX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397n et 
     seq.), in carrying out the pilot program under this section, 
     the Secretary of Agriculture may enter into a pay-for-
     performance agreement under which a pay-for-performance 
     beneficiary, pay-for-performance investor, or pay-for-
     performance project developer agrees to pay for or finance 
     all or part of a pay-for-performance project.
       (2) Size limitation.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not 
     enter into a pay-for-performance agreement under the pilot 
     program under this section for a pay-for-performance project 
     valued at more than $15,000,000.
       (3) Financing.--
       (A) In general.--A pay-for-performance agreement shall 
     specify the amounts that a pay-for-performance beneficiary or 
     a pay-for-performance project developer agrees to pay to a 
     pay-for-performance investor or a pay-for-performance project 
     developer, as appropriate, in the event of an independent 
     evaluator determining pursuant to subsection (e) the degree 
     to which a project outcome has been achieved.
       (B) Eligible payments.--An amount described in subparagraph 
     (A) shall be--
       (i) based on--

       (I) the respective contributions of the parties under the 
     pay-for-performance agreement; and
       (II) the economic, environmental, or social benefits 
     derived from the project outcomes; and

       (ii)(I) a percentage of the estimated value of a project 
     outcome;
       (II) a percentage of the estimated cost savings to the pay-
     for-performance beneficiary or the Secretary of Agriculture 
     derived from a project outcome;
       (III) a percentage of the enhanced revenue to the pay-for-
     performance beneficiary or the Secretary of Agriculture 
     derived from a project outcome; or
       (IV) a percentage of the cost of the pay-for-performance 
     project.
       (C) Forest service financial assistance.--Subject to the 
     availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Agriculture 
     may contribute funding for a pay-for-performance project only 
     if--
       (i) the Secretary of Agriculture demonstrates that--

       (I) the pay-for-performance project would provide a cost 
     savings to the United States;
       (II) the funding would accelerate the pace of 
     implementation of an activity previously planned to be 
     completed by the Secretary of Agriculture; or
       (III) the funding would accelerate the scale of 
     implementation of an activity previously planned to be 
     completed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and

       (ii) the contribution of the Secretary of Agriculture has a 
     value that is not more than 50 percent of the total cost of 
     the pay-for-performance project.
       (D) Special account.--Any funds received by the Secretary 
     of Agriculture under subsection (c)(1)--
       (i) shall be retained in a separate fund in the Treasury to 
     be used solely for pay-for-performance projects; and
       (ii) shall remain available until expended and without 
     further appropriation.
       (4) Maintenance and decommissioning of pay-for-performance 
     project improvements.--A pay-for-performance agreement 
     shall--
       (A) include a plan for maintaining any capital improvement 
     constructed as part of a pay-for-performance project after 
     the date on which the pay-for-performance project is 
     completed; and
       (B) specify the party that will be responsible for 
     decommissioning the improvements associated with the pay-for-
     performance project--
       (i) at the end of the useful life of the improvements;
       (ii) if the improvements no longer serve the purpose for 
     which the improvements were developed; or
       (iii) if the pay-for-performance project fails.
       (5) Termination of pay-for-performance project 
     agreements.--The Secretary of Agriculture may unilaterally 
     terminate a pay-for-performance agreement, in whole or in 
     part, for any program year beginning after the program year 
     during which the Secretary of Agriculture provides to each 
     party to the pay-for-performance agreement a notice of the 
     termination.
       (e) Independent Evaluations.--
       (1) Progress reports.--An independent evaluator shall 
     submit to the Secretary of Agriculture and each party to the 
     applicable pay-for-performance agreement--
       (A) by not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
     pay-for-performance agreement is executed, and at least once 
     every 2 years thereafter, a written report that summarizes 
     the progress that has been made in achieving each project 
     outcome; and
       (B) before the first scheduled date for a payment described 
     in subsection (d)(3)(A), and each subsequent date for 
     payment, a written report that--
       (i) summarizes the results of the evaluation conducted by 
     the independent evaluator to determine whether a payment 
     should be made pursuant to the pay-for-performance agreement; 
     and
       (ii) analyzes the reasons why a project outcome was 
     achieved or was not achieved.
       (2) Final reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     on which a pay-for-performance project is completed, the 
     independent evaluator shall submit to the Secretary of 
     Agriculture and each party to the pay-for-performance 
     agreement a written report that includes, with respect to the 
     period covered by the report--
       (A) an evaluation of the effects of the pay-for-performance 
     project with respect to each project outcome;
       (B) a determination of whether the pay-for-performance 
     project has met each project outcome; and
       (C) the amount of the payments made for the pay-for-
     performance project pursuant to subsection (d)(3)(A).
       (f) Additional Forest Service-Provided Assistance.--
       (1) Technical assistance.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
     provide technical assistance to facilitate pay-for-
     performance project development, such as planning, 
     permitting, site preparation, and design work.
       (2) Consultants.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary of Agriculture may hire a 
     contractor--
       (A) to conduct a feasibility analysis of a proposed pay-
     for-performance project;
       (B) to assist in the development, implementation, or 
     evaluation of a proposed pay-for-performance project or a 
     pay-for-performance agreement; or

[[Page H2173]]

       (C) to assist with an environmental analysis of a proposed 
     pay-for-performance project.
       (g) Savings Clause.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     approve a record of decision, decision notice, or decision 
     memo for any activities to be carried out on National Forest 
     System land as part of a pay-for-performance project before 
     the Secretary of Agriculture may enter into a pay-for-
     performance agreement involving the applicable pay-for-
     performance project.
       (h) Duration of Pilot Program.--
       (1) Sunset.--The authority to enter into a pay-for-
     performance agreement under this section terminates on the 
     date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this 
     title.
       (2) Savings clause.--Nothing in paragraph (1) affects any 
     pay-for-performance project agreement entered into by the 
     Secretary of Agriculture under this section before the date 
     described in that paragraph.

     SEC. 156. OUTDOOR RECREATION LEGACY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an 
     entity or combination of entities that represents or 
     otherwise serves a qualifying area.
       (2) Eligible nonprofit organization.--The term ``eligible 
     nonprofit organization'' means an organization that is 
     described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of 
     such Code.
       (3) Entity.--The term ``entity'' means--
       (A) a State;
       (B) a political subdivision of a State, including--
       (i) a city;
       (ii) a county; or
       (iii) a special purpose district that manages open space, 
     including a park district; and
       (C) an Indian Tribe, urban Indian organization, or Alaska 
     Native or Native Hawaiian community or organization.
       (4) Low-income community.--The term ``low-income 
     community'' has the same meaning given that term in 26 U.S.C. 
     45D(e)(1).
       (5) Outdoor recreation legacy partnership program.--The 
     term ``Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program'' means 
     the program codified under subsection (b)(1).
       (6) Qualifying area.--The term ``qualifying area'' means--
       (A) an urbanized area or urban cluster that has a 
     population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census;
       (B) 2 or more adjacent urban clusters with a combined 
     population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census; or
       (C) an area administered by an Indian Tribe or an Alaska 
     Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.
       (b) Grants Authorized.--
       (1) Codification of program.--
       (A) In general.--There is established an existing program, 
     to be known as the ``Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership 
     Program'', under which the Secretary may award grants to 
     eligible entities for projects--
       (i) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor 
     recreation purposes in qualifying areas; and
       (ii) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation 
     facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to 
     the public in qualifying areas.
       (B) Priority.--In awarding grants to eligible entities 
     under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to 
     projects that--
       (i) create or significantly enhance access to park and 
     recreational opportunities in a qualifying area;
       (ii) engage and empower low-income communities and youth;
       (iii) provide employment or job training opportunities for 
     youth or low-income communities;
       (iv) establish or expand public-private partnerships, with 
     a focus on leveraging resources; and
       (v) take advantage of coordination among various levels of 
     government.
       (2) Matching requirement.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of receiving a grant under 
     paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall provide matching 
     funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an 
     amount equal to not less than 100 percent of the amounts made 
     available under the grant.
       (B) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 7 percent of 
     funds provided to an eligible entity under a grant awarded 
     under paragraph (1) may be used for administrative expenses.
       (3) Considerations.--In awarding grants to eligible 
     entities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider 
     the extent to which a project would--
       (A) provide recreation opportunities in low-income 
     communities in which access to parks is not adequate to meet 
     local needs;
       (B) provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and public 
     land volunteerism;
       (C) support innovative or cost-effective ways to enhance 
     parks and other recreation--
       (i) opportunities; or
       (ii) delivery of services;
       (D) support park and recreation programming provided by 
     local governments, including cooperative agreements with 
     community-based eligible nonprofit organizations;
       (E) develop Native American event sites and cultural 
     gathering spaces;
       (F) provide benefits such as community resilience, 
     reduction of urban heat islands, enhanced water or air 
     quality, or habitat for fish or wildlife; and
       (G) facilitate any combination of purposes listed in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (F).
       (4) Eligible uses.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an eligible 
     entity may use a grant awarded under paragraph (1) for a 
     project described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of that 
     paragraph.
       (B) Limitations on use.--An eligible entity may not use 
     grant funds for--
       (i) incidental costs related to land acquisition, including 
     appraisal and titling;
       (ii) operation and maintenance activities;
       (iii) facilities that support semiprofessional or 
     professional athletics;
       (iv) indoor facilities, such as recreation centers or 
     facilities that support primarily nonoutdoor purposes; or
       (v) acquisition of land or interests in land that restrict 
     public access.
       (C) Conversion to other than public outdoor recreation 
     use.--
       (i) In general.--No property acquired or developed with 
     assistance under this section shall, without the approval of 
     the Secretary, be converted to other than public outdoor 
     recreation use.
       (ii) Condition for approval.--The Secretary shall approve a 
     conversion only if the Secretary finds it to be in accordance 
     with the then-existing comprehensive Statewide outdoor 
     recreation plan and only on such conditions as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to ensure the substitution of other 
     recreation properties of at least equal fair market value and 
     of reasonably equivalent usefulness and location.
       (iii) Wetland areas and interests therein.--Wetland areas 
     and interests therein as identified in the wetlands 
     provisions of the comprehensive plan and proposed to be 
     acquired as suitable replacement property within the same 
     State that is otherwise acceptable to the Secretary, acting 
     through the Director of the National Park Service, shall be 
     deemed to be of reasonably equivalent usefulness with the 
     property proposed for conversion.
       (c) Review and Evaluation Requirements.--In carrying out 
     the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) conduct an initial screening and technical review of 
     applications received;
       (2) evaluate and score all qualifying applications; and
       (3) provide culturally and linguistically appropriate 
     information to eligible entities (including low-income 
     communities and eligible entities serving low-income 
     communities) on--
       (A) the opportunity to apply for grants under this section;
       (B) the application procedures by which eligible entities 
     may apply for grants under this section; and
       (C) eligible uses for grants under this section.
       (d) Reporting.--
       (1) Annual reports.--Not later than 30 days after the last 
     day of each report period, each State-lead agency that 
     receives a grant under this section shall annually submit to 
     the Secretary performance and financial reports that--
       (A) summarize project activities conducted during the 
     report period; and
       (B) provide the status of the project.
       (2) Final reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     earlier of the date of expiration of a project period or the 
     completion of a project, each State-lead agency that receives 
     a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a 
     final report containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require.

     SEC. 157. AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM 
                   ENHANCEMENT.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 308101 of title 54, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 308101. Definitions

       ``In this chapter:
       ``(1) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary, 
     acting through the American Battlefield Protection Program.
       ``(2) Battlefield reports.--The term `Battlefield Reports' 
     means, collectively--
       ``(A) the document entitled `Report on the Nation's Civil 
     War Battlefields', prepared by the Civil War Sites Advisory 
     Commission, and dated July 1993; and
       ``(B) the document entitled `Report to Congress on the 
     Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 
     Sites in the United States', prepared by the National Park 
     Service, and dated September 2007.''.
       (b) Preservation Assistance.--Section 308102(a) of title 
     54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Federal'' 
     and all that follows through ``organizations'' and inserting 
     ``Federal agencies, States, Tribes, local governments, other 
     public entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit 
     organizations''.
       (c) Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants Improvements.--
     Section 308103 of title 54, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) Eligible Site Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `eligible site'--
       ``(1) means a site that--
       ``(A) is not within the exterior boundaries of a unit of 
     the National Park System; and
       ``(B) is identified in the Battlefield Reports as a 
     battlefield; and
       ``(2) excludes sites identified in the Battlefield Reports 
     as associated historic sites.'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``State and local 
     governments'' and inserting

[[Page H2174]]

     ``States, Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit 
     organizations'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``State or local 
     government'' and inserting ``State, Tribe, or local 
     government''; and
       (4) in subsection (e), by striking ``under this section'' 
     and inserting ``under this section, including by States, 
     Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations,''.
       (d) Battlefield Restoration Grants Improvements.--Section 
     308105 of title 54, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     battlefield restoration grant program (referred to in this 
     section as the `program') under which the Secretary may 
     provide grants to States, Tribes, local governments, and 
     nonprofit organizations for projects that restore day-of-
     battle conditions on--
       ``(1) land preserved and protected under the battlefield 
     acquisition grant program established under section 
     308103(b); or
       ``(2) battlefield land that is--
       ``(A) owned by a State, Tribe, local government, or 
     nonprofit organization; and
       ``(B) referred to in the Battlefield Reports.''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Eligible Sites.--The Secretary may make grants under 
     this section for Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil 
     War battlefield sites--
       ``(1) eligible for assistance under the battlefield 
     acquisition grant program established under section 
     308103(b); or
       ``(2) on battlefield land that is--
       ``(A) owned by a State, Tribe, local government, or 
     nonprofit organization; and
       ``(B) referred to in battlefield reports.''.
       (e) Updates and Improvements.--Chapter 3081 of title 54, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 308106. Updates and improvements to Battlefield 
       Reports

       ``Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this section, and every 10 years thereafter, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress a report that updates the 
     Battlefield Reports to reflect--
       ``(1) preservation activities carried out at the 
     battlefields in the period since the publication of the most 
     recent Battlefield Reports update;
       ``(2) changes in the condition, including core and study 
     areas, of the battlefields during that period; and
       ``(3) any other relevant developments relating to the 
     battlefields during that period.''.
       (f) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 
     3081 of title 54, United States Code, is amended as follows:
       (1) By amending the item relating to section 308101 to read 
     as follows: ``308101. Definitions.''.
       (2) By adding at the end the following: ``308106. Updates 
     and improvements to Battlefield Reports.''.

                        TITLE II--ACCESS AMERICA

     SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Accessible trail.--The term ``accessible trail'' means 
     a trail that meets the requirements for a trail under the 
     Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines.
       (2) Architectural barriers act accessibility guidelines.--
     The term ``Architectural Barriers Act accessibility 
     guidelines'' means the accessibility guidelines set forth in 
     appendices C and D to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or successor regulations).
       (3) Assistive technology.--The term ``assistive 
     technology'' means any item, piece of equipment, or product 
     system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or 
     customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve 
     functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities, 
     particularly with participating in outdoor recreation 
     activities.
       (4) Gold star family member.--The term ``Gold Star Family 
     member'' means an individual described in section 3.3 of 
     Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
       (5) Outdoor constructed feature.--The term ``outdoor 
     constructed feature'' has the meaning given such term in 
     appendix C to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or successor regulations).
       (6) Veterans organization.--The term ``veterans 
     organization'' means a service provider with outdoor 
     recreation experience that serves members of the Armed 
     Forces, veterans, or Gold Star Family members.

