Press Release: Historic Great American Outdoors Act Signed into Law

August 4, 2020 – In what is being regarded across the nation as a major victory, today the Great American Outdoors Act was officially signed into law, fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as expanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

After gathering momentum in Congress and receiving overwhelming bipartisan support, the GAOA will dedicate up to $1.9 billion a year to address the maintenance backlog in our national parks and public lands, while expanding opportunities for parks, trails, hunting and fishing access, and recreational facilities.

“The Great American Outdoors Act is beneficial to us all, protecting our country’s most precious places, and expanding critical outdoor and recreational opportunities to our communities,” said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “The future of our nation’s special and venerated public lands is bright, and we look forward to the upcoming park projects, and improved outdoor access many will experience in our country’s landscapes.”

Perhaps the most important piece of federal legislation that has been protecting our nation’s land and water for the last 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is a vital extension of our existing historic and cultural preservation systems. It has put more than $17 billion into the protection of land in every state, contributed support to more than 41,000 state and local park projects, while improving access to the outdoors for millions of people without costing taxpayers a dime. It is legislation that reminds us that we have equal ownership of our public lands, regardless of cultural or socioeconomic background. Through the Great American Outdoors Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is fully funded.

“Through the funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act, National Parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and state parks will be protected for future generations,” said Simon. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund also helps with the conservation of historic places where Latinx and Hispanic families have lived for centuries, effectively allowing our community to preserve our multicultural traditions that are reflected in these diverse landscapes.”

HECHO commends the members of Congress who have come together to protect our country’s dynamic public lands and parks, fortifying our connection to the outdoors.

###