II 
118TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 6492 
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
APRIL 10, 2024 
Received 
AN ACT 
To improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater 
access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experi-
ences Act’’ or the ‘‘EXPLORE Act’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Definitions. 
TITLE I—OUTDOOR RECREATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE 
Subtitle A—Outdoor Recreation Policy 
Sec. 111. Congressional declaration of policy. 
Sec. 112. Identifying opportunities for recreation. 
Sec. 113. Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation. 
Sec. 114. Recreation budget crosscut. 
Subtitle B—Public Recreation on Federal Recreational Lands and Waters 
Sec. 121. Biking on long-distance trails. 
Sec. 122. Protecting America’s rock climbing. 
Sec. 123. Range access. 
Sec. 124. Restoration of overnight campsites. 
Sec. 125. Federal interior land media. 
Sec. 126. Cape and antler preservation enhancement. 
Sec. 127. Motorized and nonmotorized access. 
Sec. 128. Aquatic resource activities assistance. 
Subtitle C—Supporting Gateway Communities and Addressing Park 
Overcrowding 
Sec. 131. Gateway communities. 
Sec. 132. Improved recreation visitation data. 
Sec. 133. Monitoring for improved recreation decision making. 
Subtitle D—Broadband Connectivity on Federal Recreational Lands and 
Waters 
Sec. 141. Connect Our Parks. 
Sec. 142. Broadband internet connectivity at developed recreation sites. 
Sec. 143. Public lands telecommunications cooperative agreements. 
Subtitle E—Public–Private Parks Partnerships 
Sec. 151. Authorization for lease of forest service administrative sites. 
Sec. 152. Partnership agreements creating tangible savings. 
Sec. 153. Partnership agreements to modernize federally owned campgrounds, 
resorts, cabins, and visitor centers on Federal recreational 
lands and waters. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
Sec. 154. Parking and Restroom opportunities for Federal recreational lands 
and waters. 
Sec. 155. Pay-for-performance projects. 
Sec. 156. Outdoor recreation legacy partnership program. 
Sec. 157. American battlefield protection program enhancement. 
TITLE II—ACCESS AMERICA 
Sec. 201. Definitions. 
Subtitle A—Access for People With Disabilities 
Sec. 211. Accessible recreation inventory. 
Sec. 212. Trail inventory. 
Sec. 213. Trail pilot program. 
Sec. 214. Accessible trails. 
Sec. 215. Accessible recreation opportunities. 
Sec. 216. Assistive technology. 
Sec. 217. Savings clause. 
Subtitle B—Military and Veterans in Parks 
Sec. 221. Promotion of outdoor recreation for military servicemembers and vet-
erans. 
Sec. 222. Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons. 
Sec. 223. Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation. 
Sec. 224. National strategy for military and veteran recreation. 
Sec. 225. Recreation resource advisory committees. 
Sec. 226. Career and volunteer opportunities for veterans. 
Subtitle C—Youth Access 
Sec. 231. Increasing youth recreation visits to Federal land. 
Sec. 232. Every Kid Outdoors Act extension. 
TITLE III—SIMPLIFYING OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR RECREATION 
Sec. 301. Definitions. 
Subtitle A—Modernizing Recreation Permitting 
Sec. 311. Special recreation permit and fee. 
Sec. 312. Permitting process improvements. 
Sec. 313. Permit flexibility. 
Sec. 314. Permit administration. 
Sec. 315. Service First Initiative; Permits for multijurisdictional trips. 
Sec. 316. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management temporary special 
recreation permits for outfitting and guiding. 
Sec. 317. Reviews for long-term permits. 
Sec. 318. Adjustment of allocated visitor-use days. 
Sec. 319. Liability. 
Sec. 320. Cost recovery reform. 
Sec. 321. Availability of Federal, State, and local recreation passes. 
Sec. 322. Online purchases and establishment of a digital version of America 
the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational 
Lands Passes. 
Sec. 323. Savings provision. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(A) the Secretary, with respect to land 
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; or 
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with re-
spect to land managed by the Forest Service. 
(9) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each of 
the several States, the District of Columbia, and 
each territory of the United States. 
TITLE 
I—OUTDOOR 
RECRE-
ATION 
AND 
INFRASTRUC-
TURE 
Subtitle A—Outdoor Recreation 
Policy 
SEC. 111. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY. 
Congress declares that it is the policy of the Federal 
Government to foster and encourage recreation on Federal 
recreational lands and waters, to the extent consistent 
with the laws applicable to specific areas of Federal rec-
reational lands and waters, including multiple-use man-
dates and land management planning requirements. 
SEC. 112. IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION. 
(a) INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENTS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned 
shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(A) conduct an inventory and assessment 
of recreation resources for Federal recreational 
lands and waters; 
(B) develop the inventory and assessment 
with support from public comment; and 
(C) update the inventory and assessment 
as the Secretary concerned determines appro-
priate. 
(2) UNIQUE RECREATION VALUES.—An inven-
tory and assessment conducted under paragraph (1) 
shall— 
(A) recognize— 
(i) any unique recreation values and 
recreation opportunities; and 
(ii) areas of concentrated recreational 
use; and 
(B) identify, list, and map recreation re-
sources by— 
(i) type of recreation opportunity and 
type of natural or artificial recreation in-
frastructure; 
(ii) to the extent available, the level of 
use of the recreation resource as of the 
date of the inventory; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(iii) identifying, to the extent prac-
ticable, any trend relating to recreation op-
portunities or use at a recreation resource 
identified under subparagraph (A). 
