Tuesday, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Russ Fulcher (ID-01) introduced legislation to enhance access to the nation’s outdoor recreational opportunities by digitizing mapping information like access points and permissible uses on federal public lands. U.S. Senators Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The outdoor recreation economy generates 201,000 direct jobs in Washington, as well as $26.2 billion in consumer spending and $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. Improving public land access in Washington is important not just for recreational purposes, but also for the state’s jobs and economy.
“Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, I saw firsthand how special our region is and how our public lands contribute to the fabric of who we are. Having worked in economic development professionally for over a decade, I also saw that folks in our region rely on access to our public lands to support our growing outdoor economy,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill to standardize and modernize information regarding public lands – so our outdoor recreation community can continue to bolster our local economies.”
Rep. Fulcher said: “Sportsmen and outdoor recreationalists have a tremendous impact on our Idaho culture and economy. I am proud to be introducing the MAPLand Act to modernize information and access to our public lands so Idahoans can utilize these public places.”
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