The NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, and Ducks Unlimited, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s waterfowl habitats, applauded the Senate’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act.
The historic legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, is among the most meaningful legislative measures for sportsmen conservationists ever, according to the NSSF. NSSF said the Senate’s approval is a major step forward toward delivering on the promise of sustained wildlife conservation, public land hunting and recreational shooting on behalf of current and future generations of outdoorsmen and women.
“This is a monumental achievement that demonstrates a continued legacy of bipartisanship on wildlife, public lands, and outdoor recreation issues,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president, and general counsel. “When enacted, this legislation will fulfill a promise to future generations that conservation, access to public lands and outdoor recreation including hunting and recreational shooting will be safeguarded well into the next century.”
In a separate statement, Ducks Unlimited said that once signed into law, this legislation will create a National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address the growing maintenance backlog on federal public lands. Half the revenue from energy development on public lands would be allocated to the fund and distributed to the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish, and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education to cover overdue maintenance costs.
The Great American Outdoors Act will fully and permanently fund the LWCF at $900 million annually, ensuring all funding is directed to its intended purpose of state and federal conservation projects.
“A surge in visitors to America’s public lands through the years has led to an accumulation of wear and tear,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Especially in these difficult times, many have sought refuge and recreation on our nation’s extraordinary natural landscapes. That demand for outdoor recreation is a good thing. The Great American Outdoors Act will enable Americans to continue enjoying the great outdoors by ensuring our public lands are a safe and suitable place for all varieties of responsible recreation. A fully funded LWCF provides a boost to our nation’s vital outdoor economy, including at the state and local levels, and ensures this legislation is truly a home run for conservation and recreation enthusiasts alike.”
These new investments will boost America’s outdoor recreation industry, which generates $887 billion annually and supports 7.6 million American jobs.