(3) ASSESSMENTS.—For any recreation re-
source inventoried under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary concerned shall assess— 
(A) the maintenance needs of, and ex-
penses necessary to administer, the recreation 
resource; 
(B) the suitability for developing, expand-
ing, or enhancing the recreation resource; and 
(C) the adequacy of the current manage-
ment of the recreation resource. 
(b) EXISTING EFFORTS.—To the extent practicable, 
the Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing 
applicable research and planning decisions and processes 
in carrying out this section. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 200103 of 
title 54, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (d); and 
(2) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), 
(h), and (i) as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), 
respectively. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
SEC. 113. FEDERAL INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON OUTDOOR 
RECREATION. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 200102 of title 54, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
paragraphs (4) and (5) respectively; and 
(2) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so re-
designated, the following: 
‘‘(1) COUNCIL.—The term ‘Council’ means the 
Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation 
established under section 200104. 
‘‘(2) FEDERAL
LAND
AND
WATER
MANAGE-
MENT AGENCY.—The term ‘Federal land and water 
management agency’ means the National Park Serv-
ice, Bureau of Land Management, United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service, Corps of 
Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration. 
‘‘(3) FEDERAL
RECREATIONAL
LANDS
AND 
WATERS.—The term ‘Federal recreational lands and 
waters’ has the meaning given the term in section 
802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 
Act (16 U.S.C. 6801) and also includes Federal 
lands and waters managed by the Bureau of Indian 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
Affairs, Corps of Engineers, or National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration.’’. 
(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNCIL.—Section 200104 
of title 54, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows: 
‘‘§ 200104. Federal interagency council on outdoor 
recreation 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish an interagency council, to be known as the ‘Federal 
Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation’. 
‘‘(b) COMPOSITION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Council shall be com-
posed of representatives of each of the following 
agencies, to be appointed by the head of the respec-
tive agency: 
‘‘(A) The National Park Service. 
‘‘(B) The Bureau of Land Management. 
‘‘(C) The United States Fish and Wildlife 
Service. 
‘‘(D) The Bureau of Indian Affairs. 
‘‘(E) The Bureau of Reclamation. 
‘‘(F) The Forest Service. 
‘‘(G) The Army Corps of Engineers. 
‘‘(H) The National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(2) ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS.—In addition 
to the members of the Council appointed under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary may invite participa-
tion in the Council’s meetings or other activities 
from representatives of the following: 
‘‘(A) The Council on Environmental Qual-
ity. 
‘‘(B) The Natural Resources Conservation 
Service. 
‘‘(C) Rural development programs of the 
Department of Agriculture. 
‘‘(D) The National Center for Chronic Dis-
ease Prevention and Health Promotion. 
‘‘(E) The Environmental Protection Agen-
cy. 
‘‘(F) The Department of Transportation, 
including the Federal Highway Administration. 
‘‘(G) The Tennessee Valley Authority. 
‘‘(H) The Department of Commerce, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(i) the Bureau of Economic Analysis; 
‘‘(ii) the National Travel and Tourism 
Office; and 
‘‘(iii) the Economic Development Ad-
ministration. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(I) The Federal Energy Regulatory Com-
mission. 
‘‘(J) An applicable State agency or office. 
‘‘(K) An applicable agency or office of a 
local government. 
‘‘(L) Other organizations or interests, as 
determined appropriate by the Secretary. 
‘‘(3) STATE
COORDINATION.—In determining 
additional participants under this subsection, the 
Secretary shall seek to ensure that States are invited 
and represented in the Council’s meetings or other 
activities. 
‘‘(4) LEADERSHIP.—The leadership of the 
Council shall rotate every 2 years among the Council 
members appointed under paragraph (1), or as oth-
erwise determined by the Secretary in consultation 
with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Defense, and 
Commerce. 
‘‘(5) FUNDING.—Notwithstanding section 708 
of title VII of division E of the Consolidated Appro-
priations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117–328), the 
Council members appointed under paragraph (1) 
may enter into agreements to share the management 
and operational costs of the Council. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(c) COORDINATION.—The Council shall meet as fre-
quently as appropriate for the purposes of coordinating 
on issues related to outdoor recreation, including— 
‘‘(1) recreation programs and management poli-
cies across Federal land and water management 
agencies, including activities associated with the im-
plementation of the Federal Lands Recreation En-
hancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.), as appro-
priate; 
‘‘(2) the response by Federal land and water 
management agencies to public health emergencies 
or other emergencies, including those that result in 
disruptions to, or closures of, Federal recreational 
lands and waters; 
‘‘(3) investments relating to outdoor recreation 
on Federal recreational lands and waters, including 
funds made available under section 40804(b)(7) of 
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 
U.S.C. 6592a(b)(7)); 
‘‘(4) management of emerging technologies on 
Federal recreational lands and waters; 
‘‘(5) research activities, including quantifying 
the economic impacts of recreation; 
‘‘(6) dissemination to the public of recreation- 
related information, in a manner that ensures the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
recreation-related information is easily accessible 
with modern communication devices; 
‘‘(7) the improvement of access to Federal rec-
reational lands and waters; and 
‘‘(8) the identification and engagement of part-
ners outside the Federal Government— 
‘‘(A) to promote outdoor recreation; 
‘‘(B) to facilitate collaborative management 
of outdoor recreation; and 
‘‘(C) to provide additional resources relat-
ing to enhancing outdoor recreation opportuni-
ties; and 
‘‘(9) any other outdoor recreation-related issues 
that the Council determines necessary. 
‘‘(d) EFFECT.—Nothing in this section affects the 
authorities, regulations, or policies of any Federal agency 
described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b).’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 2001 of title 54, United States Code, is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 200104 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘200104. Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation’’. 