            Subtitle A--Access for People With Disabilities

     SEC. 211. ACCESSIBLE RECREATION INVENTORY.

       (a) Assessment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall--
       (1) carry out a comprehensive assessment of outdoor 
     recreation facilities on Federal recreational lands and 
     waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary 
     concerned to determine the accessibility of such outdoor 
     recreation facilities, consistent with the Architectural 
     Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 
     of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794), including--
       (A) camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;
       (B) boat launch ramps;
       (C) hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or 
     locations;
       (D) outdoor constructed features;
       (E) picnic facilities and picnic units; and
       (F) any other outdoor recreation facilities, as determined 
     by the Secretary concerned; and
       (2) make information about such opportunities available 
     (including through the use of prominently displayed links) on 
     public websites of--
       (A) each of the Federal land management agencies; and
       (B) each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land 
     management agencies.
       (b) Inclusion of Current Assessments.--As part of the 
     comprehensive assessment required under subsection (a)(1), to 
     the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned may rely on 
     assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of 
     the enactment of this title.
       (c) Public Information.--Not later than 7 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned 
     shall identify opportunities to create, update, or replace 
     signage and other publicly available information, including 
     web page information, related to accessibility and consistent 
     with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 
     et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 
     794) at outdoor recreation facilities covered by the 
     assessment required under subsection (a)(1).

     SEC. 212. TRAIL INVENTORY.

       (a) Assessment.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall--
       (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of high-priority 
     trails, in accordance with subsection (b), on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the 
     respective Secretary concerned, including measuring each 
     trail's--
       (A) average and minimum tread width;
       (B) average and maximum running slope;
       (C) average and maximum cross slope;
       (D) tread type; and
       (E) length; and
       (2) make information about such high-priority trails 
     available (including through the use of prominently displayed 
     links) on public websites of--
       (A) each of the Federal land management agencies; and
       (B) each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land 
     management agencies.
       (b) Selection.--The Secretary concerned shall select high-
     priority trails to be assessed under subsection (a)(1)--
       (1) in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans 
     organizations and organizations with expertise or experience 
     providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals 
     with disabilities;
       (2) in a geographically equitable manner; and
       (3) in no fewer than 15 units or subunits managed by the 
     Secretary concerned.
       (c) Inclusion of Current Assessments.--As part of the 
     assessment required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary 
     concerned may, to the extent practicable, rely on assessments 
     completed or data gathered prior to the date of the enactment 
     of this title.
       (d) Public Information.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     identify opportunities to replace signage and other publicly 
     available information, including web page information, 
     related to such high-priority trails and consistent with the 
     Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) 
     and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794) at 
     high-priority trails covered by the assessment required under 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (2) Tread obstacles.--As part of the assessment required 
     under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may, to the extent 
     practicable, include photographs or descriptions of tread 
     obstacles and barriers.
       (e) Assistive Technology Specification.--In publishing 
     information about each trail under this subsection, the 
     Secretary concerned shall make public information about 
     trails that do not meet the Architectural Barriers Act 
     accessibility guidelines but could otherwise provide outdoor 
     recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities 
     through the use of certain assistive technology.

     SEC. 213. TRAIL PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     carry out a pilot program to enter into partnerships with 
     eligible entities to--
       (1) measure high-priority trails as part of the assessment 
     required under section 212;
       (2) develop accessible trails under section 214; and
       (3) make minor modifications to existing trails to enhance 
     recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities 
     using assistive technology--
       (A) in compliance with all applicable land use and 
     management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters 
     on which the accessible trail is located; and
       (B) in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans 
     organizations and organizations with expertise or experience 
     providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals 
     with disabilities.
       (b) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall select no 
     fewer than 5 units or subunits under the jurisdiction of the 
     respective Secretary concerned to carry out the pilot program 
     established under subsection (a).
       (2) Special rule of construction for the department of the 
     interior.--In selecting the locations of the pilot program, 
     the Secretary shall ensure that the pilot program is

[[Page H2175]]

     carried out in at least one unit managed by the--
       (A) National Park Service;
       (B) Bureau of Land Management; and
       (C) United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
       (c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under this 
     subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this title.

     SEC. 214. ACCESSIBLE TRAILS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     select a location or locations to develop at least 3 new 
     accessible trails--
       (1) on National Forest System lands in each region of the 
     Forest Service;
       (2) on land managed by the National Park Service in each 
     region of the National Park Service;
       (3) on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in 
     each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and
       (4) on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service.
       (b) Development.--In developing an accessible trail under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary concerned--
       (1) may--
       (A) create a new accessible trail;
       (B) modify an existing trail into an accessible trail; or
       (C) create an accessible trail from a combination of new 
     and existing trails; and
       (2) shall--
       (A) consult with stakeholders with respect to the 
     feasibility and resources necessary for completing the 
     accessible trail;
       (B) ensure the accessible trail complies with the 
     Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) 
     and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794); 
     and
       (C) to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor 
     constructed features supporting the accessible trail, 
     including trail bridges, parking spaces, and restroom 
     facilities, meet the requirements of the Architectural 
     Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 
     of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).
       (c) Completion.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders described under subsection 
     (b)(2), shall complete each accessible trail developed under 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Maps, Signage, and Promotional Materials.--For each 
     accessible trail developed under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary concerned shall--
       (1) publish and distribute maps and install signage, 
     consistent with Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 
     accessibility guidelines and section 508 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d); and
       (2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-
     Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, 
     completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.
       (e) Conflict Avoidance With Other Uses.--In developing each 
     accessible trail under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     concerned shall ensure that the accessible trail--
       (1) minimizes conflict with--
       (A) the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of 
     this title with respect to any trail that is part of that 
     accessible trail;
       (B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback 
     riding, off-highway vehicle recreation, or use by pack and 
     saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment 
     of this title; or
       (C) the purposes for which any trail is established under 
     the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
       (2) complies with all applicable land use and management 
     plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which 
     the accessible trail is located.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders and other interested 
     organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report 
     that lists the accessible trails developed under this section 
     during the previous 3 years.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders and other interested 
     organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that 
     lists the accessible trails developed under this section.

     SEC. 215. ACCESSIBLE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     select a location to develop at least 2 new accessible 
     recreation opportunities--
       (1) on National Forest System lands in each region of the 
     Forest Service;
       (2) on land managed by the National Park Service in each 
     region of the National Park Service;
       (3) on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in 
     each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and
       (4) on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service.
       (b) Development.--In developing an accessible recreation 
     opportunity under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned--
       (1) may--
       (A) create a new accessible recreation opportunity; or
       (B) modify an existing recreation opportunity into an 
     accessible recreation opportunity; and
       (2) shall--
       (A) consult with stakeholders with respect to the 
     feasibility and resources necessary for completing the 
     accessible recreation opportunity;
       (B) ensure the accessible recreation opportunity complies 
     with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 
     et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 
     794); and
       (C) to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor 
     constructed features supporting the accessible recreation 
     opportunity, including trail bridges, parking spaces and 
     restroom facilities, meet the requirements of the 
     Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and section 504 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).
       (c) Accessible Recreation Opportunities.--The accessible 
     recreation opportunities developed under subsection (a) may 
     include improving accessibility or access to--
       (1) camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;
       (2) hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or 
     locations;
       (3) snow activities, including skiing and snowboarding;
       (4) water activities, including kayaking, paddling, 
     canoeing, and boat launch ramps;
       (5) rock climbing;
       (6) biking;
       (7) off-highway vehicle recreation;
       (8) picnic facilities and picnic units;
       (9) outdoor constructed features; and
       (10) any other new or existing recreation opportunities 
     identified in consultation with stakeholders under subsection 
     (b)(2) and consistent with the applicable land management 
     plan.
       (d) Completion.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders consulted with under 
     subsection (b)(2), shall complete each accessible recreation 
     opportunity developed under subsection (a).
       (e) Maps, Signage, and Promotional Materials.--For each 
     accessible recreation opportunity developed under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary concerned shall--
       (1) publish and distribute maps and install signage, 
     consistent with Architectural Barriers Act accessibility 
     guidelines and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 
     U.S.C. 794d); and
       (2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-
     Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, 
     completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.
       (f) Conflict Avoidance With Other Uses.--In developing each 
     accessible recreation opportunity under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible 
     recreation opportunity--
       (1) minimizes conflict with--
       (A) the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of 
     this title with respect to any Federal recreational lands and 
     waters on which the accessible recreation opportunity is 
     located; or
       (B) multiple-use areas in existence on the date of the 
     enactment of this title; and
       (2) complies with all applicable land use and management 
     plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which 
     the accessible recreational opportunity is located.
       (g) Reports.--
       (1) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders and other interested 
     organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report 
     that lists the accessible recreation opportunities developed 
     under this section during the previous 3 years.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 7 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned, in 
     coordination with stakeholders and other interested 
     organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that 
     lists the accessible recreation opportunities developed under 
     this section.

     SEC. 216. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.

       In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary concerned may 
     enter into partnerships, contracts, or agreements with other 
     Federal, State, Tribal, local, or private entities, including 
     existing outfitting and guiding services, to make assistive 
     technology available on Federal recreational lands and 
     waters.

     SEC. 217. SAVINGS CLAUSE.

       Nothing in the subtitle shall be construed to create any 
     conflicting standards with the Architectural Barriers Act of 
     1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).

               Subtitle B--Military and Veterans in Parks

     SEC. 221. PROMOTION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR MILITARY 
                   SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this title, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, 
     shall develop educational and public awareness materials to 
     disseminate to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, 
     including through preseparation counseling of the Transition 
     Assistance Program under chapter 1142 of title 10, United 
     States Code, on--
       (1) opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and 
     veterans to access Federal recreational lands and waters free 
     of charge under section 805 of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804);
       (2) the availability and location of accessible trails, 
     including new accessible trails developed and completed under 
     section 214;

[[Page H2176]]

       (3) the availability and location of accessible recreation 
     opportunities, including new accessible recreation 
     opportunities developed and completed under section 215;
       (4) access to, and assistance with, assistive technology;
       (5) outdoor-related volunteer and wellness programs;
       (6) the benefits of outdoor recreation for physical and 
     mental health;
       (7) resources to access guided outdoor trips and other 
     outdoor programs connected to the Department of Defense, the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of the 
     Interior, or the Department of Agriculture; and
       (8) programs and jobs focused on continuing national 
     service such as Public Land Corps, AmeriCorps, and 
     conservation corps programs.

     SEC. 222. MILITARY VETERANS OUTDOOR RECREATION LIAISONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretaries and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each establish within 
     their Departments the position of Military Veterans Outdoor 
     Recreation Liaison.
       (b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation 
     Liaison shall--
       (1) coordinate the implementation of this subtitle;
       (2) implement recommendations identified by the Task Force 
     on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans established under section 
     203 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, 
     and Treatment Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-214), including 
     recommendations related to--
       (A) identifying new opportunities to formalize coordination 
     between the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of 
     Agriculture, Department of the Interior, and partner 
     organizations regarding the use of Federal recreational lands 
     and waters for facilitating health and wellness for veterans;
       (B) addressing identified barriers that exist to providing 
     veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of 
     services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor 
     recreation on Federal recreational lands and waters; and
       (C) facilitating the use of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery 
     of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans;
       (3) coordinate with Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation 
     Liaisons at other Federal agencies and veterans 
     organizations; and
       (4) promote outdoor recreation experiences for veterans on 
     Federal recreational lands and waters through new and 
     innovative approaches.

     SEC. 223. PARTNERSHIPS TO PROMOTE MILITARY AND VETERAN 
                   RECREATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary concerned shall seek to 
     enter into partnerships or agreements with State, Tribal, 
     local, or private entities with expertise in outdoor 
     recreation, volunteer, accessibility, and health and wellness 
     programs for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
       (b) Partnerships.--As part of a partnership or agreement 
     entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned 
     may host events on Federal recreational lands and waters 
     designed to promote outdoor recreation among members of the 
     Armed Forces and veterans.
       (c) Financial and Technical Assistance.--Under a 
     partnership or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 
     (a), the Secretary concerned may provide financial or 
     technical assistance to the entity with which the respective 
     Secretary concerned has entered into the partnership or 
     agreement to assist with--
       (1) the planning, development, and execution of events, 
     activities, or programs designed to promote outdoor 
     recreation for members of the Armed Forces or veterans; or
       (2) the acquisition of assistive technology to facilitate 
     improved outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the 
     Armed Forces or veterans.

     SEC. 224. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN 
                   RECREATION.

       (a) Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Federal Interagency Council on 
     Outdoor Recreation established under section 113 shall 
     develop and make public a strategy to increase visits to 
     Federal recreational lands and waters by members of the Armed 
     Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members.
       (b) Requirements.--A strategy developed under subsection 
     (a)--
       (1) shall--
       (A) establish objectives and quantifiable targets for 
     increasing visits to Federal recreational lands and waters by 
     members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family 
     members;
       (B) include an opportunity for public notice and comment;
       (C) emphasize increased recreation opportunities on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters for members of the Armed 
     Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members; and
       (D) provide the anticipated costs to achieve the objectives 
     and meet the targets established under subparagraph (A); and
       (2) shall not establish any preference between similar 
     recreation facilitated by noncommercial or commercial 
     entities.
       (c) Update to Strategy.--Not later than 5 years after the 
     date of the publication of the strategy required under 
     subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the Federal 
     Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation shall update the 
     strategy and make public the update.

     SEC. 225. RECREATION RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       Section 804(d) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6803(d)), is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``11'' and inserting 
     ``12''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5)(D)(ii)--
       (A) by striking ``Three'' and inserting ``Four''; and
       (B) after subclause (III), by inserting the following:

       ``(IV) Veterans organizations, as such term is defined in 
     section 201 of the EXPLORE Act.''; and

       (3) in paragraph (8) by striking ``Eight'' and inserting 
     ``Six''.

     SEC. 226. CAREER AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS.

