Barrasso Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Benefit Wyoming's Outdoor Recreation Economy

Press Release

U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), joined ENR Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation will expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Wyoming and across America, while improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in rural communities.

"Wyoming is home to some of the most incredible national parks and public lands in the country," said Barrasso. "Our bipartisan bill will increase and improve outdoor recreation opportunities. It will modernize public campgrounds, establish shooting ranges on federal forests, and ensure increased access to public lands. America's Outdoor Recreation Act will benefit everyone who enjoys the outdoors in Wyoming and across the nation."

"Wyoming is proud of the world-class outdoor recreation opportunities we have for our citizens and visitors -- they improve the quality of life in our state and enhance the economy. We applaud the work being done on this federal legislation to expand and enhance outdoor recreation through increased collaboration between state, local and federal land managers," said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

"Wyoming has endless opportunities to recreate outdoors. The added use on Wyoming's public lands requires that we work collaboratively to educate recreationists on ways to reduce their impact, disperse them away from the busiest corners of our state, and concentrate them into landscapes that can withstand increased visitation. With increased coordination between the federal government and our state, we can leverage Wyoming's natural resources and stunning beauty to deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors while providing lasting benefits for our communities. Senator Barrasso's legislation will help us deliver on this mission for Wyoming and America's recreating public who visit our great State." said Darin Westby, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

"Wyoming welcomes more than seven million visitors per year to experience the high quality outdoor recreation offered through our public lands," said Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism. "We support this legislation as it continues to promote accessibility and destination development throughout Wyoming."

"By giving outfitters and public land agencies new tools and resources to improve access and the permitting process, we can all focus on what's really important: building people's connections with our greatest resource, the shared American landscape. America's Outdoor Recreation Act bolsters the outdoor recreation economy and opens the doors for outfitters new and old to provide ample and affordable guided opportunities to folks from all walks of life," said Aaron Bannon, Executive Director, America Outdoors Association and resident of Lander, Wyoming.

"The members of the Wyoming Outfitter and Guides Association support and urge passage of America's Outdoor Recreation Act. Wyoming's outdoor recreation industries are a huge part of our state's economy and WYOGA whole heartedly supports the act," said the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association in a statement.

"The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation works to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. Federal lands are an important resource for outdoor recreation, including hunting and target shooting, but an array of red tape and fees can limit people's recreational opportunities and access. America's Outdoor Recreation Act brings common-sense solutions to the regulatory and informational barriers that many of our members have experienced. These include establishing shooting ranges so hunters have safe places to practice, identifying where and when vehicles can be used on forest roads, utilizing all the parts of animals taken from cull hunts within parks, allowing hunters to document and share their experiences on video, and streamlining outfitting and guiding permits. Passage of America's Outdoor Recreation Act will be a benefit for all outdoors enthusiasts," said Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Read a summary of the Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 here.

Background Information:

On May 3, 2022, ENR unanimously advanced America's Outdoor Recreation Act out of committee. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive recreation package includes a host recreation legislative priorities, including the three bills mentioned below. It is supported by
numerous outdoor recreation associations, agencies, and enthusiasts.

On November 18, 2021, Barrasso and Manchin introduced the Outdoor Recreation Act. Among others, Governor Mark Gordon, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, and Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails support it.

On September 29, 2021, Barrasso introduced the CAPE Act. This bill provides discretion to the National Park Service to donate the cape, hide, horn, and antlers obtained from non-native species during wildlife management activities to volunteers or others authorized by the park service. It has been endorsed by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Boone and Crockett Club, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

On May 13, 2021, Barrasso introduced the FILM Act. This legislation will modernize film permitting on public lands to keep pace with changing technology and social media. It eliminates an unconstitutional permitting scheme that currently requires permits and fees for some types of filming and photography content, but not others. With passage of the FILM Act, outdoorsmen and women will be able to share their adventures without having to deal with burdensome red tape. The Wyoming Office of Tourism supports this bill, among others.

Source