Bill Summary
This resolution expresses support for "National Public Lands Day," designated as September 27, 2025, and encourages the American public to visit public lands on this fee-free day. It highlights the vast expanse of public lands in the U.S., which exceed 618 million acres, and acknowledges the essential role of various federal agencies in managing and preserving these lands. The resolution emphasizes the significance of public lands not only for recreational and conservation purposes but also for their cultural, spiritual, and economic contributions to communities and the nation. It notes the substantial economic impacts of outdoor recreation and the employment generated by public lands. By promoting this observance, the resolution aims to foster awareness and appreciation for the historical and ecological importance of these landscapes, while encouraging volunteerism in their maintenance and restoration.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation supporting "National Public Lands Day" could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Public Lands**: By designating a fee-free day for visiting public lands, the resolution encourages more individuals and families to explore national parks, forests, and other public areas without the financial barrier of entrance fees. This could lead to greater participation in outdoor activities, fostering a connection to nature and promoting physical health.
2. **Economic Boost to Local Communities**: The resolution highlights the significant economic contributions of public lands, including job creation and revenue generation from outdoor recreation. On "National Public Lands Day," increased visitor numbers can lead to a surge in spending at local businesses (such as hotels, restaurants, and shops), providing a boost to rural economies that rely on tourism and outdoor activities.
3. **Volunteer Engagement and Community Involvement**: The resolution acknowledges the importance of volunteer efforts in maintaining and restoring public lands. By promoting "National Public Lands Day," the legislation encourages community members to engage in volunteer activities, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for natural resources. This involvement can strengthen community bonds and raise awareness about environmental conservation efforts.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 772 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 772
Expressing support for ``National Public Lands Day'' and encouraging
the people of the United States to visit public lands on this fee-free
day and recognize their spiritual and cultural value, as well as their
contribution to the economy of the United States.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 26, 2025
Ms. Titus (for herself, Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Ciscomani, Ms. Ansari, Ms.
Norton, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Carter
of Louisiana, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Suozzi, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Case, Mr.
Torres of New York, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr.
Horsford, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Meng, Ms. Escobar, Mrs. Kim, Mr. LaLota, Ms.
Hoyle of Oregon, Mr. Evans of Colorado, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Lawler, Mr.
Fitzpatrick, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. DeGette, Mr.
Stanton, and Ms. Pettersen) submitted the following resolution; which
was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for ``National Public Lands Day'' and encouraging
the people of the United States to visit public lands on this fee-free
day and recognize their spiritual and cultural value, as well as their
contribution to the economy of the United States.
Whereas there are over 618,000,000 acres of public lands across the United
States;
Whereas the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, United States
Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management
and their respective staff play a vital role in preserving the Nation's
public lands and ensuring that the public can visit these treasured
places;
Whereas public lands have long been managed for multiple uses, including
recreation, conservation, grazing, hunting, fishing, and resource
development, reflecting their historic role in supporting rural
economies, cultural traditions, and community livelihoods;
Whereas the National Park Service manages 433 individual units covering more
than 85,000,000 acres in each State, the District of Columbia, and
territories of the United States;
Whereas approximately 38,000,000 acres are protected by 31 national monuments,
25 national conservation areas and similar designations, and other
covered areas in the national conservation lands managed by the Bureau
of Land Management;
Whereas the Bureau of Land Management manages 263 wilderness areas and 487
wilderness study areas, encompassing more than 21,000,000 acres, in the
United States;
Whereas there are more than 200 wild and scenic rivers in 40 States and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, encompassing nearly 13,000 river miles;
Whereas there are 32 national trails in the National Trail System administered
by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Forest
Service;
Whereas there are over 570 refuges in the National Wildlife System covering
856,000,000 acres of lands and waters managed by the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service;
Whereas public lands are not only of great cultural and spiritual significance
in the United States, but are also a major economic engine for a variety
of industries;
Whereas public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management generated
approximately $252,000,000,000 in economic output and nearly 950,000
jobs in fiscal year 2024;
Whereas outdoor recreation contributed $1,200,000,000,000 to the economy of the
United States in 2023;
Whereas public lands are hubs for biodiversity and treasured species;
Whereas the National Park Service saw a recordbreaking 331,900,000 recreation
visits in 2024;
Whereas, since ``National Public Lands Day'' was first celebrated in 1994,
millions of volunteers have contributed to the restoration and
maintenance of national treasures;
Whereas September 27, 2025, marks ``National Public Lands Day'': Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports ``National
Public Lands Day'' and encourages the people of the United States to
visit public lands on this fee-free day and recognize the historic,
cultural, and economic impact of public lands.
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