WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), cosponsored bipartisan legislation to digitize public land mapping records to increase outdoor recreation and improve hunting and fishing access for sportsmen and women. 

The Modernizing Access to our Public Land (MAP Land) Act will enhance access to the nation’s outdoor recreational opportunities by digitizing and standardizing mapping information like access points and permissible uses on federal public lands. 

“America’s hunters, anglers, and hikers need to be able to access and enjoy our nation’s public lands,” said Barrasso. “Across the West, federal land and private land form a checkerboard. Our bipartisan legislation will provide America’s sportsmen and women with easily accessible digital maps and information. It will clarify the access points to public lands and highlight the boundaries of where recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting are permitted. The MAP Land Act protects the rights of private landowners and provides outdoor enthusiasts with the information they need.” 

The MAP Land Act is sponsored by Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Angus King (I-ME). In addition to Barrasso, the legislation is cosponsored by the chairman of the ENR Committee, Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jon Tester (D-MT), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

The MAP Land Act is supported by many in the conservation and sportsmen community, including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and Trout Unlimited. 

“Quite simply, the MAPLand Act is a common-sense investment in the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Now more than ever, Americans from all walks of life are embracing the world-class opportunities available on our public lands. This bill will allow sportsmen and sportswomen to take full advantage of access opportunities, make it easier to follow the rules while recreating outside, and reduce access conflicts with private landowners. We want to thank Senator Risch for taking the lead on this important legislation.”
 

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