Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed a pair of orders Wednesday to boost outdoor recreation on public lands and formalize the ties between national parks and the communities that surround them.
Burgum’s first order tasks the agency with implementing a sweeping public lands law that passed late last year, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The EXPLORE Act overhauled significant portions of federal policy governing recreation on public lands and included provisions to increase internet access, allow online ticketing and hasten permitting processes.
Outdoor recreation is a $1.2 trillion economy supporting roughly 5 million jobs nationwide, with much of that rooted in public lands, according to the Interior Department.
“Some of life’s most treasured memories are forged in the great outdoors through exploration, exercise, and simple enjoyment. These experiences and adventures are essential to our well-being, both physically and mentally,” Burgum said in a statement, promising the order will help “keep America’s recreation industry thriving.”
