Westerman released the following statement on the policy provisions included in the EXPLORE Act to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area:

“Ever since the Forest Service suspended overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area, I’ve heard from countless constituents who are disappointed with the decision and frustrated with the mismanagement of the site since the suspension. As such, I included comprehensive and responsible policies in the EXPLORE Act that will ensure the Forest Service reopens overnight camping and better manages the Albert Pike Recreation Area. No one understands the blessing of outdoor recreation opportunities quite like Arkansans, which is why I’m proud to champion the EXPLORE Act to ensure that outdoorsmen and women can safely enjoy their favorite recreation sites, like Albert Pike, for generations to come.”

Click here for Westerman’s full statement on the passage of the EXPLORE Act.

BACKGROUND:

One of the most popular sites within the Ouachita National Forest is the Albert Pike Recreation Area (APRA), a unique area that has long attracted outdoorsmen and women from across the country. The U.S. Forest Service suspended overnight camping at APRA following a major flash flood that tragically killed 20 people on June 11, 2010. Since then, APRA has been to limited day use. Congressman Westerman’s EXPLORE Act will:

• Safely re-open any existing overnight campsites outside of the 100-year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment.
• Identify 54 areas that may be suitable for overnight camping in the recreation area within 6 months of the bill’s enactment.
• Establish at least 27 new overnight camping sites outside of the 100-year flood plain, including at least 8 with electric and water hookups, for public use within 2 years of the bill’s enactment.
• Require the rehabilitation necessary to make publicly accessible areas in APRA suitable for year-round day use.

In addition to reopening overnight camping at APRA, the EXPLORE Act will:

• Improve access to public lands and waters for outdoor recreation.
• Modernize technology to improve visitor experiences, like increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital recreation passes.
• Streamline the permitting process and reduce fees for small businesses that depend on public land access.
• Protect rock climbing in iconic places and create new long-distance bike trails.
• Restore campgrounds and modernize infrastructure.
• Support gateway communities by addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure.
• Improve accessibility for military service members, veterans, individuals with disabilities and children.

The EXPLORE Act is supported by more than 100 outdoor organizations, including several Arkansas based organizations who advocate for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, recreational boating, rock climbing, and more.

Click here for more information.