       (a) Veteran Hiring.--The Secretaries are strongly 
     encouraged to hire veterans in all positions related to the 
     management of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (b) Pilot Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
     Training and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall 
     establish a pilot program under which veterans are employed 
     by the Federal Government in positions that relate to the 
     conservation and resource management activities of the 
     Department of the Interior.
       (2) Positions.--The Secretary shall--
       (A) identify vacant positions in the Department of the 
     Interior that are appropriate to fill using the pilot 
     program; and
       (B) to the extent practicable, fill such positions using 
     the pilot program.
       (3) Application of civil service laws.--A veteran employed 
     under the pilot program shall be treated as an employee as 
     defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.
       (4) Briefings and report.--
       (A) Initial briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary and the 
     Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
     Training shall jointly provide to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a briefing on the pilot program 
     under this subsection, which shall include--
       (i) a description of how the pilot program will be carried 
     out in a manner to reduce the unemployment of veterans; and
       (ii) any recommendations for legislative actions to improve 
     the pilot program.
       (B) Implementation briefing.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) 
     commences, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Labor 
     for Veterans' Employment and Training shall jointly provide 
     to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the 
     implementation of the pilot program.
       (C) Final report.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which the pilot program under subsection (a) terminates under 
     paragraph (5), the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of 
     Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training shall jointly 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     on the pilot program that includes the following:
       (i) The number of veterans who applied to participate in 
     the pilot program.
       (ii) The number of such veterans employed under the pilot 
     program.
       (iii) The number of veterans identified in clause (ii) who 
     transitioned to full-time positions with the Federal 
     Government after participating in the pilot program.
       (iv) Any other information the Secretary and the Assistant 
     Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training 
     determine appropriate with respect to measuring the 
     effectiveness of the pilot program.
       (5) Duration.--The authority to carry out the pilot program 
     under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 2 
     years after the date on which the pilot program commences.
       (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
       (d) Outdoor Recreation Program Attendance.--Each Secretary 
     of a military department is encouraged to allow members of 
     the Armed Forces on active duty status to participate in 
     programs related to environmental stewardship or guided 
     outdoor recreation.

                        Subtitle C--Youth Access

     SEC. 231. INCREASING YOUTH RECREATION VISITS TO FEDERAL LAND.

       (a) Strategy.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Secretaries, acting jointly, 
     shall develop and make public a strategy to increase the 
     number of youth recreation visits to Federal recreational 
     lands and waters.
       (b) Requirements.--A strategy developed under subsection 
     (a)--
       (1) shall--
       (A) emphasize increased recreation opportunities on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters for underserved youth;
       (B) establish objectives and quantifiable targets for 
     increasing youth recreation visits; and

[[Page H2177]]

       (C) provide the anticipated costs to achieve the objectives 
     and meet the targets established under subparagraph (B); and
       (2) shall not establish any preference between similar 
     recreation facilitated by noncommercial or commercial 
     entities.
       (c) Update to Strategy.--Not later than 5 years after the 
     date of the publication of the strategy required under 
     subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretaries 
     shall update the strategy and make public the update.
       (d) Agreements.--The Secretaries may enter into contracts 
     or cost-share agreements (including contracts or agreements 
     for the acquisition of vehicles) to carry out this section.

     SEC. 232. EVERY KID OUTDOORS ACT EXTENSION.

       Section 9001(b) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, 
     Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``during the period 
     beginning on September 1 and ending on August 31 of the 
     following year'' and inserting ``for a 12-month period that 
     begins on a date determined by the Secretaries''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``the date that is 7 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2031''.

          TITLE III--SIMPLIFYING OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR RECREATION

     SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Commercial use authorization.--The term ``commercial 
     use authorization'' means a commercial use authorization to 
     provide services to visitors to units of the National Park 
     System under subchapter II of chapter 1019 of title 54, 
     United States Code.
       (2) Multijurisdictional trip.--The term 
     ``multijurisdictional trip'' means a trip that--
       (A) uses 2 or more units of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters; and
       (B) is under the jurisdiction of 2 or more Federal land 
     management agencies.
       (3) Recreation service provider.--The term ``recreation 
     service provider'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 
     U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by section 311).
       (4) Special recreation permit.--The term ``special 
     recreation permit'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 
     U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by section 311).
       (5) Visitor-use day.--The term ``visitor-use day'' means a 
     visitor-use day, user day, launch, or other metric used by 
     the Secretary concerned for purposes of authorizing use under 
     a special recreation permit.

             Subtitle A--Modernizing Recreation Permitting

     SEC. 311. SPECIAL RECREATION PERMIT AND FEE.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 802 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``this Act'' and inserting ``this title'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 3(f)'' and 
     inserting ``section 803(f)'';
       (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 3(g)'' and 
     inserting ``section 803(g)'';
       (4) in paragraph (6), by striking ``section 5'' and 
     inserting ``section 805'';
       (5) in paragraph (9), by striking ``section 5'' and 
     inserting ``section 805'';
       (6) in paragraph (12), by striking ``section 7'' and 
     inserting ``section 807'';
       (7) in paragraph (13), by striking ``section 3(h)'' and 
     inserting ``section 803(h)(2)'';
       (8) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), 
     (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), and (13) as paragraphs (15), (1), 
     (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (11), (10), and (14), 
     respectively, and arranging the paragraphs (as so 
     redesignated) to appear in numerical order;
       (9) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(9) Recreation service provider.--The term `recreation 
     service provider' means a person that provides recreational 
     services to the public under a special recreation permit 
     under clause (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (13)(A).'';
       (10) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
       ``(13) Special recreation permit.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `special recreation permit' 
     means a permit issued by a Federal land management agency for 
     the use of Federal recreational lands and waters--
       ``(i) for a specialized recreational use not described in 
     clause (ii), (iii), or (iv), such as--

       ``(I) an organizational camp;
       ``(II) a single event that does not require an entry or 
     participation fee that is not strictly a sharing of expenses 
     for the purposes of the event; and
       ``(III) participation by the public in a recreation 
     activity or recreation use of a specific area of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters in which use by the public is 
     allocated;

       ``(ii) for a large-group activity or event of 75 
     participants or more;
       ``(iii) for--

       ``(I) at the discretion of the Secretary, a single 
     organized group recreation activity or event (including an 
     activity or event in which motorized recreational vehicles 
     are used or in which outfitting and guiding services are 
     used) that--

       ``(aa) is a structured or scheduled event or activity;
       ``(bb) is not competitive and is for fewer than 75 
     participants;
       ``(cc) may charge an entry or participation fee;
       ``(dd) involves fewer than 200 visitor-use days; and
       ``(ee) is undertaken or provided by the recreation service 
     provider at the same site not more frequently than 3 times a 
     year;

       ``(II) a single competitive event; or
       ``(III) at the discretion of the Secretary, a recurring 
     organized group recreation activity (including an outfitting 
     and guiding activity) that--

       ``(aa) is a structured or scheduled activity;
       ``(bb) is not competitive;
       ``(cc) may charge a participation fee;
       ``(dd) occurs in a group size of fewer than 7 participants;
       ``(ee) involves fewer than 40 visitor-use days; and
       ``(ff) is undertaken or provided by the recreation service 
     provider for a term of not more than 180 days; or
       ``(iv) for--

       ``(I) a recurring outfitting, guiding, or, at the 
     discretion of the Secretary, other recreation service, the 
     authorization for which is for a term of not more than 10 
     years; or
       ``(II) a recurring outfitting, guiding, or, at the 
     discretion of the Secretary, other recreation service, that 
     occurs under a temporary special recreation permit authorized 
     under section 316 of the EXPLORE Act.

       ``(B) Exclusions.--The term `special recreation permit' 
     does not include--
       ``(i) a concession contract for the provision of 
     accommodations, facilities, or services;
       ``(ii) a commercial use authorization issued under section 
     101925 of title 54, United States Code; or
       ``(iii) any other type of permit, including a special use 
     permit administered by the National Park Service.''; and
       (11) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(16) State.--The term `State' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the 
     United States.''.
       (b) Special Recreation Permits and Fees.--Section 803 of 
     the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking ``this Act'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``this title'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``section 4(d)'' and 
     inserting ``section 804(d)''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
       ``(h) Special Recreation Permits and Fees.--
       ``(1) Special recreation permits.--
       ``(A) Applications.--The Secretary--
       ``(i) may develop and make available to the public an 
     application to obtain a special recreation permit described 
     in clause (i) of section 802(13)(A); and
       ``(ii) shall develop and make available to the public an 
     application to obtain a special recreation permit described 
     in each of clauses (ii) through (iv) of section 802(13)(A).
       ``(B) Issuance of permits.--On review of a completed 
     application developed under subparagraph (A), as applicable, 
     and a determination by the Secretary that the applicant is 
     eligible for the special recreation permit, the Secretary may 
     issue to the applicant a special recreation permit, subject 
     to any terms and conditions that are determined to be 
     necessary by the Secretary.
       ``(C) Incidental sales.--A special recreation permit issued 
     under this paragraph may include an authorization for sales 
     that are incidental in nature to the permitted use of the 
     Federal recreational lands and waters, except where otherwise 
     prohibited by law.
       ``(2) Special recreation permit fees.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may charge a special 
     recreation permit fee for the issuance of a special 
     recreation permit in accordance with this paragraph.
       ``(B) Predetermined special recreation permit fees.--
       ``(i) In general.--For purposes of subparagraphs (D) and 
     (E) of this paragraph, the Secretary shall establish and may 
     charge a predetermined fee, described in clause (ii) of this 
     subparagraph, for a special recreation permit described in 
     clause (iii) or (iv) of section 802(13)(A) for a specific 
     type of use on a unit of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, consistent with the criteria set forth in clause 
     (iii) of this subparagraph.
       ``(ii) Type of fee.--A predetermined fee described in 
     clause (i) shall be--

       ``(I) a fixed fee that is assessed per special recreation 
     permit, including a fee with an associated size limitation or 
     other criteria as determined to be appropriate by the 
     Secretary; or
       ``(II) an amount assessed per visitor-use day.

       ``(iii) Criteria.--A predetermined fee under clause (i) 
     shall--

       ``(I) have been established before the date of the 
     enactment of the EXPLORE Act;
       ``(II) be established after the date of the enactment of 
     the EXPLORE Act, in accordance with subsection (b);
       ``(III)(aa) be established after the date of the enactment 
     of the EXPLORE Act; and
       ``(bb) be comparable to an amount described in subparagraph 
     (D)(ii) or (E)(ii), as applicable; or
       ``(IV) beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date 
     of the enactment of the EXPLORE Act, be $6 per visitor-use 
     day in instances in which the Secretary has not established a 
     predetermined fee under subclause (I), (II), or (III).

       ``(C) Calculation of fees for specialized recreational uses 
     and large-group activities or events.--The Secretary may, at 
     the

[[Page H2178]]

     discretion of the Secretary, establish and charge a fee for a 
     special recreation permit described in clause (i) or (ii) of 
     section 802(13)(A).
       ``(D) Calculation of fees for single organized group 
     recreation activities or events, competitive events, and 
     certain recurring organized group recreation activities.--If 
     the Secretary elects to charge a fee for a special recreation 
     permit described in section 802(13)(A)(iii), the Secretary 
     shall charge the recreation service provider, based on the 
     election of the recreation service provider--
       ``(i) the applicable predetermined fee established under 
     subparagraph (B); or
       ``(ii) an amount equal to a percentage of, to be determined 
     by the Secretary, but to not to exceed 5 percent of, adjusted 
     gross receipts calculated under subparagraph (F).
       ``(E) Calculation of fees for temporary permits and long-
     term permits.--Subject to subparagraph (G), if the Secretary 
     elects to charge a fee for a special recreation permit 
     described in section 802(13)(A)(iv), the Secretary shall 
     charge the recreation service provider, based on the election 
     of the recreation service provider--
       ``(i) the applicable predetermined fee established under 
     subparagraph (B); or
       ``(ii) an amount equal to a percentage of, to be determined 
     by the Secretary, but not to exceed 3 percent of, adjusted 
     gross receipts calculated under subparagraph (F).
       ``(F) Adjusted gross receipts.--For the purposes of 
     subparagraphs (D)(ii) and (E)(ii), the Secretary shall 
     calculate the adjusted gross receipts collected for each trip 
     or event authorized under a special recreation permit, using 
     either of the following calculations, based on the election 
     of the recreation service provider:
       ``(i) The sum of--

       ``(I) the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(aa) the general amount paid by participants of the trip 
     or event to the recreation service provider for the 
     applicable trip or event (excluding amounts related to goods, 
     souvenirs, merchandise, gear, and additional food provided or 
     sold by the recreation service provider); and
       ``(bb) the quotient obtained by dividing--
       ``(AA) the number of days of the trip or event that 
     occurred on Federal recreational lands and waters covered by 
     the special recreation permit, rounded to the nearest whole 
     day; by
       ``(BB) the total number of days of the trip or event; and

       ``(II) the amount of any additional revenue received by the 
     recreation service provider for an add-on activity or an 
     optional excursion that occurred on the Federal recreational 
     lands and waters covered by the special recreation permit.

       ``(ii) The difference between--

       ``(I) the total cost paid by the participants of the trip 
     or event for the trip or event to the recreation service 
     provider, including any additional revenue received by the 
     recreation service provider for an add-on activity or an 
     optional excursion that occurred on the Federal recreational 
     lands and waters covered by the special recreation permit; 
     and
       ``(II) the sum of--

       ``(aa) the amount of any revenues from goods, souvenirs, 
     merchandise, gear, and additional food provided or sold by 
     the recreation service provider to the participants of the 
     applicable trip or event;
       ``(bb) the amount of any costs or revenues from services 
     and activities provided or sold by the recreation service 
     provider to the participants of the trip or event that 
     occurred in a location other than the Federal recreational 
     lands and waters covered by the special recreation permit 
     (including costs for travel and lodging outside the Federal 
     recreational lands and waters covered by the special 
     recreation permit); and
       ``(cc) the amount of any revenues from any service provided 
     by a recreation service provider for an activity on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters that is not covered by the 
     special recreation permit.
       ``(G) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (E), the 
     Secretary may charge a recreation service provider a minimum 
     annual fee for a special recreation permit described in 
     section 802(13)(A)(iv).
       ``(H) Savings clauses.--
       ``(i) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph affects any fee 
     for--

       ``(I) a concession contract administered by the National 
     Park Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     for the provision of accommodations, facilities, or services; 
     or
       ``(II) a commercial use authorization or special use permit 
     for use of Federal recreational lands and waters managed by 
     the National Park Service.

