Zinke (R-MT), Peltola (D-AK) and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Improve Collaboration Between Feds and Gateway Communities

This press release from Representative Ryan K. Zinke (R-MT) was published on 2023-05-10 and titled "Zinke (R-MT), Peltola (D-AK) and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Improve Colla". It focuses on the environment and touches on foreign policy, housing.

Zinke (R-MT), Peltola (D-AK) and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Improve Collaboration Between Feds and Gateway Communities Zinke (R-MT), Peltola (D-AK) and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Improve Collaboration Between Feds and Gateway Communities Colton.Snedeco… Wed, 05/10/2023 - 17:24 Image Zinke (R-MT), Peltola (D-AK) and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Improve Collaboration Between Feds and Gateway Communities Photos of Zinke’s recent visit with YNP Superintendent can be accessed here . Today, a bipartisan group led by Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Mary Peltola (D-AK) and eight of their colleagues introduced the bipartisan Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act. The goal of the legislation is to increase public access to National Parks and Forests and improve collaboration between Federal agencies and gateway communities. This is companion bill to legislation introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) in February. Details of the bill are below. The outdoor recreation economy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy accounting for $887 billion in consumer activity and supported 7.6 million jobs. As a result of this growth, National Parks, public recreation lands, and the gateway communities that support them have experienced increased visitation benefits such as increased economic activity and also difficulties such as housing shortages, infrastructure strain, and conflict between local and federal officials. This bill will help gateway communities and Federal agencies better coordinate to address the challenges, identify opportunities and provide the necessary tools to develop and pursue solutions. “It’s wonderful that more Americans are getting outside to enjoy a trail or river, but the increased visitation unfortunately causes some growing pains. The Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act seeks to solve some of these problems by bringing federal and local stakeholders to the table to collaborate on access and opportunities,” said Rep. Zinke. “Additionally, the bill solves the longtime issue of unrealized potential in capturing real-time data on trail density and encouraging visitation to nearby, less traveled trails. If hikers see a trail is crowded and have the option to hike a different route that is low traffic, that helps alleviate congestion and resource strain, and also allows land managers to welcome more members of the public without restricting access to parks. It’s a win-win.” </spa