SEC. 114. RECREATION BUDGET CROSSCUT. 
Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal 
year, beginning with fiscal year 2025, the Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget shall submit to Con-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
gress and make public online a report that describes and 
itemizes the total amount of funding relating to outdoor 
recreation that was obligated in the preceding fiscal year 
in accounts in the Treasury for the Department of the 
Interior and the Department of Agriculture. 
Subtitle B—Public Recreation on 
Federal Recreational Lands and 
Waters 
SEC. 121. BIKING ON LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS. 
(a) IDENTIFICATION OF LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS.— 
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment 
of this title, the Secretaries shall identify— 
(1) not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails 
that make use of trails and roads in existence on the 
date of the enactment of this title; and 
(2) not fewer than 10 areas in which there is 
an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that 
would qualify as a long-distance bike trail. 
(b) PUBLIC COMMENT.—The Secretaries shall— 
(1) develop a process to allow members of the 
public to comment regarding the identification of 
trails and areas under subsection (a); and 
(2) consider the identification, development, 
and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geo-
graphically equitable manner. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(c) MAPS, SIGNAGE, AND PROMOTIONAL MATE-
RIALS.—For any long-distance bike trail identified under 
subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may— 
(1) publish and distribute maps, install signage, 
and issue promotional materials; and 
(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any 
non-Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, 
development, or completion of trails. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of the enactment of this title, the Secretaries, in partner-
ship with interested organizations, shall prepare and pub-
lish a report that lists the trails identified under sub-
section (a), including a summary of public comments re-
ceived in accordance with the process developed under sub-
section (b). 
(e) CONFLICT AVOIDANCE WITH OTHER USES.—Be-
fore identifying a long-distance bike trail under subsection 
(a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure the long-distance 
bike trail— 
(1) minimizes conflict with— 
(A) the uses, before the date of the enact-
ment of this title, of any trail or road that is 
part of that long-distance bike trail; 
(B) multiple-use areas where biking, hik-
ing, horseback riding, or use by pack and sad-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
dle stock are existing uses on the date of the 
enactment of this title; 
(C) the purposes for which any trail was or 
is established under the National Trails System 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and 
(D) any area managed under the Wilder-
ness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and 
(2) complies with land use and management 
plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters 
that are part of that long-distance bike trail. 
(f) EMINENT DOMAIN OR CONDEMNATION.—In car-
rying out this section, the Secretaries may not use eminent 
domain or condemnation. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) LONG-DISTANCE
BIKE
TRAIL.—The term 
‘‘long-distance bike trail’’ means a continuous route, 
consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way, 
that— 
(A) is not less than 80 miles in length; 
(B) primarily makes use of dirt or natural 
surface trails; 
(C) may require connections along paved 
or other improved roads; 
(D) does not include Federal recreational 
lands where mountain biking or related activi-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
ties are not consistent with management re-
quirements for those Federal recreational lands; 
and 
(E) to the maximum extent practicable, 
makes use of trails and roads that were on Fed-
eral recreational lands on or before the date of 
the enactment of this title. 
(2) SECRETARIES.—The term ‘‘Secretaries’’ 
means the Secretary of the Interior and the Sec-
retary of Agriculture, acting jointly. 
SEC. 122. PROTECTING AMERICA’S ROCK CLIMBING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of the enactment of this title, each Secretary con-
cerned shall issue guidance for recreational climbing ac-
tivities on covered Federal land. 
(b) APPLICABLE LAW.—The guidance issued under 
subsection (a) shall ensure that recreational climbing ac-
tivities comply with the laws (including regulations) appli-
cable to the covered Federal land. 
(c) WILDERNESS
AREAS.—The guidance issued 
under subsection (a) shall recognize that recreational 
climbing (including the use, placement, and maintenance 
of fixed anchors) is an appropriate use within a component 
of the National Wilderness Preservation System, if under-
taken— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(1) in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 
U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and other applicable laws (in-
cluding regulations); and 
(2) subject to any terms and conditions deter-
mined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION.—The guidance issued under 
subsection (a) shall describe the requirements, if any, for 
the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for rec-
reational climbing in a component of the National Wilder-
ness Preservation System, including any terms and condi-
tions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appro-
priate, which may be issued programmatically or on a 
case-by-case basis. 
(e) EXISTING ROUTES.—The guidance issued under 
subsection (a) shall include direction providing for the con-
tinued use and maintenance of recreational climbing 
routes (including fixed anchors along the routes) in exist-
ence as of the date of the enactment of this title, in accord-
ance with this Act. 
(f) PUBLIC COMMENT.—Before finalizing the guid-
ance issued under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned 
shall provide opportunities for public comment with re-
spect to the guidance. 
(g) COVERED FEDERAL LAND DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘covered Federal land’’— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(1) means the lands described in subparagraphs 
(A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and 
(2) includes components of the National Wilder-
ness Preservation System. 
SEC. 123. RANGE ACCESS. 
(a) DEFINITION OF TARGET SHOOTING RANGE.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘target shooting range’’ means a 
developed and managed area that is authorized or oper-
ated by the Forest Service, a concessioner of the Forest 
Service, or the Bureau of Land Management (or their les-
see) specifically for the purposeful discharge by the public 
of legal firearms, firearms training, archery, or other asso-
ciated activities. 