       ``(ii) Cost recovery.--Nothing in this paragraph affects 
     the ability of the Secretary to recover any administrative 
     costs under section 320 of the EXPLORE Act.
       ``(iii) Special recreation permit fees and other recreation 
     fees.--The collection of a special recreation permit fee 
     under this paragraph shall not affect the authority of the 
     Secretary to collect an entrance fee, a standard amenity 
     recreation fee, or an expanded amenity recreation fee 
     authorized under subsections (e), (f), and (g).
       ``(i) Disclosure of Recreation Fees and Use of Recreation 
     Fees.--
       ``(1) Notice of entrance fees, standard amenity recreation 
     fees, expanded amenity recreation fees, and available 
     recreation passes.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall post clear notice of 
     any entrance fee, standard amenity recreation fee, expanded 
     amenity recreation fee, and available recreation passes--
       ``(i) at appropriate locations in each unit or area of 
     Federal recreational land and waters at which an entrance 
     fee, standard amenity recreation fee, or expanded amenity 
     recreation fee is charged; and
       ``(ii) on the appropriate website for such unit or area.
       ``(B) Publications.--The Secretary shall include in 
     publications distributed at a unit or area or described in 
     subparagraph (A) the notice described in that subparagraph.
       ``(2) Notice of uses of recreation fees.--Beginning on 
     January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall annually post, at the 
     location at which a recreation fee described in paragraph 
     (1)(A) is collected, clear notice of--
       ``(A) the total recreation fees collected during each of 
     the 2 preceding fiscal years at the respective unit or area 
     of the Federal land management agency; and
       ``(B) each use during the preceding fiscal year of the 
     applicable recreation fee or recreation pass revenues 
     collected under this section.
       ``(3) Notice of recreation fee projects.--To the extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall post clear notice at the 
     location at which work is performed using recreation fee and 
     recreation pass revenues collected under this section.
       ``(4) Centralized reporting on agency websites.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2025, and not 
     later than 60 days after the beginning of each fiscal year 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall post on the website of the 
     applicable Federal land management agency a searchable list 
     of each use during the preceding fiscal year of the 
     recreation fee or recreation pass revenues collected under 
     this section.
       ``(B) List components.--The list required under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to each use 
     described in that subparagraph--
       ``(i) a title and description of the overall project;
       ``(ii) a title and description for each component of the 
     project;
       ``(iii) the location of the project; and
       ``(iv) the amount obligated for the project.
       ``(5) Notice to customers.--A recreation service provider 
     may inform a customer of the recreation service provider of 
     any fee charged by the Secretary under this section.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 804 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6803) is amended by 
     striking subsection (e).
       (d) Use of Special Recreation Permit Revenue.--Section 808 
     of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 
     6807) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``this Act'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``this title'';
       (2) in subsection (a)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``6(a) or a visitor 
     reservation service.'' and inserting ``806(a) or a visitor 
     reservation service;''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) the processing of special recreation permit 
     applications and administration of special recreation 
     permits; and
       ``(H) the improvement of the operation of the special 
     recreation permit program under section 803(h).''; and
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 5(a)(7)'' and 
     inserting ``section 805(a)(7)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 5(d)'' and 
     inserting ``section 805(d)''.
       (e) Reauthorization.--Section 810 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6809) is amended by 
     striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2031''.

     SEC. 312. PERMITTING PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--To simplify the process of the issuance 
     and or reissuance of special recreation permits and reduce 
     the cost of administering special recreation permits under 
     section 803(h) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by this title), the 
     Secretaries shall each--
       (1) during the period beginning on January 1, 2021, and 
     ending on January 1, 2025--
       (A) evaluate the process for issuing special recreation 
     permits; and
       (B) based on the evaluation under subparagraph (A), 
     identify opportunities to--
       (i) eliminate duplicative processes with respect to issuing 
     special recreation permits;
       (ii) reduce costs for the issuance of special recreation 
     permits;
       (iii) decrease processing times for special recreation 
     permits; and
       (iv) issue simplified special recreation permits, including 
     special recreation permits for an organized group recreation 
     activity or event under subsection (e); and
       (2) not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
     Secretaries complete their respective evaluation and 
     identification processes under paragraph (1), revise, as 
     necessary, relevant agency regulations and guidance 
     documents, including regulations and guidance documents 
     relating to the environmental review process, for special 
     recreation permits to implement the improvements identified 
     under paragraph (1)(B).
       (b) Environmental Reviews.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, utilize available tools, 
     including tiering to

[[Page H2179]]

     existing programmatic reviews, as appropriate, to facilitate 
     an effective and efficient environmental review process for 
     activities undertaken by the Secretary concerned relating to 
     the issuance of special recreation permits.
       (2) Categorical exclusions.--Not later than 2 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary 
     concerned shall--
       (A) evaluate whether existing categorical exclusions 
     available to the Secretary concerned on the date of the 
     enactment of this title are consistent with the provisions of 
     this title;
       (B) evaluate whether a modification of an existing 
     categorical exclusion or the establishment of 1 or more new 
     categorical exclusions developed in compliance with the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.) is necessary to undertake an activity described in 
     paragraph (1) in a manner consistent with the authorities and 
     requirements in this title; and
       (C) revise relevant agency regulations and policy 
     statements and guidance documents, as necessary, to modify 
     existing categorical exclusions or incorporate new 
     categorical exclusions based on evaluations conducted under 
     this paragraph.
       (c) Needs Assessments.--Except as required under subsection 
     (c) or (d) of section 4 of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1133), the Secretary concerned shall not conduct a needs 
     assessment as a condition of issuing a special recreation 
     permit under section 803(h) of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by this title).
       (d) Online Applications.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this title, the Secretaries shall 
     make the application for a special recreation permit under 
     section 803(h) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by this title), including a 
     reissuance of a special recreation permit under that section, 
     available for completion and submission--
       (1) online;
       (2) by mail or electronic mail; and
       (3) in person at the field office for the applicable 
     Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (e) Special Recreation Permits for an Organized Group 
     Recreation Activity or Event.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Special recreation permit for an organized group 
     recreation activity or event.--The term ``special recreation 
     permit for an organized group recreation activity or event'' 
     means a special recreation permit described in subclause (I) 
     or (III) of paragraph (13)(A)(iii) of section 802 of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as 
     amended by this title).
       (B) Youth group.--The term ``youth group'' means a 
     recreation service provider that predominantly serves 
     individuals not older than 25 years of age.
       (2) Exemption from certain allocations of use.--If the 
     Secretary concerned allocates visitor-use days available for 
     an area or activity on Federal recreational lands and waters 
     among recreation service providers that hold a permit 
     described in paragraph (13)(A)(iv) of section 802 of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as 
     amended by this title), a special recreation permit for an 
     organized group recreation activity or event shall not be 
     subject to that allocation of visitor-use days.
       (3) Issuance.--In accordance with paragraphs (5) and (6), 
     if use by the general public is not subject to a limited 
     entry permit system and if capacity is available for the 
     times or days in which the proposed activity or event would 
     be undertaken, on request of a recreation service provider 
     (including a youth group) to conduct an organized group 
     recreation activity or event described in subclause (I) or 
     (III) of paragraph (13)(A)(iii) of section 802 of the Federal 
     Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended 
     by this title), the Secretary concerned--
       (A) shall make a nominal effects determination to determine 
     whether the proposed activity or event would have more than 
     nominal effects on Federal recreational lands and waters, 
     resources, and programs; and
       (B)(i) shall not require a recreation service provider 
     (including a youth group) to obtain a special recreation 
     permit for an organized group recreation activity or event if 
     the Secretary concerned determines--
       (I) the proposed activity or event to be undertaken would 
     have only nominal effects on Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, resources, and programs; and
       (II) establishing additional terms and conditions for the 
     proposed activity or event is not necessary to protect or 
     avoid conflict on or with Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, resources, and programs;
       (ii) in the case of an organized group recreation activity 
     or event described in section 802(13)(A)(iii)(I) of that Act, 
     may issue to a recreation service provider (including a youth 
     group) a special recreation permit for an organized group 
     recreation activity or event, subject to any terms and 
     conditions as are determined to be appropriate by the 
     Secretary concerned, if the Secretary concerned determines--
       (I) the proposed activity or event to be undertaken would 
     have only nominal effects on Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, resources, and programs; and
       (II) establishing additional terms and conditions for the 
     proposed activity or event is necessary to protect or avoid 
     conflict on or with Federal recreational lands and waters, 
     resources, and programs;
       (iii) in the case of an organized group recreation activity 
     or event described in section 802(13)(A)(iii)(III) of that 
     Act, shall issue to a recreation service provider (including 
     a youth group) a special recreation permit for an organized 
     group recreation activity or event, subject to such terms and 
     conditions determined to be appropriate by the Secretary 
     concerned, if the Secretary concerned determines--
       (I) the proposed activity or event to be undertaken would 
     have only nominal effects on Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, resources, and programs; and
       (II) establishing additional terms and conditions for the 
     proposed activity or event is necessary to protect or avoid 
     conflict on or with Federal recreational lands and waters, 
     resources, and programs; and
       (iv) may issue to a recreation service provider (including 
     a youth group) a special recreation permit for an organized 
     group recreation activity or event, subject to any terms and 
     conditions determined to be appropriate by the Secretary 
     concerned, if the Secretary concerned determines--
       (I) the proposed activity or event to be undertaken may 
     have more than nominal effects on Federal recreational lands 
     and waters, resources, and programs; and
       (II) establishing additional terms and conditions for the 
     proposed activity or event would be necessary to protect or 
     avoid conflict on or with Federal recreational lands and 
     waters, resources, and programs.
       (4) Fees.--The Secretary concerned may elect not to charge 
     a fee to a recreation service provider (including a youth 
     group) for a special recreation permit for an organized group 
     recreation activity or event.
       (5) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection prevents 
     the Secretary concerned from limiting or abating the 
     allowance of a proposed activity or event under paragraph 
     (3)(B)(i) or the issuance of a special recreation permit for 
     an organized group recreation activity or event, based on 
     resource conditions, administrative burdens, or safety 
     issues.
       (6) Qualifications.--A special recreation permit for an 
     organized group recreation activity or event issued under 
     paragraph (3) shall be subject to the health and safety 
     standards required by the Secretary concerned for a permit 
     issued under paragraph (13)(A)(iv) of section 802 of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as 
     amended by this title).

     SEC. 313. PERMIT FLEXIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary concerned shall establish 
     guidelines to allow a holder of a special recreation permit 
     under subsection (h) of section 803 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by 
     this title), to engage in another recreational activity under 
     the special recreation permit that is substantially similar 
     to the specific activity authorized under the special 
     recreation permit.
       (b) Criteria.--For the purposes of this section, a 
     recreational activity shall be considered to be a 
     substantially similar recreational activity if the 
     recreational activity--
       (1) is comparable in type, nature, scope, and ecological 
     setting to the specific activity authorized under the special 
     recreation permit;
       (2) does not result in a greater impact on natural and 
     cultural resources than the impact of the authorized 
     activity;
       (3) does not adversely affect--
       (A) any other holder of a special recreation permit or 
     other permit; or
       (B) any other authorized use of the Federal recreational 
     lands and waters; and
       (4) is consistent with--
       (A) any applicable laws (including regulations); and
       (B) the land management plan, resource management plan, or 
     equivalent plan applicable to the Federal recreational lands 
     and waters.
       (c) Surrender of Unused Visitor-Use Days.--
       (1) In general.--A recreation service provider holding a 
     special recreation permit described in paragraph (13)(A)(iv) 
     of section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by this title) may--
       (A) notify the Secretary concerned of an inability to use 
     visitor-use days annually allocated to the recreation service 
     provider under the special recreation permit; and
       (B) surrender to the Secretary concerned the unused 
     visitor-use days for the applicable year for temporary 
     reassignment under section 318(b).
       (2) Determination.--To ensure a recreation service provider 
     described in paragraph (1) is able to make an informed 
     decision before surrendering any unused visitor-use day under 
     paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary concerned shall, on the 
     request of the applicable recreation service provider, 
     determine and notify the recreation service provider whether 
     the unused visitor-use day meets the requirement described in 
     section 317(b)(3)(B) before the recreation service provider 
     surrenders the unused visitor-use day.
       (d) Effect.--Nothing in this section affects any authority 
     of, regulation issued by, or decision of the Secretary 
     concerned relating to the use of electric bicycles on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters under any other Federal law.

     SEC. 314. PERMIT ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Permit Availability.--

[[Page H2180]]

       (1) Notifications of permit availability.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in 
     an area of Federal recreational lands and waters in which use 
     by recreation service providers is allocated, if the 
     Secretary concerned determines that visitor-use days are 
     available for allocation to recreation service providers or 
     holders of a commercial use authorization for outfitting and 
     guiding, the Secretary concerned shall publish that 
     information on the website of the agency that administers the 
     applicable area of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph--
       (i) applies to--

       (I) the reissuance of an existing special recreation permit 
     or commercial use authorization for outfitting and guiding; 
     or
       (II) the issuance of a new special recreation permit or new 
     commercial use authorization for outfitting and guiding 
     issued to the purchaser of--

       (aa) a recreation service provider that is the holder of an 
     existing special recreation permit; or
       (bb) a holder of an existing commercial use authorization 
     for outfitting and guiding; or
       (ii) creates a prerequisite to the issuance of a special 
     recreation permit or commercial use authorization for 
     outfitting and guiding or otherwise limits the authority of 
     the Secretary concerned--

       (I) to issue a new special recreation permit or new 
     commercial use authorization for outfitting and guiding; or
       (II) to add a new or additional use to an existing special 
     recreation permit or an existing commercial use authorization 
     for outfitting and guiding.

       (2) Updates.--The Secretary concerned shall ensure that 
     information published on the website under this subsection is 
     consistently updated to provide current and correct 
     information to the public.
       (3) Electronic mail notifications.--The Secretary concerned 
     shall establish a system by which potential applicants for 
     special recreation permits or commercial use authorizations 
     for outfitting and guiding may subscribe to receive 
     notification by electronic mail of the availability of 
     special recreation permits under section 803(h)(1) of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as 
     amended by this title) or commercial use authorizations for 
     outfitting and guiding.
       (b) Permit Application or Proposal Acknowledgment.--Not 
     later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary 
     concerned receives a completed application or a complete 
     proposal for a special recreation permit under section 
     803(h)(1) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 
     U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by this title), the Secretary 
     concerned shall--
       (1) provide to the applicant notice acknowledging receipt 
     of the application or proposal; and
       (2)(A) issue a final decision with respect to the 
     application or proposal; or
       (B) provide to the applicant notice of a projected date for 
     a final decision on the application or proposal.
       (c) Effect.--Nothing in this section applies to a 
     concession contract issued by the National Park Service for 
     the provision of accommodations, facilities, or services.

     SEC. 315. SERVICE FIRST INITIATIVE; PERMITS FOR 
                   MULTIJURISDICTIONAL TRIPS.

