Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Temperatures drop and the days get shorter, but Autumn in Arkansas brings a burst of red, orange, and gold as the landscape comes to life through the transformation of fall foliage. People across the country venture to our great state every year to drive along scenic Highway 7 or set up camp along the Buffalo National River to catch glimpses of the Natural State's beauty. This changing of seasons is an encouraging reminder – the oppressive summer heat never lasts forever, and beauty and newness are always just around the corner. This sense of optimism brings out-of-state visitors and locals alike to enjoy the bountiful nature of Arkansas. 

Earlier this year, as the House Natural Resources Committee Chairman, I introduced the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, also known as the EXPLORE Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The EXPLORE Act will help modernize visitor experiences at parks, increase accessibility for veterans and service members outdoors, create new opportunities and trails for outdoorsmen and women to recreate, and support local communities that depend on access to our public lands. The bill also includes key priorities for Arkansans, like reopening overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area, protecting battlefields, and creating more parking and restroom facilities at some of our favorite sites. I hope that this legislation will move quickly through the Senate and make its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Arkansas is called the Natural State for a reason and is admired and visited by guests across the country and around the world. As an avid outdoorsman, I stand firm in the belief that our public lands and natural beauty are strong contributing factors to what makes our country such a great nation. Because of this, I am honored to have sponsored legislation that will steward our land well and provide opportunities for generations of Americans to enjoy the Natural State, and our country, through outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, and camping. 

So, as autumnal majesty sweeps across our great state, I hope you will take advantage of all the resources our land has to offer. Whether it’s taking a road trip through winding paths of a kaleidoscope of colors, hiking across the Ozarks, or camping under canopies of red and gold, grab your boots and your gear and explore the beauty Arkansas has to offer while she is in her most stunning form.