(b) ASSESSMENT; IDENTIFICATION
OF
TARGET 
SHOOTING RANGE LOCATIONS.— 
(1) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary 
concerned shall make available to the public a list 
that— 
(A) identifies each National Forest and 
each Bureau of Land Management district that 
has a target shooting range that meets the re-
quirements described in paragraph (3)(B); 
(B) identifies each National Forest and 
each Bureau of Land Management district that 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
does not have a target shooting range that 
meets the requirements described in paragraph 
(3)(B); and 
(C) for each National Forest and each Bu-
reau of Land Management district identified 
under subparagraph (B), provides a determina-
tion of whether applicable law or the applicable 
land use plan prevents the establishment of a 
target shooting range that meets the require-
ments described in paragraph (3)(B). 
(2) IDENTIFICATION
OF
TARGET
SHOOTING 
RANGE LOCATIONS.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary con-
cerned shall identify at least 1 suitable location 
for a target shooting range that meets the re-
quirements described in paragraph (3)(B) with-
in each National Forest and each Bureau of 
Land Management district with respect to 
which the Secretary concerned has determined 
under paragraph (1)(C) that the establishment 
of a target shooting range is not prevented by 
applicable law or the applicable land use plan. 
(B) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretaries, in 
consultation with the entities described in sub-
section (d), shall, for purposes of identifying a 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
suitable location for a target shooting range 
under subparagraph (A)— 
(i) consider the proximity of areas fre-
quently used by recreational shooters; 
(ii) ensure that the target shooting 
range would not adversely impact a shoot-
ing range operated on non-Federal land; 
and 
(iii) consider other nearby recreational 
uses, including proximity to units of the 
National Park System, to minimize poten-
tial conflict and prioritize visitor safety. 
(3) ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW TARGET SHOOT-
ING RANGES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 years 
after the date of the enactment of this title, at 
1 or more suitable locations identified on each 
eligible National Forest and Bureau of Land 
Management district under paragraph (2)(A), 
the Secretary concerned shall— 
(i) subject to the availability of appro-
priations for such purpose, construct a tar-
get shooting range that meets the require-
ments described in subparagraph (B) or 
modify an existing target shooting range to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
meet the requirements described in sub-
paragraph (B); or 
(ii) enter into an agreement with an 
entity described in subsection (d)(1), under 
which the entity shall establish or maintain 
a target shooting range that meets the re-
quirements described in subparagraph (B). 
(B) REQUIREMENTS.—A target shooting 
range established under this paragraph— 
(i)(I) shall be able to accommodate ri-
fles and pistols; 
(II) may include skeet, trap, or sport-
ing clay infrastructure; and 
(III) may accommodate archery; 
(ii) shall include appropriate public 
safety designs and features, including— 
(I) significantly modified land-
scapes, including berms, buffer dis-
tances, or other public safety designs 
or features; and 
(II) a designated firing line; and 
(iii) may include— 
(I) shade structures; 
(II) trash containers; 
(III) restrooms; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(IV) benches; and 
(V) any other features that the 
Secretary concerned determines to be 
necessary. 
(C) RECREATION AND PUBLIC PURPOSES 
ACT.—For purposes of subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary concerned may consider a target 
shooting range that is located on land trans-
ferred or leased pursuant to the Act of June 
14, 1926 (commonly known as the ‘‘Recreation 
and Public Purposes Act’’) (44 Stat. 741, chap-
ter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), as a target 
shooting range that meets the requirements de-
scribed in subparagraph (B). 
(c) RESTRICTIONS.— 
(1) MANAGEMENT.—The management of a tar-
get shooting range shall be subject to such condi-
tions as the Secretary concerned determines are nec-
essary for the safe, responsible use of— 
(A) the target shooting range; and 
(B) the adjacent land and resources. 
(2) CLOSURES.—Except in emergency situa-
tions, the Secretary concerned shall seek to ensure 
that a target shooting range that meets the require-
ments described in subsection (b)(3)(B), or an 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
equivalent shooting range adjacent to a National 
Forest or Bureau of Land Management district, is 
available to the public prior to closing Federal rec-
reational lands and waters administered by the Chief 
of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau 
of Land Management to recreational shooting, in ac-
cordance with section 4103 of the John D. Dingell, 
Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act 
(16 U.S.C. 7913). 
(d) COORDINATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this section, 
the Secretaries shall coordinate with— 
(A) State, Tribal, and local governments; 
(B) nonprofit or nongovernmental organi-
zations, including organizations that are sig-
natories to the memorandum of understanding 
entitled ‘‘Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing, and 
Shooting Sports Roundtable Memorandum of 
Understanding’’ and signed by the Forest Serv-
ice and the Bureau of Land Management on 
August 17, 2006; 
(C) shooting clubs; 
(D) Federal advisory councils relating to 
hunting and shooting sports; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(E) individuals or entities with authorized 
leases or permits in an area under consideration 
for a target shooting range. 
(2) PARTNERSHIPS.—The Secretaries may— 
(A) coordinate with an entity described in 
paragraph (1) to assist with the construction, 
modification, operation, or maintenance of a 
target shooting range; and 
(B) explore opportunities to leverage fund-
ing to maximize non-Federal investment in the 
construction, modification, operation, or main-
tenance of a target shooting range. 
(e) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of the enactment of this title and annually there-
after through fiscal year 2033, the Secretaries shall sub-
mit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives a report describing the 
progress made with respect to the implementation of this 
section. 
(f) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section affects 
the authority of the Secretary concerned to administer a 
target shooting range that is in addition to the target 
shooting ranges that meet the requirements described in 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
subsection (b)(3)(B) on Federal recreational lands and 
waters administered by the Secretary concerned. 
SEC. 124. RESTORATION OF OVERNIGHT CAMPSITES. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) RECREATION AREA.—The term ‘‘Recreation 
Area’’ means the recreation area and grounds asso-
ciated with the recreation area on the map entitled 
‘‘Ouachita National Forest Camping Restoration’’ 
and dated November 30, 2023, on file with the For-
est Service. 