       (a) Repeal.--Section 330 of the Department of the Interior 
     and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (43 U.S.C. 
     1703), is repealed.
       (b) Cooperative Action and Sharing of Resources by the 
     Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture.--
       (1) In general.--For fiscal year 2024, and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, the Secretaries may carry out an initiative, to 
     be known as the ``Service First Initiative'', under which the 
     Secretaries, or Federal land management agencies within their 
     departments, may--
       (A) establish programs to conduct projects, planning, 
     permitting, leasing, contracting, and other activities, 
     either jointly or on behalf of one another;
       (B) co-locate in Federal offices and facilities leased by 
     an agency of the Department of the Interior or the Department 
     of Agriculture; and
       (C) issue rules to test the feasibility of issuing unified 
     permits, applications, and leases, subject to the limitations 
     in this section.
       (2) Delegations of authority.--The Secretaries may make 
     reciprocal delegations of the respective authorities, duties, 
     and responsibilities of the Secretaries in support of the 
     Service First Initiative agency-wide to promote customer 
     service and efficiency.
       (3) Effect.--Nothing in this section alters, expands, or 
     limits the applicability of any law (including regulations) 
     to land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, 
     National Park Service, United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, or the Forest Service or matters under the 
     jurisdiction of any other bureaus or offices of the 
     Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture, 
     as applicable.
       (4) Transfers of funding.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations and to facilitate the sharing of resources 
     under the Service First Initiative, the Secretaries are 
     authorized to mutually transfer funds between, or reimburse 
     amounts expended from, appropriate accounts of either 
     Department on an annual basis, including transfers and 
     reimbursements for multiyear projects, except that this 
     authority may not be used in a manner that circumvents 
     requirements or limitations imposed on the use of any of the 
     funds so transferred or reimbursed.
       (5) Report.--The Secretaries shall submit an annual report 
     to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the Senate describing the activities undertaken 
     as part of the Service First Initiative in the prior year.
       (c) Pilot Program for Special Recreation Permits for 
     Multijurisdictional Trips.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretaries shall establish 
     a pilot program to offer to a person seeking an authorization 
     for a multijurisdictional trip a set of separate special 
     recreation permits or commercial use authorizations that 
     authorizes the use of each unit of Federal recreational lands 
     and waters on which the multijurisdictional trip occurs, 
     subject to the authorities that apply to the applicable unit 
     of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (2) Minimum number of permits.--Not later than 4 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this title, the 
     Secretaries shall issue not fewer than 10 sets of separate 
     special recreation permits described in paragraph (13)(A)(iv) 
     of section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by this title) or commercial 
     use authorizations under the pilot program established under 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) Lead agencies.--In carrying out the pilot program 
     established under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall--
       (A) designate a lead agency for issuing and administering a 
     set of separate special recreation permits or commercial use 
     authorizations; and
       (B) select not fewer than 4 offices at which a person shall 
     be able to apply for a set of separate special recreation 
     permits or commercial use authorizations, of which--
       (i) not fewer than 2 offices are managed by the Secretary; 
     and
       (ii) not fewer than 2 offices are managed by the Secretary 
     of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest 
     Service.
       (4) Retention of authority by the applicable secretary.--
     Each of the Secretaries shall retain the authority to enforce 
     the terms, stipulations, conditions, and agreements in a set 
     of separate special recreation permits or commercial use 
     authorizations issued under the pilot program established 
     under paragraph (1) that apply specifically to the use 
     occurring on the Federal recreational lands and waters 
     managed by the applicable Secretary, under the authorities 
     that apply to the applicable Federal recreational lands and 
     waters.
       (5) Option to apply for separate special recreation permits 
     or commercial use authorizations.--A person seeking the 
     appropriate permits or authorizations for a 
     multijurisdictional trip may apply for--
       (A) a separate special recreation permit or commercial use 
     authorization for the use of each unit of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters on which the 
     multijurisdictional trip occurs; or
       (B) a set of separate special recreational permits or 
     commercial use authorizations made available under the pilot 
     program established under paragraph (1).
       (6) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection applies to a 
     concession contract issued by the National Park Service for 
     the provision of accommodations, facilities, or services.

     SEC. 316. FOREST SERVICE AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 
                   TEMPORARY SPECIAL RECREATION PERMITS FOR 
                   OUTFITTING AND GUIDING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this title, the Secretary concerned shall 
     establish and implement a program to authorize the issuance 
     of temporary special recreation permits for new or additional 
     recreational uses of Federal recreational land and water 
     managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (b) Term of Temporary Permits.--A temporary special 
     recreation permit issued under paragraph (1) shall be issued 
     for a period of not more than 2 years.
       (c) Conversion to Long-term Permit.--If the Secretary 
     concerned determines that a permittee under paragraph (1) has 
     completed 2 years of satisfactory operation under the permit 
     proposed to be converted, the Secretary may provide for the 
     conversion of a temporary special recreation permit issued 
     under paragraph (1) to a long-term special recreation permit.
       (d) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection alters or affects 
     the authority of the Secretary to issue a special recreation 
     permit under subsection (h)(1) of section 803 of the Federal 
     Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended 
     by this title).

     SEC. 317. REVIEWS FOR LONG-TERM PERMITS.

       (a) Monitoring.--The Secretary concerned shall monitor each 
     recreation service provider issued a special recreation 
     permit for compliance with the terms of the permit--
       (1) not less than annually or as frequently as needed (as 
     determined by the Secretary concerned), in the case of a 
     temporary special recreation permit for outfitting and 
     guiding issued under section 316; and
       (2) not less than once every 2 years or as frequently as 
     needed (as determined by the Secretary concerned), in the 
     case of a special recreation permit described in paragraph 
     (13)(A)(iv)(I) of section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation 
     Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by this title) 
     that is issued for a term of not more than 10 years.

[[Page H2181]]

       (b) Use-of-Allocation Reviews.--
       (1) In general.--If the Secretary of Agriculture, acting 
     through the Chief of the Forest Service, or the Secretary, as 
     applicable, allocates visitor-use days among special 
     recreation permits for outfitting and guiding, the Secretary 
     of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest 
     Service, shall, and the Secretary may, review the use by the 
     recreation service provider of the visitor-use days allocated 
     under a long-term special recreation permit described in 
     paragraph (13)(A)(iv)(I) of section 802 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by 
     this title), once every 5 years.
       (2) Requirements of the review.--In conducting a review 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall 
     determine--
       (A) the number of visitor-use days that the recreation 
     service provider used each year under the special recreation 
     permit, in accordance with paragraph (3); and
       (B) the year in which the recreation service provider used 
     the most visitor-use days under the special recreation 
     permit.
       (3) Consideration of surrendered, unused visitor-use 
     days.--For the purposes of determining the number of visitor-
     use days a recreation service provider used in a specified 
     year under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of Agriculture, 
     acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, and the 
     Secretary, as applicable, shall consider an unused visitor-
     use day that has been surrendered under section 313(c)(1)(B) 
     as--
       (A) 1/2 of a visitor-use day used; or
       (B) 1 visitor-use day used, if the Secretary concerned 
     determines the use of the allocated visitor-use day had been 
     or will be prevented by a circumstance beyond the control of 
     the recreation service provider.

     SEC. 318. ADJUSTMENT OF ALLOCATED VISITOR-USE DAYS.

       (a) Adjustments Following Use of Allocation Reviews.--On 
     the completion of a use-of-allocation review conducted under 
     section 317(b) for a special recreation permit described in 
     paragraph (13)(A)(iv)(I) of section 802 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by 
     this title), the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the 
     Chief of the Forest Service, or the Secretary, as applicable, 
     shall adjust the number of visitor-use days allocated to a 
     recreation service provider under the special recreation 
     permit as follows:
       (1) If the Secretary concerned determines that the 
     performance of the recreation service provider was 
     satisfactory during the most recent review conducted under 
     subsection (a) of section 317, the annual number of visitor-
     use days allocated for each remaining year of the permit 
     shall be equal to 125 percent of the number of visitor-use 
     days used, as determined under subsection (b)(2)(A) of that 
     section, during the year identified under subsection 
     (b)(2)(B) of that section, not to exceed the level allocated 
     to the recreation service provider on the date on which the 
     special recreation permit was issued.
       (2) If the Secretary concerned determines the performance 
     of the recreation service provider is less than satisfactory 
     during the most recent performance review conducted under 
     subsection (a) of section 317, the annual number of visitor-
     use days allocated for each remaining year of the special 
     recreation permit shall be equal to not more than 100 percent 
     of the number of visitor-use days used, as determined under 
     subsection (b)(2)(A) of that section during the year 
     identified under subsection (b)(2)(B) of that section.
       (b) Temporary Reassignment of Unused Visitor-Use Days.--The 
     Secretary concerned may temporarily assign unused visitor-use 
     days, made available under section 313(c)(1)(B), to--
       (1) any other existing or potential recreation service 
     provider, notwithstanding the number of visitor-use days 
     allocated to the special recreation permit holder under the 
     special recreation permit held or to be held by the 
     recreation service provider; or
       (2) any existing or potential holder of a special 
     recreation permit described in clause (i) or (iii) of 
     paragraph (13)(A) of section 802 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) (as amended by 
     this title), including the public.
       (c) Additional Capacity.--If unallocated visitor-use days 
     are available, the Secretary concerned may, at any time, 
     amend a special recreation permit to allocate additional 
     visitor-use days to a qualified recreation service provider.

     SEC. 319. LIABILITY.

       (a) Insurance Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), as a 
     condition of issuing a special recreation permit under 
     subsection (h)(1)(B) of section 803 of the Federal Lands 
     Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as amended by 
     this title) or a commercial use authorization, the Secretary 
     concerned may require the holder of the special recreation 
     permit or commercial use authorization to have a commercial 
     general liability insurance policy that--
       (A) is commensurate with the level of risk of the 
     activities to be conducted under the special recreation 
     permit or commercial use authorization; and
       (B) includes the United States as an additional insured in 
     an endorsement to the applicable policy.
       (2) Exception.--The Secretary concerned shall not require a 
     holder of a special recreation permit or commercial use 
     authorization for low-risk activities, as determined by the 
     Secretary concerned, including commemorative ceremonies and 
     participation by the public in a recreation activity or 
     recreation use of a specific area of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters in which use by the public is allocated, to 
     comply with the requirements of paragraph (1).
       (b) Indemnification by Governmental Entities.--The 
     Secretary concerned shall not require a State, State agency, 
     State institution, or political subdivision of a State to 
     indemnify the United States for tort liability as a condition 
     for issuing a special recreation permit or commercial use 
     authorization to the extent the State, State agency, State 
     institution, or political subdivision of a State is precluded 
     by State law from providing indemnification to the United 
     States for tort liability, if the State, State agency, State 
     institution, or political subdivision of the State maintains 
     the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required 
     by the Federal land management agency for the activities 
     conducted under the special recreation permit or commercial 
     use authorization in the form of--
       (1) a commercial general liability insurance policy, which 
     includes the United States as an additional insured in an 
     endorsement to the policy, if the State is authorized to 
     obtain commercial general liability insurance by State law;
       (2) self-insurance, which covers the United States as an 
     additional insured, if authorized by State law; or
       (3) a combination of the coverage described in paragraphs 
     (1) and (2).
       (c) Exculpatory Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
     Federal land management agency shall not implement, 
     administer, or enforce any regulation, guidance, or policy 
     prohibiting the use of an exculpatory agreement between a 
     recreation service provider or a holder of a commercial use 
     authorization and a customer relating to services provided 
     under a special recreation permit or a commercial use 
     authorization.
       (2) Requirements.--Any exculpatory agreement used by a 
     recreation service provider or holder of a commercial use 
     authorization for an activity authorized under a special 
     recreation permit or commercial use authorization--
       (A) shall shield the United States from any liability, if 
     otherwise allowable under Federal law; and
       (B) shall not waive any liability of the recreation service 
     provider or holder of the commercial use authorization that 
     may not be waived under the laws (including common law) of 
     the applicable State or for gross negligence, recklessness, 
     or willful misconduct.
       (3) Consistency.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretaries shall--
       (A) review the policies of the Secretaries pertaining to 
     the use of exculpatory agreements by recreation service 
     providers and holders of commercial use authorizations; and
       (B) revise any policy described in subparagraph (A) as 
     necessary to make the policies of the Secretaries pertaining 
     to the use of exculpatory agreements by recreation service 
     providers and holders of commercial use authorizations 
     consistent with this subsection and across all Federal 
     recreational lands and waters.
       (d) Effect.--Nothing in this section applies to a 
     concession contract issued by the National Park Service for 
     the provision of accommodations, facilities, or services.

     SEC. 320. COST RECOVERY REFORM.

       (a) Cost Recovery for Special Recreation Permits.--In 
     addition to a fee collected under section 803 of the Federal 
     Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) or any 
     other authorized fee collected by the Secretary concerned, 
     the Secretary concerned may assess and collect a reasonable 
     fee from an applicant for, or holder of, a special recreation 
     permit to recover administrative costs incurred by the 
     Secretary concerned for--
       (1) processing a proposal or application for the special 
     recreation permit;
       (2) issuing the special recreation permit; and
       (3) monitoring the special recreation permit to ensure 
     compliance with the terms and conditions of the special 
     recreation permit.
       (b) De Minimis Exemption From Cost Recovery.--If the 
     administrative costs described in subsection (a) are assessed 
     on an hourly basis, the Secretary concerned shall--
       (1) establish an hourly de minimis threshold that exempts a 
     specified number of hours from the assessment and collection 
     of administrative costs described in subsection (a); and
       (2) charge an applicant only for any hours that exceed the 
     de minimis threshold.
       (c) Multiple Applications.--If the Secretary concerned 
     collectively processes multiple applications for special 
     recreation permits for the same or similar services in the 
     same unit of Federal recreational lands and waters, the 
     Secretary concerned shall, to the extent practicable--
       (1) assess from the applicants the fee described in 
     subsection (a) on a prorated basis; and
       (2) apply the exemption described in subsection (b) to each 
     applicant on an individual basis.
       (d) Limitation.--The Secretary concerned shall not assess 
     or collect administrative costs under this section for a 
     programmatic environmental review.

[[Page H2182]]

       (e) Cost Reduction.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     agency processing an application for a special recreation 
     permit shall use existing studies and analysis to reduce the 
     quantity of work and costs necessary to process the 
     application.

     SEC. 321. AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL 
                   RECREATION PASSES.

       (a) In General.--The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
     Act is amended by inserting after section 805 (16 U.S.C. 
     6804) the following:

     ``SEC. 805A. AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL 
                   RECREATION PASSES.

       ``(a) Establishment of Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--To improve the availability of Federal, 
     State, and local outdoor recreation passes, the Secretaries 
     are encouraged to coordinate with States and counties 
     regarding the availability of Federal, State, and local 
     recreation passes to allow a purchaser to buy a Federal 
     recreation pass, State recreation pass, and local recreation 
     pass in a single transaction.
       ``(2) Included passes.--Passes covered by the program 
     established under paragraph (1) include--
       ``(A) an America the Beautiful--the National Parks and 
     Federal Recreational Lands Pass under section 805; and
       ``(B) any pass covering any fees charged by participating 
     States and counties for entrance and recreational use of 
     parks and public land in the participating States.
       ``(b) Agreements With States and Counties.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretaries, after consultation with 
     the States and counties, may enter into agreements with 
     States and counties to coordinate the availability of passes 
     as described in subsection (a).
       ``(2) Revenue from pass sales.--Agreements between the 
     Secretaries, States, and counties entered into pursuant to 
     this section shall ensure that--
       ``(A) funds from the sale of State or local passes are 
     transferred to the appropriate State agency or county 
     government;
       ``(B) funds from the sale of Federal passes are transferred 
     to the appropriate Federal agency; and
       ``(C) fund transfers are completed by the end of a fiscal 
     year for all pass sales occurring during the fiscal year.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 805 the 
     following:

``Sec. 805A. Availability of Federal, State, and local recreation 
              passes.''.

     SEC. 322. ONLINE PURCHASES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIGITAL 
                   VERSION OF AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL--THE NATIONAL 
                   PARKS AND FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS PASSES.

