Westerman released the following statement on the policy provisions included in the EXPLORE Act to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area:
“As an avid outdoorsman, there’s nothing better than exploring and taking in all that the Natural State has to offer. From endless fishing opportunities to numerous hiking and biking trails, breathtaking views, and so much more, Arkansas is certainly not lacking in natural beauty,” said Congressman Westerman. “The EXPLORE Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill, works toward improving access and opportunity for experiencing greater outdoor recreation across our public lands and waters.”
“The Fourth District of Arkansas wins with the included provision of reopening overnight camping access at the Albert Pike Recreation Area. The initial decision by the Forest Service to suspend overnight camping was a disappointment to numerous Arkansans, and this bill will safely reinstate that access in addition to better management of the Albert Pike Recreation Area, which is greatly needed. I look forward to working with the U.S. Forest Service to allow for safe and responsible usage for years to come."
"Overall, the EXPLORE Act will modernize the visitor experience, reduce overcrowding, improve access for those with disabilities, address infrastructure issues, and reduce a burdensome permitting process experienced by small businesses who greatly depend on public land access for their livelihood. Not only is this bill a win for the Fourth District, it’s a win for all Americans, and I look forward to seeing the EXPLORE Act signed into law quickly by President Biden.”
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 benefit outdoor recreation across America by:
- Improving access to public lands and waters for outdoor recreation.
- Modernizing technology to improve visitor experiences, like increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital recreation passes.
- Streamlining the permitting process and reducing fees for small businesses that depend on public land access.
- Protecting rock climbing in iconic places and creating new long-distance bike trails.
- Restoring campgrounds and modernizing infrastructure.
- Supporting gateway communities by addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure.
- Improving 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.