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Agriculture. 
(b) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— 
(1) not later than 6 months after the date of 
the enactment of this title, identify 54 areas within 
the Recreation Area that may be suitable for over-
night camping; and 
(2) not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this title— 
(A) review each area identified under para-
graph (1); and 
(B) from the areas so identified, select and 
establish at least 27 campsites and related fa-
cilities within the Recreation Area for public 
use. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(c) REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO CAMPSITES AND 
RELATED FACILITIES.—The Secretary shall— 
(1) ensure that at least 27 campsites are avail-
able under subsection (b), of which not less than 8 
shall have electric and water hookups; and 
(2) ensure that each campsite and related facil-
ity identified or established under subsection (b) is 
located outside of the 1 percent annual exceedance 
probability flood elevation. 
(d) REOPENING OF CERTAIN SITES.—Not later than 
30 days after the date of the enactment of this title, the 
Secretary shall open each campsite within the Recreation 
Area that— 
(1) exists on the date of the enactment of this 
title; 
(2) is located outside of the 1 percent annual 
exceedance probability flood elevation; 
(3) was in operation on June 1, 2010; and 
(4) would not interfere with any current (as of 
the date of the enactment of this title) day use 
areas. 
(e) DAY USE AREAS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
take such actions as are necessary to rehabilitate and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
make publicly accessible the areas in the Recreation Area 
identified for year-round day use, including the following: 
(1) Loop A. 
(2) Loop B. 
(3) The covered, large-group picnic pavilion in 
Loop D. 
(4) The parking lot in Loop D. 
SEC. 125. FEDERAL INTERIOR LAND MEDIA. 
(a) FILMING IN NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 1009 of title 54, 
United States Code, is amended by striking section 
100905 and inserting the following: 
‘‘§ 100905. Filming and still photography in System 
units 
‘‘(a) FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that a filming or still photography activity or similar 
project in a System unit (referred to in this section 
as a ‘filming or still photography activity’) and the 
authorizing or permitting of a filming or still pho-
tography activity are carried out consistent with— 
‘‘(A) the laws and policies applicable to the 
Service; and 
‘‘(B) an applicable general management 
plan. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(2) NO PERMITS REQUIRED.—The Secretary 
shall not require an authorization or a permit or as-
sess a fee, if a fee for a filming or still photography 
activity is not otherwise required by law, for a film-
ing or still photography activity that— 
‘‘(A)(i) involves fewer than 6 individuals; 
and 
‘‘(ii) meets each of the requirements de-
scribed in paragraph (5); or 
‘‘(B) is merely incidental to, or docu-
menting, an activity or event that is allowed or 
authorized at the System unit, regardless of— 
‘‘(i) the number of individuals partici-
pating in the allowed or authorized activity 
or event; or 
‘‘(ii) whether any individual receives 
compensation for any products of the film-
ing or still photography activity. 
‘‘(3) FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AU-
THORIZATIONS FOR DE MINIMIS USE.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
establish a de minimis use authorization for 
certain filming or still photography activities 
that meets the requirements described in sub-
paragraph (F). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(B) POLICY.—For a filming or still pho-
tography activity that meets the requirements 
described in subparagraph (F), the Secretary— 
‘‘(i) may require a de minimis use au-
thorization; and 
‘‘(ii) shall not require a permit. 
‘‘(C) NO
FEE.—The Secretary shall not 
charge a fee for a de minimis use authorization 
under this paragraph. 
‘‘(D) ACCESS.—The Secretary shall enable 
members of the public to apply for and obtain 
a de minimis use authorization under this para-
graph— 
‘‘(i) through the website of the Serv-
ice; and 
‘‘(ii) in person at the field office of 
the applicable System unit. 
‘‘(E) ISSUANCES.—The Secretary shall— 
‘‘(i) establish a procedure— 
‘‘(I) to automate the approval of 
an application submitted through the 
website of the Service under subpara-
graph (D)(i); and 
‘‘(II) to issue a de minimis use 
authorization under this paragraph 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
immediately on receipt of an applica-
tion that is submitted in person at the 
field office of the applicable System 
unit under subparagraph (D)(ii); and 
‘‘(ii) if an application submitted under 
subparagraph (D) meets the requirements 
of this paragraph, immediately on receipt 
of the application issue a de minimis use 
authorization for the filming or still pho-
tography activity. 
‘‘(F) 
REQUIREMENTS.—The 
Secretary 
shall only issue a de minimis use authorization 
under this paragraph if the filming or still pho-
tography activity— 
‘‘(i) involves a group of not fewer than 
6 individuals and not more than 8 individ-
uals; 
‘‘(ii) meets each of the requirements 
described in paragraph (5); and 
‘‘(iii) is consistent with subsection (c). 
‘‘(G) CONTENTS.—A de minimis use au-
thorization issued under this paragraph shall 
list the requirements described in subparagraph 
(F). 
‘‘(4) REQUIRED PERMITS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may require a 
permit application and, if a permit is issued, as-
sess a reasonable fee, as described in subsection 
(b)(1), for a filming or still photography activ-
ity that— 
‘‘(i) involves more than 8 individuals; 
or 
‘‘(ii) does not meet each of the re-
quirements described in paragraph (5). 
‘‘(B) WILDERNESS ACT CLARIFICATION.— 
No provision of this subsection is intended to or 
shall be construed to conflict with the provi-
sions of the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 
1131 et seq.). 
