Increased funding for public access to protected lands and wetland reserves.
This bill reauthorizes and increases funding for a program that encourages landowners to open their private lands to the public for recreational activities like hunting and fishing. Citizens will benefit from more opportunities to access natural areas, including wetland reserves, due to the allocation of $150 million for this purpose between 2025 and 2029. An additional $3 million is specifically designated to enhance public access to land covered by wetland reserve easements.
Key points
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is reauthorized (extended).
$150 million is allocated for the program from fiscal years 2025 through 2029, increasing public access to recreational lands.
$3 million of the total funding is specifically dedicated to encouraging public access to wetland reserve easements.
Introduced
Citizen Poll