Glacier Country News

On May 10, 2023, 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.”

“National parks are important to Alaska and are deeply connected to local economies,” said Representative Peltola. “This legislation will provide additional opportunities for local communities to benefit from and engage in decision-making about their local park economies. It will also encourage more people to visit our national parks as digital passes become more and more a norm in everyday life. I am happy to co-lead this bill — and hope it will help to lift up the communities that support America’s national parks.”

“America has first-class national parks and public lands, recognized the world over.  And while this has been a blessing to share, it has also placed unique challenges on the folks who live and work in our gateway communities,” said Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “By increasing local collaboration and transparency, we can better support the needs of these communities so they can continue to boost local economies and preserve our public lands for generations to come. The Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act will do just that.”

The bill: 

1. Creates a digital America the Beautiful National Parks and public lands pass so visitors can seamlessly access public lands.
2. Establishes a pilot program to provide visitation data for recreation lands and at high congestion promote visitation to nearby lesser known, lesser visited recreation sites. 
3. Requires the public land management agencies to collaborate with local stakeholders to address gateway communities’ economic needs, particularly housing shortages, and infrastructural deficiencies, related to increasing visitation. 
4. Requires the NPS to consult local communities before restricting access to parks.

 Statements of support: 

“Public lands throughout the country are incredibly important for providing Americans with opportunities to recreate, including fishing. The recreational fishing industry is grateful to Rep. Zinke for his leadership on the Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act. Recreational fishing opportunities can be found in nearly every national park, forest and wildlife refuge, and modernizing visitation data at these facilities will allow both land managers and the public to better ensure quality fishing experiences.” – Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association

“The Flathead County Commissioners thank Congressman Zinke for reintroducing the Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act. The act will offer useful and needed tools for our communities located near and around the entrance to Glacier National Park. We appreciate his work on behalf of Flathead County.” – Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl 

"As we continue to see a record number of visitors to our national parks and public lands, programs which efficiently streamline the park processes and invest in enhanced visitation data models will allow us to better understand where outdoor resources are needed. We commend Congressman Zinke for taking up the mantle on this bill in the House to help protect gateway communities and local economies." – Kent Ebersole, President, Outdoor Industry Association

Background: 

Other House members listed as an original co-sponsor are John Curtis (UT-03), Doug Lamalfa(CA-01), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Mike Lawler (NY-27), Burgess Owens (UT-4). 

Original source can be found here.