‘‘(5) REQUIREMENTS FOR FILMING OR STILL 
PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTIVITY.—The requirements re-
ferred to in paragraphs (2)(A)(ii), (3)(F)(ii), (4)(B), 
and (7)(C) are as follows: 
‘‘(A) A person conducts the filming or still 
photography activity in a manner that— 
‘‘(i) does not impede or intrude on the 
experience of other visitors to the applica-
ble System unit; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(ii) except as otherwise authorized, 
does not disturb or negatively impact— 
‘‘(I) a natural or cultural re-
source; or 
‘‘(II) an environmental or scenic 
value; and 
‘‘(iii) allows for equitable allocation or 
use of facilities of the applicable System 
unit. 
‘‘(B) The person conducts the filming or 
still photography activity at a location in which 
the public is allowed. 
‘‘(C) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity does not require the 
exclusive use of a site or area. 
‘‘(D) The person does not conduct the 
filming or still photography activity in a local-
ized area that receives a very high volume of 
visitation. 
‘‘(E) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity does not use a set or 
staging equipment, subject to the limitation 
that handheld equipment (such as a tripod, 
monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
shall not be considered staging equipment for 
the purposes of this subparagraph. 
‘‘(F) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity complies with and ad-
heres to visitor use policies, practices, and regu-
lations applicable to the applicable System unit. 
‘‘(G) The filming or still photography ac-
tivity is not likely to result in additional admin-
istrative costs being incurred by the Secretary 
with respect to the filming or still photography 
activity, as determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(H) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity complies with other 
applicable Federal, State (as such term is de-
fined in section 3 of the EXPLORE Act), and 
local laws (including regulations), including 
laws relating to the use of unmanned aerial 
equipment. 
‘‘(6) CONTENT CREATION.—Regardless of dis-
tribution platform, any video, still photograph, or 
audio recording for commercial or noncommercial 
content creation in a System unit shall be considered 
to be a filming or still photography activity under 
this subsection. 
‘‘(7) EFFECT.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(A) PERMITS REQUESTED THOUGH NOT 
REQUIRED.—On the request of a person intend-
ing to carry out a filming or still photography 
activity, the Secretary may issue a permit for 
the filming or still photography activity, even if 
a permit for the filming or still photography ac-
tivity is not required under this section. 
‘‘(B) NO ADDITIONAL PERMITS, COMMER-
CIAL
USE
AUTHORIZATIONS, OR
FEES
FOR 
FILMING
AND
STILL
PHOTOGRAPHY
AT
AU-
THORIZED EVENTS.—A filming or still photog-
raphy activity at an activity or event that is al-
lowed or authorized, including a wedding, en-
gagement party, family reunion, or celebration 
of a graduate, shall be considered merely inci-
dental for the purposes of paragraph (2)(B). 
‘‘(C) MONETARY COMPENSATION.—The re-
ceipt of monetary compensation by the person 
conducting the filming or still photography ac-
tivity shall not affect the permissibility of the 
filming or still photography activity. 
‘‘(b) FEES AND RECOVERY COSTS.— 
‘‘(1) FEES.—The reasonable fees referred to in 
subsection (a)(4) shall meet each of the following 
criteria: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(A) The reasonable fee shall provide a 
fair return to the United States. 
‘‘(B) The reasonable fee shall be based on 
the following criteria: 
‘‘(i) The number of days of the film-
ing or still photography activity. 
‘‘(ii) The size of the film or still pho-
tography crew present in the System unit. 
‘‘(iii) The quantity and type of film or 
still photography equipment present in the 
System unit. 
‘‘(iv) Any other factors that the Sec-
retary determines to be necessary. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COSTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
collect from the applicant for the applicable per-
mit any costs incurred by the Secretary related 
to a filming or still photography activity subject 
to a permit under subsection (a)(4), including— 
‘‘(i) the costs of the review or issuance 
of the permit; and 
‘‘(ii) related administrative and per-
sonnel costs. 
‘‘(B) EFFECT ON FEES COLLECTED.—All 
costs recovered under subparagraph (A) shall 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
be in addition to the fee described in paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(3) USE OF PROCEEDS.— 
‘‘(A) FEES.—All fees collected under this 
section shall— 
‘‘(i) be available for expenditure by 
the Secretary, without further appropria-
tion; and 
‘‘(ii) remain available until expended. 
‘‘(B) COSTS.—All costs recovered under 
paragraph (2)(A) shall— 
‘‘(i) be available for expenditure by 
the Secretary, without further appropria-
tion, at the System unit at which the costs 
are collected; and 
‘‘(ii) remain available until expended. 
‘‘(c) PROTECTION OF RESOURCES.—The Secretary 
shall not allow a person to undertake a filming or still 
photography activity if the Secretary determines that— 
‘‘(1) there is a likelihood that the person would 
cause resource damage at the System unit, except as 
otherwise authorized; 
‘‘(2) the person would create an unreasonable 
disruption of the use and enjoyment by the public of 
the System unit; or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(3) the filming or still photography activity 
poses a health or safety risk to the public. 
‘‘(d) PROCESSING OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a process to ensure that the Secretary responds 
in a timely manner to an application for a permit for 
a filming or still photography activity required under 
subsection (a)(4). 
‘‘(2) COORDINATION.—If a permit is required 
under this section for 2 or more Federal agencies or 
System units, the Secretary and the head of any 
other applicable Federal agency, as applicable, shall, 
to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate per-
mit processing procedures, including through the use 
of identifying a lead agency or lead System unit— 
‘‘(A) to review the application for the per-
mit; 
‘‘(B) to issue the permit; and 
‘‘(C) to collect any required fees.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions for chapter 1009 of title 54, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 100905 and inserting the following: 
‘‘100905. Filming and still photography in System units.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(b) FILMING ON OTHER FEDERAL LAND.—Public 
Law 106–206 (16 U.S.C. 460l–6d) is amended by striking 
section 1 and inserting the following: 
‘‘SEC. 1. FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY. 