       (a) Online Purchases of America the Beautiful-The National 
     Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.--Section 805(a)(6) 
     of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 
     6804(a)(6)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretaries shall sell or otherwise 
     make available the National Parks and Federal Recreational 
     Lands Pass--
       ``(i) at all Federal recreational lands and waters at 
     which--

       ``(I) an entrance fee or a standard amenity recreation fee 
     is charged; and
       ``(II) such sales or distribution of the Pass is feasible;

       ``(ii) at such other locations as the Secretaries consider 
     appropriate and feasible; and
       ``(iii) through a prominent link to a centralized pass sale 
     system on the website of each of the Federal land management 
     agencies and the websites of the relevant units and subunits 
     of those agencies, which shall include information about 
     where and when a National Parks and Federal Recreational 
     Lands Pass may be used.''.
       (b) Digital Version of the America the Beautiful--The 
     National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass.--Section 
     805(a) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 
     U.S.C. 6804(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(10) Digital recreation passes.--Not later than January 
     1, 2026, the Secretaries shall--
       ``(A) establish a digital version of the National Parks and 
     Federal Recreational Lands Pass that is able to be stored on 
     a mobile device, including with respect to free and 
     discounted passes; and
       ``(B) upon completion of a transaction for a National Parks 
     and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, make immediately 
     available to the passholder a digital version of the National 
     Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass established under 
     subparagraph (A).''.
       (c) Entrance Pass and Amenity Fees.--Section 803 of the 
     Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802) (as 
     amended by this title) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(j) Online Payments.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to providing onsite payment 
     methods, the Secretaries may collect payment online for--
       ``(A) entrance fees under subsection (e);
       ``(B) standard amenity recreation fees under subsection 
     (f);
       ``(C) expanded amenity recreation fees under subsection 
     (g); and
       ``(D) special recreation permit fees.
       ``(2) Distribution of online payments.--An online payment 
     collected under paragraph (1) that is associated with a 
     specific unit or area of a Federal land management agency 
     shall be distributed in accordance with section 805(c).''.

     SEC. 323. SAVINGS PROVISION.

       Nothing in this subtitle, or in any amendment made by this 
     subtitle, shall be construed as affecting the authority or 
     responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior to award 
     concessions contracts for the provision of accommodations, 
     facilities, and services, or commercial use authorizations to 
     provide services, to visitors to U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
     Service refuges or units of the National Park System pursuant 
     to subchapter II of chapter 1019 of title 54, United States 
     Code (formerly known as the ``National Park Service 
     Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998''), except 
     that sections 314(a), 315, 319(a), 319(b), and 319(c) of this 
     subtitle shall also apply to commercial use authorizations 
     under that Act.

                Subtitle B--Making Recreation a Priority

     SEC. 331. EXTENSION OF SEASONAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES.

       (a) Definition of Seasonal Closure.--In this section, the 
     term ``seasonal closure'' means any period during which--
       (1) a unit, or portion of a unit, of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters is closed to the public for a continuous 
     period of 30 days or more, excluding temporary closures 
     relating to wildlife conservation or public safety; and
       (2) permitted or allowable recreational activities, which 
     provide an economic benefit, including off-season or winter-
     season tourism, do not take place at the unit, or portion of 
     a unit, of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (b) Coordination.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretaries shall consult and 
     coordinate with outdoor recreation-related businesses 
     operating on, or adjacent to, a unit of Federal recreational 
     lands and waters, State offices of outdoor recreation, local 
     destination marketing organizations, applicable trade 
     organizations, nonprofit organizations, Indian Tribes, local 
     governments, and institutions of higher education--
       (A) to better understand--
       (i) trends with respect to visitors to the unit of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters;
       (ii) the effect of seasonal closures on areas of, or 
     infrastructure on, units of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters on outdoor recreation opportunities, adjacent 
     businesses, and local tax revenue; and
       (iii) opportunities to extend the period of time during 
     which areas of, or infrastructure on, units of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters are open to the public to 
     increase outdoor recreation opportunities and associated 
     revenues for businesses and local governments; and
       (B) to solicit input from, and provide information for, 
     outdoor recreation marketing campaigns.
       (2) Local coordination.--As part of the consultation and 
     coordination required under subparagraph (1), the Secretaries 
     shall encourage relevant unit managers of Federal 
     recreational lands and waters managed by the Forest Service, 
     the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service 
     to consult and coordinate with local governments, Indian 
     Tribes, outdoor recreation-related businesses, and other 
     local stakeholders operating on or adjacent to the relevant 
     unit of Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (d) Extensions Beyond Seasonal Closures.--
       (1) Extension of recreational season.--In the case of a 
     unit of Federal recreational lands and waters managed by the 
     Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or the 
     National Park Service in which recreational use is highly 
     seasonal, the Secretary concerned, acting through the 
     relevant unit manager, may--
       (A) as appropriate, extend the recreation season or 
     increase recreation use in a sustainable manner during the 
     offseason; and
       (B) make information about extended season schedules and 
     related recreational opportunities available to the public 
     and local communities.
       (2) Determination.--In determining whether to extend the 
     recreation season under this subsection, the Secretary 
     concerned, acting through the relevant unit manager, shall 
     consider the benefits of extending the recreation season--
       (A) for the duration of income to gateway communities; and
       (B) to provide more opportunities to visit resources on 
     units of Federal recreational lands and waters to reduce 
     crowding during peak visitation.
       (3) Clarification.--Nothing in this subsection precludes 
     the Secretary concerned, acting through the relevant unit 
     manager, from providing for additional recreational 
     opportunities and uses at times other than those described in 
     this subsection.
       (4) Inclusions.--An extension of a recreation season or an 
     increase in recreation use during the offseason under 
     paragraph (1) may include--
       (A) the addition of facilities that would increase 
     recreation use during the offseason; and
       (B) improvement of access to the relevant unit to extend 
     the recreation season.
       (5) Requirement.--An extension of a recreation season or 
     increase in recreation use during the offseason under 
     paragraph (1) shall be done in compliance with all applicable 
     Federal laws, regulations, and policies, including land use 
     plans.

[[Page H2183]]

       (6) Agreements.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary concerned may enter into 
     agreements with businesses, local governments, or other 
     entities to share the cost of additional expenses necessary 
     to extend the period of time during which an area of, or 
     infrastructure on, a unit of Federal recreational lands and 
     waters is made open to the public.
       (B) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary concerned may 
     accept in-kind contributions of goods and services provided 
     by businesses, local governments, or other entities for 
     purposes of paragraph (1).

                 Subtitle C--Maintenance of Public Land

     SEC. 341. VOLUNTEERS IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS AND PUBLIC LANDS 
                   ACT.

       The Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972 (16 
     U.S.C. 558a et seq.) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       ``This Act may be cited as the `Volunteers in the National 
     Forests and Public Lands Act'.

     ``SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

       ``The purpose of this Act is to leverage volunteer 
     engagement to supplement projects that are carried out by the 
     Secretaries to fulfill the missions of the Forest Service and 
     the Bureau of Land Management and are accomplished with 
     appropriated funds.

     ``SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF SECRETARIES.

       ``In this Act, the term `Secretaries' means each of--
       ``(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the 
     Chief of the Forest Service; and
       ``(2) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the 
     Director of the Bureau of Land Management.

     ``SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION.

       ``The Secretaries are authorized to recruit, train, and 
     accept without regard to the civil service and classification 
     laws, rules, or regulations the services of individuals 
     without compensation as volunteers for or in aid of 
     recreation access, trail construction or maintenance, 
     facility construction or maintenance, educational uses 
     (including outdoor classroom construction or maintenance), 
     interpretive functions, visitor services, conservation 
     measures and development, or other activities in and related 
     to areas administered by the Secretaries. In carrying out 
     this section, the Secretaries shall consider referrals of 
     prospective volunteers made by the Corporation for National 
     and Community Service.

     ``SEC. 5. INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.

       ``The Secretaries are authorized to provide for incidental 
     expenses, such as transportation, uniforms, lodging, 
     training, equipment, and subsistence.

     ``SEC. 6. CONSIDERATION AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEE.

       ``(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a 
     volunteer shall not be deemed a Federal employee and shall 
     not be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal 
     employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates 
     of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and 
     Federal employee benefits.
       ``(b) For the purpose of the tort claim provisions of title 
     28, United States Code, a volunteer under this Act shall be 
     considered a Federal employee.
       ``(c) For the purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 of 
     title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation to 
     Federal employees for work injuries, volunteers under this 
     Act shall be deemed civil employees of the United States 
     within the meaning of the term `employee' as defined in 
     section 8101 of title 5, United States Code, and the 
     provisions of that subchapter shall apply.
       ``(d) For the purposes of claims relating to damage to, or 
     loss of, personal property of a volunteer incident to 
     volunteer service, a volunteer under this Act shall be 
     considered a Federal employee, and the provisions of section 
     3721 of title 31, United States Code, shall apply.
       ``(e) For the purposes of subsections (b), (c), and (d), 
     the term `volunteer' includes a person providing volunteer 
     services to either of the Secretaries who--
       ``(1) is recruited, trained, and supported by a cooperator 
     under a mutual benefit agreement or cooperative agreement 
     with either of the Secretaries; and
       ``(2) performs such volunteer services under the 
     supervision of the cooperator as directed by either of the 
     Secretaries in the mutual benefit agreement or cooperative 
     agreement in the mutual benefit agreement, including 
     direction that specifies--
       ``(A) the volunteer services, including the geographic 
     boundaries of the work to be performed by the volunteers, and 
     the supervision to be provided by the cooperator;
       ``(B) the applicable project safety standards and protocols 
     to be adhered to by the volunteers and enforced by the 
     cooperator;
       ``(C) the on-site visits to be made by either of the 
     Secretaries, if feasible and only if necessary to verify that 
     volunteers are performing the volunteer services and the 
     cooperator is providing the supervision agreed upon;
       ``(D) the equipment the volunteers are authorized to use;
       ``(E) the training the volunteers are required to complete;
       ``(F) the actions the volunteers are authorized to take; 
     and
       ``(G) any other terms and conditions that are determined to 
     be necessary by the applicable Secretary.

     ``SEC. 7. PROMOTION OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

       ``The Secretaries shall promote volunteer opportunities in 
     areas administered by the Secretaries.

     ``SEC. 8. LIABILITY INSURANCE.

       ``The Secretaries shall not require a cooperator or 
     volunteer (as those terms are used in section 6) to have 
     liability insurance to provide the volunteer services 
     authorized under this Act.''.

     SEC. 342. REFERENCE.

       Any reference to the Volunteers in the National Forests Act 
     of 1972 in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or 
     other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a 
     reference to the Volunteers in the National Forests and 
     Public Land Act.

                  Subtitle D--Recreation Not Red Tape

     SEC. 351. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY FOR RECREATION.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Authorized recreation services.--The term ``authorized 
     recreation services'' means similar and complementary 
     recreation enhancement or improvement services carried out--
       (A) on Federal land, non-Federal land, or land owned by an 
     Indian Tribe; and
       (B) by either the Secretary or a Governor, Indian Tribe, or 
     county, as applicable, pursuant to a good neighbor agreement.
       (2) County.--The term ``county'' means--
       (A) the appropriate executive official of an affected 
     county; or
       (B) in any case in which multiple counties are affected, 
     the appropriate executive official of a compact of the 
     affected counties.
       (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means land 
     that is--
       (A) owned and administered by the United States as a part 
     of--
       (i) the National Forest System; or
       (ii) the National Park System; or
       (B) public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)).
       (4) Recreation enhancement or improvement services.--The 
     term ``recreation enhancement or improvement services'' 
     means--
       (A) establishing, repairing, restoring, improving, 
     relocating, constructing, or reconstructing new or existing--
       (i) trails or trailheads;
       (ii) campgrounds and camping areas;
       (iii) cabins;
       (iv) picnic areas or other day use areas;
       (v) shooting ranges;
       (vi) restroom or shower facilities;
       (vii) paved or permanent roads or parking areas that serve 
     existing recreation facilities or areas;
       (viii) fishing piers, wildlife viewing platforms, docks, or 
     other constructed features at a recreation site;
       (ix) boat landings;
       (x) hunting or fishing sites;
       (xi) infrastructure within ski areas; or
       (xii) visitor centers or other interpretative sites; and
       (B) activities that create, improve, or restore access to 
     existing recreation facilities or areas.
       (5) Good neighbor agreement.--The term ``good neighbor 
     agreement'' means a cooperative agreement or contract 
     (including a sole source contract) entered into between the 
     Secretary and a Governor, Indian Tribe, or county, as 
     applicable, to carry out authorized recreation services under 
     this title.
       (6) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the Governor or 
     any other appropriate executive official of an affected State 
     or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       (7) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' 
     means--
       (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National 
     Forest System land; and
       (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to National 
     Park System land and public lands.
       (b) Good Neighbor Agreements for Recreation.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may enter into a 
     good neighbor agreement with a Governor, Indian Tribe, or 
     county to carry out authorized recreation services in 
     accordance with this title.
       (2) Public availability.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     make each good neighbor agreement available to the public.
       (3) Financial and technical assistance.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary concerned may provide 
     financial or technical assistance to a Governor, Indian 
     Tribe, or county carrying out authorized recreation services.
       (B) Additional treatments of revenue.--Section 
     8206(b)(2)(C) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 
     2113a(b)(2)(C)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) Treatment of revenue.--
       ``(i) In general.--Funds received from the sale of timber 
     by a Governor, Indian Tribe, or county under a good neighbor 
     agreement shall be retained and used by the Governor, Indian 
     Tribe, or county, as applicable--

       ``(I) to carry out authorized restoration services on under 
     the good neighbor agreement; and
       ``(II) if there are funds remaining after carrying out 
     clause (i), to carry out--

       ``(aa) authorized restoration services under other good 
     neighbor agreements; or
       ``(bb) authorized recreation services under the Good 
     Neighbor Authority for Recreation Act.
       ``(ii) Termination of effectiveness.--The authority 
     provided under this subparagraph terminates effective October 
     1, 2028.''.
       (4) Retention of nepa responsibilities.--Any decision 
     required to be made under the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to any 
     authorized recreation services to be provided

[[Page H2184]]

     under this section on Federal land shall not be delegated to 
     a Governor, Indian Tribe, or county.

     SEC. 352. PERMIT RELIEF FOR PICNIC AREAS.

       (a) In General.--If the Secretary concerned does not 
     require the public to obtain a permit or reservation to 
     access a picnic area on Federal recreational lands and waters 
     administered by the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land 
     Management, the Secretary concerned shall not require a 
     covered person to obtain a permit solely to access the picnic 
     area.
       (b) Covered Person Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered person'' means a person (including an educational 
     group) that provides outfitting and guiding services to fewer 
     than 40 customers per year at a picnic area described in 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 353. INTERAGENCY REPORT ON SPECIAL RECREATION PERMITS 
                   FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

       (a) Covered Community Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered community'' means a rural or urban community, 
     including an Indian Tribe, that is--
       (1) low-income or underserved; and
       (2) has been underrepresented in outdoor recreation 
     opportunities on Federal recreational lands and waters.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Secretaries, acting jointly, 
     shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
     of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the 
     House of Representatives a report that describes--
       (1) the estimated use of special recreation permits serving 
     covered communities;
       (2) examples of special recreation permits, partnerships, 
     cooperative agreements, or other arrangements providing 
     access to Federal recreational lands and waters for covered 
     communities;
       (3) other ways covered communities are engaging on Federal 
     recreational lands and waters, including through stewardship 
     and conservation projects or activities;
       (4) any barriers for existing or prospective recreation 
     service providers and holders of commercial use 
     authorizations operating within or serving a covered 
     community; and
       (5) any recommendations to facilitate and increase 
     permitted access to Federal recreational lands and waters for 
     covered communities.

     SEC. 354. MODERNIZING ACCESS TO OUR PUBLIC LAND ACT 
                   AMENDMENTS.

       The Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (16 U.S.C. 
     6851 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 3(1) (16 U.S.C. 6852(1)), by striking 
     ``public outdoor recreational use'' and inserting 
     ``recreation sites'';
       (2) in section 5(a)(4) (16 U.S.C. 6854(a)(4)), by striking 
     ``permanently restricted or prohibited'' and inserting 
     ``regulated or closed''; and
       (3) in section 6(b) (16 U.S.C. 6855(b))--
       (A) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''; and
       (B) by striking ``the Secretary of the Interior'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretaries''.

     SEC. 355. SAVINGS PROVISION.

       No additional Federal funds are authorized to carry out the 
     requirements of this Act and the activities authorized by 
     this Act are subject to the availability of appropriations 
     made in advance for such purposes.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger 
Fernandez) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 6492, as amended, the bill now 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arkansas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor 
Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE Act.
  This legislation is a bipartisan effort, cosponsored by Ranking 
Member Grijalva of the Committee on Natural Resources.
  I want to take a moment to thank Ranking Member Grijalva for his 
commitment to this bill and, most importantly, to wish him well in his 
fight against cancer. Last week, we were saddened to hear of his recent 
diagnosis. I know what a fighter Ranking Member Grijalva is, and I have 
confidence that he will be back in D.C. very soon. Our prayers are with 
him and his family.
  Mr. Speaker, today is the first time in the history of the House that 
we will be considering a comprehensive outdoor recreation package aimed 
at getting more Americans outdoors and supporting the $1.1 trillion and 
growing outdoor recreation economy.
  This bipartisan, bicameral bill is the culmination of more than a 
year's worth of hearings and markups in the House, and it builds off 
years of work in both the House and the Senate.
  This legislation is cosponsored by more than 50 of my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle. It is also supported by over 100 organizations 
representing outdoor recreation, small businesses, conservation groups, 
and sportsmen and -women from across the country.
  I grew up and still spend as much time as I can recreating on and 
around Arkansas' beautiful public lands, which, in my humble opinion, 
are the best the country has to offer. Arkansas is known as the Natural 
State because of our plentiful and well-managed forests, rugged 
mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, and abundant wildlife. Arkansas 
offers truly unmatched places to recreate, hunt, fish, spend time with 
loved ones, and simply enjoy God's wonderful creation. We are known for 
our world-class mountain biking, duck hunting, trout fishing, and rock 
climbing. Outdoor recreation is a part of our heritage and a tradition 
we pass on from generation to generation.
  That is why I am proud to offer the EXPLORE Act. It includes great 
ideas from my colleagues from around the country, ideas which will 
improve access and opportunities for outdoor recreation across all of 
our public lands and waters. This will ensure that more Americans can 
enjoy our great outdoors in the present while leaving them in better 
condition for generations to come.
  Specifically, the EXPLORE Act will create new long-distance bike 
trails, ensure rock climbing continues in wilderness areas, and reduce 
the bureaucratic burdens on small business. The bill also helps 
encourage the next generation of sportsmen and -women by creating new 
target shooting ranges, cutting red tape for filming on public lands, 
and addressing invasive species that harm recreational fishing 
opportunities.
  The EXPLORE Act recognizes that outdoor recreation extends beyond our 
public lands and into nearby communities that host millions of visitors 
annually. In Arkansas, visits to public lands support an average of 
$362 million in economic output. The legislation addresses the 
challenges gateway communities face by alleviating overcrowding at 
national parks, addressing housing shortages, and modernizing 
technology to improve visitor experiences.
  I am especially proud that the EXPLORE Act also includes provisions 
to tackle many of the barriers that prevent members of our military, 
wounded warriors, people with disabilities, and young folks from fully 
accessing our public lands. The legislation does this by building new, 
accessible trails, directing land managers to prioritize recreational 
visits among our military servicemembers, and reauthorizing the 
successful Every Kid Outdoors program.
  I also highlight the important benefits this legislation provides for 
Arkansans. Importantly, this legislation directs the U.S. Forest 
Service to reopen closed campgrounds at the popular Albert Pike 
Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest.
  The legislation also creates public-private partnerships to improve 
parking opportunities and the availability and cleanliness of restrooms 
on public lands, two of the top concerns that I hear from my 
constituents.
  Finally, this legislation encourages the creation of new off-highway 
vehicle recreation opportunities and updates maps for OHV users so they 
know what trails are open.
  I acknowledge Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and First Gentleman 
Brian Sanders for their work on the Natural State Initiative, which is 
aimed at promoting the beauty and recreation opportunities found in 
Arkansas. I also thank Katherine Andrews, the director of the Arkansas 
Office of Outdoor Recreation, who testified in support of this 
legislation last year. Their work has been instrumental in supporting 
the formulation of this legislation and growing Arkansas' outdoor 
recreation economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I also recognize just a few of the Arkansas 
organizations that have lent their support to this bill, including the 
Arkansas Climbers Coalition, the Arkansas Canoe Club, and the

[[Page H2185]]

Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill and 
reserve the balance of my time.
                                         House of Representatives,


                                     Committee on Agriculture,

                                   Washington, DC, March 26, 2024.
     Hon. Bruce Westerman,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual 
     understanding regarding H.R. 6492, the ``Expanding Public 
     Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act'' or the ``EXPLORE 
     Act''. Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on 
     Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction.
       The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further 
     consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing 
     consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction 
     over any subject matter contained in this or similar 
     legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the 
     right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of 
     conferees should it become necessary and ask that you support 
     such a request.
       We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 6492 and request a 
     copy of our letters on this matter be published in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                            Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                   Washington, DC, March 27, 2024.
     Hon. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding H.R. 6492, the 
     ``Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act'' 
     or the ``EXPLORE Act,'' which was ordered reported by the 
     Committee on Natural Resources on January 17, 2024.
       I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall 
     within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture and 
     appreciate your willingness to forgo any further 
     consideration of this bill. I acknowledge that the Committee 
     on Agriculture will not formally consider H.R. 6492 and agree 
     that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill 
     does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter 
     contained therein.
       I am pleased to support your request to name members of the 
     Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to 
     consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of 
     letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation 
     regarding this legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Bruce Westerman,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, April 3, 2024.
     Hon. Bruce Westerman,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     6492, as amended, the ``Expanding Public Lands Outdoor 
     Recreation Experiences Act'' or ``EXPLORE Act.'' As you know, 
     there are provisions in the legislation that fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration of this legislation, I 
     am willing to waive this committee's consideration of the 
     legislation. I do so with the understanding that by waiving 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its 
     jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name members of this committee to any conference committee 
     which is named to consider such provisions.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     6492, as amended, and into the Congressional Record during 
     consideration of this legislation on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Mike Bost,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                    Washington, DC, April 3, 2024.
     Hon. Mike Bost,
     Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding H.R. 6492, the 
     ``Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act'' 
     or the ``EXPLORE Act,'' which was ordered reported by the 
     Committee on Natural Resources on January 17, 2024.
       I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall 
     within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     and appreciate your willingness to forgo any further 
     consideration of this bill. I acknowledge that the Committee 
     on Veterans' Affairs will not formally consider H.R. 6492 and 
     agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the 
     bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter 
     contained therein.
       I am pleased to support your request to name members of the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs to any conference committee to 
     consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of 
     letters is included in the legislative report for H.R. 6492 
     and the Congressional Record during floor consideration of 
     the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Bruce Westerman,
                         Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6492, the Expanding Public 
Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE Act, introduced by 
the Natural Resources Committee chair, Bruce Westerman, and my esteemed 
ranking member colleague, Raul Grijalva.

                              {time}  1630

  I am thankful for the dedication of this bipartisan duo to this 
legislation and the years of hard work which the chairman described in 
getting us to this point--the hearings, the input, the compromises, the 
openness to the ideas that were coming through this long process.
  I am also very pleased to be an original cosponsor of the bill as 
well.
  When I thought about the EXPLORE Act, I remembered a quote from 
President Jimmy Carter who noted: ``Like music and art, love of nature 
is a common language that can transcend political or social 
boundaries.''
  Ada Limon, our 24th poet laureate just published the anthology, ``You 
Are Here,'' poems which place each of us in nature. These poems will be 
placed throughout our national parks. We are inspired by our parks 
because as she notes in her introduction: ``Because nature is not a 
place to visit. Nature is who we are.''
  Nature needs our help sometimes, too, and that is where this bill 
comes in.
  Our national parks and public lands are treasures that belong to each 
and every American. These national treasures inspire awe in those who 
visit. They transform lives and perspectives, but they also are an 
incredible economic engine for local economies.
  New Mexico's beautiful Third District offers boundless opportunities 
to explore beautiful places from skiing the powdered slopes in Taos and 
Santa Fe to hiking through the otherworldly landscape of Bisti Badlands 
to white water rafting down the Rio Grande.
  The outdoor economy in New Mexico is expanding. Last year, the 
outdoor economy saw job growth of 7 percent, employing over 28,000 New 
Mexicans similar to the amazing work that we heard about in Arkansas.
  In fact, the story can be repeated in almost every State where our 
public lands draw so many and are such an impressive economic engine.
  Nationwide, our 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million 
recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million, or 4 percent over 
2022.
  In addition to the continued growth in overall numbers, NPS data 
shows that visitation is increasing in the more traditional off seasons 
at many parks with more visits in the spring and fall than seen in 
years past. Mr. Speaker, 20 parks--many of them less well known--broke 
visitation records in 2023.
  The EXPLORE Act will improve and modernize outdoor recreation 
opportunities across our national parks and public lands, increasing 
even more public access, improving agency coordination, supporting 
gateway communities, and advancing equitable access to the outdoors.
  This bill is a significant bipartisan effort to advance and foster 
outdoor recreation activities nationwide, and I thank the majority for 
their consideration and inclusion of several Democratic priorities.
  Specifically, the EXPLORE Act includes versions of bills sponsored by 
Representatives Barragan, Levin, Neguse, Porter, and Stansbury, to name 
just a few.
  Taken together, these provisions promote accessibility for disabled 
communities, increase job opportunities for veterans, facilitate a 
diverse range of recreation opportunities, and close the nature gap for 
underserved urban communities.
  Public support for public lands and access to outdoor recreation 
continues to grow each year, and the EXPLORE Act will help advance the 
idea that the outdoors really are for everyone.

[[Page H2186]]

  Outdoor recreation is also a growing part of the national economy, 
and new opportunities for access consistently support economic boosts 
in gateway communities and job creation across the country.
  Indeed, the next time you go to a national park, listen to the many 
languages that will be spoken there because they are coming to us from 
across the globe.
  The EXPLORE Act will be a significant catalyst for both goals, and I 
am excited to see it move forward.
  However, it is vital that we ensure that outdoor recreation is safe, 
reliable, and accessible for everyone and that it serves to help 
preserve and protect our natural world.
  It is also important to remember that public land conservation, 
stewardship, and restoration are the backbone of outdoor recreation and 
that recreation and land conservation go hand in hand.
  We must harness the momentum of this effort to ensure durable support 
for place-based conservation and sustainable funding that ensures that 
Federal land management agencies are readily equipped to balance the 
directives of this bill with all the other critical components of their 
missions.
  Thanks to the leadership of Chair Westerman and Ranking Member 
Grijalva, the amended bill before us today adds some meaningful and 
impactful provisions to the Senate version of this bill.
  There is more work to be done, and we look forward to working with 
our Senate colleagues as they process the new pieces added by the 
House--the very good pieces added by the House, which we want the 
Senate to adopt.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the EXPLORE Act, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico 
for her passion which is evident on this bill, and I thank the minority 
for working with us to come up with a bill about something that truly 
is nonpartisan--and it is our public lands and our enjoyment of the 
outdoors and the wonderful opportunities that we have in this country.
  As I mentioned earlier, I get to put my name on this bill as the 
chairman of the committee, but this isn't all my idea. There are ideas 
that came from both sides of the aisle. As was mentioned, Senators are 
working on this legislation, and I do encourage them to take up our 
legislation and pass it.
  One of the very important provisions in the bill is the Military and 
Veterans in Parks component that is in it.
  I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans) who 
authored the language in this section of the bill and is a veteran 
herself.

  Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity 
to speak in support of the EXPLORE Act today. It has been a privilege 
to work on this legislation with the chairman as a member of the 
Natural Resources Committee.
  I am particularly proud that it includes my Military and Veterans in 
Parks Act, nicknamed the MVP Act after the invaluable role our former 
servicemembers have played in protecting our great Nation.
  As a wife of a veteran, the mother of future veterans, and a former 
Navy helicopter pilot myself, I have a unique understanding of the 
challenges facing those who have served.
  As a geriatric nurse practitioner who spent years caring for our 
Greatest Generation, I have also seen the effects of all types of 
injuries sustained on the battlefield, including post-traumatic stress 
disorder and countless other invisible wounds.
  Unfortunately, almost two-thirds of all post-9/11 veterans are 
experiencing mental health issues, while 27 percent of all veterans 
have a service-related disability.
  We should be going above and beyond to give those heroes every 
opportunity to reintegrate into civil society and lead happy and 
healthy lives.
  That is why it is incredibly frustrating to me that accessibility 
remains a significant obstacle for disabled veterans in our national 
parks and other outdoor recreation sites.
  Steep trails, inaccessible facilities, and inadequate accommodations 
limit the ability of veterans with disabilities to fully enjoy all of 
the fantastic recreation opportunities our Federal lands have to offer.
  Between the beach and the bay, southeast Virginia is home to some of 
the most beautiful natural resources in the country. Residents and 
visitors alike enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping, and 
countless other forms of outdoor recreation often in one of our many 
national wildlife refuges as well as Park Service-managed lands.
  The MVP Act ensures these outdoor activities are available to all of 
our veterans by directing the Forest Service, Bureau of Land 
Management, and the National Park Service to each develop adaptive 
trails and campgrounds in the regions they manage, as well as 
accessible hunting, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.
  As a primary care provider, I know the connection between outdoor 
recreation and improved mental health outcomes cannot be denied.
  Research consistently demonstrates that spending time in nature can 
reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and 
enhance overall psychological well-being. For our veterans who suffer 
from both the physical and the invisible wounds of war, these benefits 
are particularly critical.
  Though I have not been in Congress long, I have made it my mission 
since day one to advocate for the mental health of our servicemembers 
and veterans. It is a mission that guides everything I do here in 
Washington.
  That is why it is my great honor to be standing here today in support 
of the EXPLORE Act.
  I thank Chairman Westerman for his continued support for the MVP Act 
and for implementing it within the EXPLORE Act. I know this legislation 
will help improve the lives of our Nation's heroes.
  These brave men and women have selflessly served our country, 
defended our freedoms, and protected our way of life. It is our duty to 
ensure that they receive the support and opportunities they deserve 
even after their service has concluded.
  I hope my colleagues recognize the great need for the EXPLORE Act, 
and I urge them to vote ``yes.''
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I completely agree that it is 
important that those who have fought to preserve our country deserve to 
have full access to our public lands.
  It is not enough to say thank you for your service. We must always 
turn that gratitude into concrete action, and the sections in this bill 
are actually turning that gratitude into accessible trails, they are 
turning that gratitude into health meadows and specifically directing 
our agencies to make sure that our veterans have access to the public 
lands for which they have fought for preservation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury), my ``hermana,'' ``sister,'' whose 
legislation is included in the EXPLORE Act.
  Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, I start by thanking the gentlewoman from 
New Mexico, my sister from the north, for yielding me the time, and say 
that I rise today to both celebrate and urge passage of the EXPLORE Act 
which we are here debating today on the House floor.
  This bipartisan bill will not only improve access and opportunities 
for recreation across our public lands and waters across New Mexico and 
the United States, it will help to protect and promote opportunities 
for all people to access our lands and waters.
  I am especially proud that this package includes my Promoting 
Accessibility on Federal Lands Act, which is a bill I was deeply proud 
to have joined forces across the aisle with Representative Ciscomani 
from Tucson to make the great outdoors accessible to everyone 
regardless of physical limitations.
  This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of 
Agriculture through all of the parks and public lands and waters that 
they manage to conduct a comprehensive assessment of accessibility 
options for our trails, our campsites, and our recreational facilities 
so that every single person can enjoy the great outdoors.
  Almost half of New Mexico's lands are publicly managed. I ran for 
Congress as a native New Mexican largely because of my passion and love 
for protecting the precious lands and waters that make us who we are 
and to ensure

[[Page H2187]]

that every single New Mexican has access to the great outdoors--
especially our veterans, which is part of why this bill is so 
important.
  In New Mexico, we have one of the largest proportions of veterans and 
Active-Duty military in the United States--nearly 140,000 veterans in 
New Mexico alone.