‘‘(a) FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned 
shall ensure that a filming or still photography activ-
ity or similar project at a Federal land management 
unit (referred to in this section as a ‘filming or still 
photography activity’) and the authorizing or per-
mitting of a filming or still photography activity are 
carried out consistent with— 
‘‘(A) the laws and policies applicable to the 
Secretary concerned; and 
‘‘(B) an applicable general management 
plan. 
‘‘(2) NO PERMITS REQUIRED.—The Secretary 
concerned shall not require an authorization or a 
permit or assess a fee, if a fee for a filming or still 
photography activity is not otherwise required by 
law, for a filming or still photography activity that— 
‘‘(A)(i) involves fewer than 6 individuals; 
and 
‘‘(ii) meets each of the requirements de-
scribed in paragraph (5); or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(B) is merely incidental to, or docu-
menting, an activity or event that is allowed or 
authorized at the Federal land management 
unit, regardless of— 
‘‘(i) the number of individuals partici-
pating in the allowed or authorized activity 
or event; or 
‘‘(ii) whether any individual receives 
compensation for any products of the film-
ing or still photography activity. 
‘‘(3) FILMING AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AU-
THORIZATIONS FOR DE MINIMIS USE.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary con-
cerned shall establish a de minimis use author-
ization for certain filming or still photography 
activities that meets the requirements described 
in subparagraph (F). 
‘‘(B) POLICY.—For a filming or still pho-
tography activity that meets the requirements 
described in subparagraph (F), the Secretary 
concerned— 
‘‘(i) may require a de minimis use au-
thorization; and 
‘‘(ii) shall not require a permit. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
require a permit application and, if a permit is 
issued, assess a reasonable fee, as described in 
subsection (b)(1), for a filming or still photog-
raphy activity that— 
‘‘(i) involves more than 8 individuals; 
or 
‘‘(ii) does not meet each of the re-
quirements described in paragraph (5). 
‘‘(B) WILDERNESS ACT CLARIFICATION.— 
No provision of this subsection is intended to or 
shall be construed to conflict with the provi-
sions of the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 
1131 et seq.). 
‘‘(5) REQUIREMENTS FOR FILMING OR STILL 
PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTIVITY.—The requirements re-
ferred to in paragraphs (2)(A)(ii), (3)(F)(ii), (4)(B), 
and (7)(C) are as follows: 
‘‘(A) A person conducts the filming or still 
photography activity in a manner that— 
‘‘(i) does not impede or intrude on the 
experience of other visitors to the Federal 
land management unit; 
‘‘(ii) except as otherwise authorized, 
does not disturb or negatively impact— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(I) a natural or cultural re-
source; or 
‘‘(II) an environmental or scenic 
value; and 
‘‘(iii) allows for equitable allocation or 
use of facilities of the Federal land man-
agement unit. 
‘‘(B) The person conducts the filming or 
still photography activity at a location in which 
the public is allowed. 
‘‘(C) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity does not require the 
exclusive use of a site or area. 
‘‘(D) The person does not conduct the 
filming or still photography activity in a local-
ized area that receives a very high volume of 
visitation. 
‘‘(E) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity does not use a set or 
staging equipment, subject to the limitation 
that handheld equipment (such as a tripod, 
monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) 
shall not be considered staging equipment for 
the purposes of this subparagraph. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(F) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity complies with and ad-
heres to visitor use policies, practices, and regu-
lations applicable to the Federal land manage-
ment unit. 
‘‘(G) The filming or still photography ac-
tivity is not likely to result in additional admin-
istrative costs being incurred by the Secretary 
concerned with respect to the filming or still 
photography activity, as determined by the Sec-
retary concerned. 
‘‘(H) The person conducting the filming or 
still photography activity complies with other 
applicable Federal, State (as such term is de-
fined in section 3 of the EXPLORE Act), and 
local laws (including regulations), including 
laws relating to the use of unmanned aerial 
equipment. 
‘‘(6) CONTENT CREATION.—Regardless of dis-
tribution platform, any video, still photograph, or 
audio recording for commercial or noncommercial 
content creation at a Federal land management unit 
shall be considered to be a filming or still photog-
raphy activity under this subsection. 
‘‘(7) EFFECT.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(A) PERMITS REQUESTED THOUGH NOT 
REQUIRED.—On the request of a person intend-
ing to carry out a filming or still photography 
activity, the Secretary concerned may issue a 
permit for the filming or still photography ac-
tivity, even if a permit for the filming or still 
photography activity is not required under this 
section. 
‘‘(B) NO ADDITIONAL PERMITS, COMMER-
CIAL
USE
AUTHORIZATIONS, OR
FEES
FOR 
FILMING
AND
STILL
PHOTOGRAPHY
AT
AU-
THORIZED EVENTS.—A filming or still photog-
raphy activity at an activity or event that is al-
lowed or authorized, including a wedding, en-
gagement party, family reunion, or celebration 
of a graduate, shall be considered merely inci-
dental for the purposes of paragraph (2)(B). 
‘‘(C) MONETARY COMPENSATION.—The re-
ceipt of monetary compensation by the person 
engaged in the filming or still photography ac-
tivity shall not affect the permissibility of the 
filming or still photography activity. 
‘‘(b) FEES AND RECOVERY COSTS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(1) FEES.—The reasonable fees referred to in 
subsection (a)(4) shall meet each of the following 
criteria: 
‘‘(A) The reasonable fee shall provide a 
fair return to the United States. 