  As Ms. Leger Fernandez, my sister from the north said, it is 
incumbent upon us to ensure that we are maintaining access and ensuring 
that all of our veterans, our elders, people living with disabilities, 
and everyone in our communities can access the great outdoors. It is a 
place of restorative, resilient opportunity for everyone to be whole 
and to reconnect.
  That is why I am proud to have had Vet Voice Foundation testify in 
support of this legislation who share a strong connection with the 
outdoors and believe that protecting our national public lands is not 
only an opportunity for recreation but truly a patriotic duty.
  Mr. Speaker, America's public lands are for everyone regardless of 
culture, age, gender, or differing abilities, and this legislation will 
help to address disparities in accessibility and take critical steps to 
ensure that our lands and waters are accessible to everyone.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to show my appreciation to 
the other gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) for her work on 
this bill and for the great bipartisan support that we have had. I know 
every speaker that comes up will talk about the beautiful recreation 
opportunities in their particular area, but one thing I know is from 
sea to shining sea, America has beautiful areas for outdoor recreation.
  The next gentleman represents the district that includes his hometown 
of Mobile and some excellent offshore fishing as well as inshore 
fishing.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. 
Carl).

                              {time}  1645

  Mr. CARL. Mr. Speaker, isn't it nice that we can come on the floor 
and agree on something? It is such a pleasure. I thank the gentleman 
from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) for sponsoring this legislation, and I 
appreciate working on this bill.
  Today, I stand strong in support of the EXPLORE Act introduced by 
Chairman Westerman, a bill that significantly improves our outdoor 
recreation experiences and bolsters the $1.1 trillion outdoor 
recreation economy crucial to our Nation.
  This legislation is about more than just enjoyable activities like 
biking, target shooting, and fishing. It is about deepening our 
connection with nature, a fundamental part of what it means to be an 
American.
  From personal experiences, I have learned invaluable lessons during 
outdoor activity, whether it is fishing in the Gulf or hunting in 
Alabama in our unlimited woodlands.
  I have introduced my children to the same experiences, and now those 
experiences are being passed on to their children. So it is a 
generational thing that we do get to pass on to our children. It is 
something special.
  A key highlight of this bill is it focuses on ensuring access for 
everyone, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and 
children. Recreation should be open to all, regardless of background or 
ability.
  The EXPLORE Act emphasizes conservation efforts, ensures that our 
outdoor spaces remain accessible and pristine for the future 
generations. Balancing conservation with recreational opportunities is 
critical to protecting our natural heritage and promoting economic 
growth.
  I am honored to cosponsor this legislation, and I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting this vital initiative.
  Together, we can ensure that the benefits of our public lands and 
waters are enjoyed by all now and in the future.
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, indeed, it is marvelous when we 
come together on these bipartisan bills. I would recognize the work of 
Ranking Member Grijalva and Chairman Westerman in bringing these kind 
of bipartisan bills that we have had all day long today, and the 
enthusiasm for the EXPLORE Act.
  I like the fact that the last speaker talked about families. I need 
to tell you that when Latinos see the vision of a hiker who is on top 
of the mountain, they always ask how come he is up there alone.
  Where is his family? We know that Latino families love to get out in 
nature and they love doing it as family.
  So many of these outdoor recreation activities are often passed on 
from father to daughter, from mother to son, from grandfather to 
grandchildren, and grandmother to their children.
  I think that is the other key thing about this, this is including 
everybody, recognizing that this is, indeed, a great American tradition 
to go and explore our outdoors.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, a few years ago I had an opportunity to 
go to northern Minnesota and actually drive a vehicle out onto a lake 
and fish through a little hole on the ice when it was minus 22 degrees. 
There are all kinds of unique outdoor recreation opportunities across 
our country.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. 
Stauber).
  Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6492, the 
EXPLORE Act, which I am proud to cosponsor.
  You know, Minnesotans are fishermen and -women. We hunt, we hike, we 
snowmobile, we ski, we ATV--you name it. Simply put, Minnesotans know 
how to recreate. More importantly, Minnesotans are some of the greatest 
conservationists in the world.
  Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District is blessed to be home to 
the Chippewa in Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, and 
the Grand Portage National Monument.
  Minnesotans not only want to enjoy these treasures themselves, but 
they want their children and their children's children to enjoy 
everything God has offered our great State.
  Maintaining our public lands is just a part of our way of life in 
northern Minnesota, and I am proud to support legislation that will 
ensure our public lands remain accessible wonders for everyone, 
including the rest of the world.
  The EXPLORE Act will, in short, ensure all Americans can reap the 
benefits of the great outdoors. It does so by requiring our Federal 
land managers to ensure our vehicular use trails are properly 
maintained, providing safe, quality shooting range access on our 
National Forest and BLM lands, and expanding and enabling access for 
our Nation's Active-Duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, this is really good legislation that serves the American 
people.
  I thank my good friends, Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member 
Grijalva, and other Members on the Committee on Natural Resources for 
their work on this bill.
  This is a good, bipartisan piece of legislation, and I urge all my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to hear from the 
different speakers about their amazing public lands, I honor our 
Ranking Member Grijalva, who has done so much important work on this 
bill. I honor the fact that, indeed, in his Arizona, he has under his 
jurisdiction and representing and listening to the cactuses.
  Ranking Member Grijalva has the Saguaro National Park, the Organ Pipe 
Cactus National Monument, the Coronado National Memorial, and the 
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
  Indeed, these are places we think about when we go from Minnesota, 
the land of many lakes where you can fish, to the places that are the 
most arid in our country. It is this diversity of public land which 
makes America so beautiful and which attracts so many. Those who have 
many lakes want to go see what it is like when you have the deserts and 
saguaros. Those who live in the arid deserts want to go and marvel at 
the lakes and go fishing in Minnesota or in Arkansas, where they have 
their beautiful hot springs.

  I think New Mexico is absolutely the best, but I love it when I get 
to explore other public lands across our country. This act will 
continue to allow Americans to do that into the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, when you think of the great State of 
Montana, we think of Yellowstone and Glacier and all the beautiful 
places

[[Page H2188]]

there. I also think of the gentleman from Montana, who was not only the 
Secretary of the Interior, but also represents the great State of 
Montana and knows a thing or two about outdoor recreation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. 
Zinke).
  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6429, 
the EXPLORE Act, for a lot of reasons.
  One is that while I am from Montana, I don't have cattle or I don't 
have a ranch or helicopter, but I am John Dutton with a hat.
  This legislation, and I am glad to see it is bipartisan because some 
things should be bipartisan in our country, and our public lands and 
outdoor experience is that.
  I grew up in Montana, but things have changed. When I grew up there, 
there wasn't any problem with public access. There was plenty of land. 
There wasn't a lot of people, and you could go where you wanted.
  Today, it is a lot different. A lot of people are moving in, and we 
have new strains on our legacy that we inherited.
  I inherited a lot of what Teddy Roosevelt gave us, but it was a 
different time. Now, there are different strains, and we have to work 
to manage the next 100 years of what our experience is.
  Inscribed on the Roosevelt arch which marks the entrance to 
Yellowstone National Park is the phrase: ``For the Benefit and 
Enjoyment of the People.'' That is the enabling act of why we have the 
park system we do, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.
  I am proud to add to it the Gateway Communities and Recreation 
Enhancement Act because in order to meet this goal, there are certain 
provisions we need a little help with; especially in gateway 
communities because the gateway communities themselves are challenged 
in infrastructure and housing.
  How do you attend to the millions of visitors when you are a small 
town and you rise and fall in population so dramatically?
  What this bill does, it makes sure that issues such as housing, 
infrastructure, and park access are managed and that local communities 
have a say.
  Sometimes Washington forgets that there are local communities outside 
the Beltway, and when you are in Montana or a long ways away from 
Washington, on issues that involve the park and involve the 
communities, local communities should have that say.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my all my colleagues to support this act that is 
bipartisan and in the best interest of this country. This should be 
unanimous or near unanimous. I might also add, this has been well-
managed by my friend from Arkansas and the gentlewoman from New Mexico.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am 
prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand, once again, in support of this bipartisan act, 
which reflects so much hard work, compromise, understanding, and 
listening to the many voices who shared with us what they wanted to see 
in a bill that would increase conservation, that would increase access, 
and that would increase the ability of Americans to celebrate our 
public lands, to celebrate America's best ideas, which are our national 
parks. But also, to celebrate something like the 100-year anniversary 
of the Gila Wilderness, which I will be celebrating in a few weeks in 
New Mexico, where we had our first wilderness.
  Indeed, even in that wilderness, we could use some help making sure 
that the gateway community has access to the kinds of resources we need 
to make sure that people who might not be able to clamor up to the 
cliff dwellings can access and learn about those cliff dwellings.
  It is this recognition of the many hardships but beautiful 
opportunities that present themselves in our public lands that the 
EXPLORE Act addresses.
  Mr. Speaker, for all of these reasons, I stand in support of this 
bipartisan legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in 
favor of this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about access. There is 
access for people with limited mobility. There is access for older 
folks who can't get around as well. But when we think about access in 
the form of public access to public lands, it is about all Americans 
being able to enjoy the great lands that we have, the great ideas that 
our founders had to set this land aside for the enjoyment of all 
Americans.
  It is not something we should just stand back and look at. We should 
actually get out into our public lands and enjoy them.
  I know firsthand the importance of access to our public lands and 
waters, both for Americans who enjoy them and the communities that 
surround them.
  From camping and mountain biking to rock climbing and fishing, the 
EXPLORE Act has something for everybody who enjoys outdoor activities. 
The EXPLORE Act would not have been possible without the tireless work 
and contributions of the many stakeholder organizations that have 
advocated for comprehensive outdoor recreation policy.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter dated April 8, 2024, 
signed by more than 30 of these organizations, which states: ``This 
transformative legislation is a win-win-win for businesses, our 
cherished lands and waters, and Democrats and Republicans alike, all 
while supporting rural economies, communities, and our American quality 
of life.''


                                Outdoor Recreation Roundtable,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
     Hon. Bruce Westerman,
     Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, 
         DC.
     Hon. Raul M. Grijalva,
     Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva:
       On behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association 
     (ORR), the over 30 national outdoor recreation trade 
     associations, and all who benefit from time outside, we 
     appreciate your strong support for the recreation economy and 
     stand with you in urging the passage of the Expanding Public 
     Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This 
     legislation has strong bipartisan and bicameral support and 
     has been endorsed by virtually every outdoor recreation 
     industry organization, hundreds of outdoor businesses, and 
     conservation groups.
       The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation's leading 
     coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the 
     more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation 
     economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. 
     The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce 
     shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion and 5 
     million American jobs in 2022, comprising 2.2% of the 
     nation's economy and 3.2% of all employees in the country.
       The EXPLORE Act will create more access to outdoor 
     recreation, provide a better experience for visitors to 
     public lands and waters, modernize the permitting process for 
     guides and outfitters, create new accessible trails for 
     veterans and the disability community, expand the Every Kids 
     Outdoors Act, codify the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program 
     (ORLP), identify new potential long distance bike trails, 
     create more health and wellness opportunities including for 
     mental health, and a better business environment to create 
     more jobs. This transformative legislation is a win-win-win 
     for businesses, our cherished lands and waters, and Democrats 
     and Republicans alike, all while supporting rural economies, 
     communities, and our American quality of life.
       The EXPLORE Act would be the first-ever recreation package 
     to pass the House, and one of the most significant outdoor 
     recreation legislative victories we can all be proud of. 
     Aspects of this historic legislation have been worked on by 
     bipartisan congressional champions in the House and Senate 
     and stakeholders for more than a decade. Passage of these 
     critical and timely policies will provide long-term benefits 
     to local economies in rural and urban areas, every sector of 
     the broader outdoor recreation industry, and every person who 
     will now be able to experience more time outside.
       We thank you again for your leadership and stronly 
     encourage your colleagues to pass this legislation today. We 
     look forward to working with you and your staff over the 
     coming weeks to ensure these bipartisan and pragmatic 
     policies get signed into law.
           Sincerely,
       Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, American Horse Council, 
     American Mountain Guides Association, America Outdoors, 
     American Sportfishing Association, Archery Trade Association, 
     Association of Marina Industries, Association of Outdoor 
     Recreation and Education, CHM Government Services, Diving 
     Equipment Manufacturers Association,

[[Page H2189]]

     International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, 
     Motorcycle Industry Council, National Forest Recreation 
     Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, 
     National Ski Area Association, New Mexico Outdoor Recreation 
     Division.
       Outdoor Industry Association, PeopleForBikes, Professional 
     TraiIBuilders Association, Rails to Trails Conservancy, 
     Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, REI Co-op, 
     Rivian, RV Dealers Association, RV Industry Association, 
     Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, Specialty 
     Equipment Market Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of 
     America, Sports & Fitness Industry Association, The Corps 
     Network, Trust for Public Land, VF Corporation.

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in particular, I would recognize Jess 
Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Matt Wade from the 
American Mountain Guides Association, and Aaron Bannon from America 
Outdoors for their tireless efforts on this bill.
  I would also recognize Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman 
Manchin and Ranking Member Barasso, who are leading the Senate 
companion legislation to the EXPLORE Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this first-of-its-kind legislation 
that will unleash the full potential of the outdoor recreation economy 
and encourage millions of Americans in Arkansas and across our great 
country to get out and explore the unparalleled recreational 
opportunities our Federal lands and waters have to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6492, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________