‘‘(B) The reasonable fee shall be based on 
the following criteria: 
‘‘(i) The number of days of the film-
ing or still photography activity. 
‘‘(ii) The size of the film or still pho-
tography crew present at the Federal land 
management unit. 
‘‘(iii) The quantity and type of film or 
still photography equipment present at the 
Federal land management unit. 
‘‘(iv) Any other factors that the Sec-
retary concerned determines to be nec-
essary. 
‘‘(2) RECOVERY OF COSTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary con-
cerned shall collect from the applicant for the 
applicable permit any costs incurred by the Sec-
retary concerned related to a filming or still 
photography activity subject to a permit under 
subsection (a)(4), including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(i) the costs of the review or issuance 
of the permit; and 
‘‘(ii) related administrative and per-
sonnel costs. 
‘‘(B) EFFECT ON FEES COLLECTED.—All 
costs recovered under subparagraph (A) shall 
be in addition to the fee described in paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(3) USE OF PROCEEDS.— 
‘‘(A) FEES.—All fees collected under this 
section shall— 
‘‘(i) be available for expenditure by 
the Secretary concerned, without further 
appropriation; and 
‘‘(ii) remain available until expended. 
‘‘(B) COSTS.—All costs recovered under 
paragraph (2)(A) shall— 
‘‘(i) be available for expenditure by 
the Secretary concerned, without further 
appropriation, at the Federal land manage-
ment unit at which the costs are collected; 
and 
‘‘(ii) remain available until expended. 
‘‘(c) PROTECTION OF RESOURCES.—The Secretary 
concerned shall not allow a person to undertake a filming 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
or still photography activity if the Secretary concerned de-
termines that— 
‘‘(1) there is a likelihood that the person would 
cause resource damage at the Federal land manage-
ment unit, except as otherwise authorized; 
‘‘(2) the person would create an unreasonable 
disruption of the use and enjoyment by the public of 
the Federal land management unit; or 
‘‘(3) the filming or still photography activity 
poses a health or safety risk to the public. 
‘‘(d) PROCESSING OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned 
shall establish a process to ensure that the Secretary 
concerned responds in a timely manner to an appli-
cation for a permit for a filming or still photography 
activity required under subsection (a)(4). 
‘‘(2) COORDINATION.—If a permit is required 
under this section for 2 or more Federal agencies or 
Federal land management units, the Secretary con-
cerned and the head of any other applicable Federal 
agency, as applicable, shall, to the maximum extent 
practicable, coordinate permit processing procedures, 
including through the use of identifying a lead agen-
cy or lead Federal land management unit— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
‘‘(A) to review the application for the per-
mit; 
‘‘(B) to issue the permit; and 
‘‘(C) to collect any required fees. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT UNIT.—The 
term ‘Federal land management unit’ means— 
‘‘(A) Federal land (other than National 
Park System land) under the jurisdiction of the 
Secretary of the Interior; and 
‘‘(B) National Forest System land. 
‘‘(2) SECRETARY CONCERNED.—The term ‘Sec-
retary concerned’ means— 
‘‘(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with re-
spect to land described in paragraph (1)(A); 
and 
‘‘(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with re-
spect to land described in paragraph (1)(B).’’. 
SEC. 126. CAPE AND ANTLER PRESERVATION ENHANCE-
MENT. 
Section 104909(c) of title 54, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ‘‘meat from’’ and inserting ‘‘meat 
and any other part of an animal removed pursuant to’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
SEC. 127. MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED ACCESS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned shall 
seek to have, not later than 5 years after the date of the 
enactment of this title, in a printed and publicly available 
format that is compliant with the format for geographic 
information systems— 
(1) for each district administered by the Direc-
tor of the Bureau of Land Management, a ground 
transportation linear feature map authorized for 
public use or administrative use; and 
(2) for each unit of the National Forest Sys-
tem, a motor vehicle use map, in accordance with ex-
isting law. 
(b) OVER-SNOW VEHICLE-USE MAPS.—The Sec-
retary concerned shall seek to have, not later than 10 
years after the date of the enactment of this title, in a 
printed and publicly available format that is compliant 
with the format for geographic information systems, an 
over-snow vehicle-use map for each unit of Federal rec-
reational lands and waters administered by the Chief of 
the Forest Service or Director of the Bureau of Land 
Management on which over-snow vehicle-use occurs, in ac-
cordance with existing law. 
(c) OUT-OF-DATE MAPS.—Not later than 20 years 
after the date on which the Secretary concerned adopted 
or reviewed, through public notice and comment, a map 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
described in subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary concerned 
shall seek to review, through public notice and comment, 
and update, as necessary, the applicable map. 
(d) MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED ACCESS.—The 
Secretaries shall seek to create additional opportunities, 
as appropriate, and in accordance with existing law, for 
motorized and nonmotorized access and opportunities on 
Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the 
Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau 
of Land Management. 
(e) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section pro-
hibits a lawful use, including authorized motorized or non-
motorized uses, on Federal recreational lands and waters 
administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or the Di-
rector of the Bureau of Land Management, if the Sec-
retary concerned fails to meet a timeline established under 
this section. 
SEC. 128. AQUATIC RESOURCE ACTIVITIES ASSISTANCE. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
AQUATIC
NUISANCE
SPECIES
TASK 
FORCE.—The term ‘‘Aquatic Nuisance Species Task 
Force’’ means the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task 
Force established by section 1201(a) of the Non-
indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control 
Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4721(a)). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(2) DECONTAMINATION.—The term ‘‘decon-
tamination’’ means actions to remove aquatic nui-
sance species to prevent introduction or spread into 
new aquatic ecosystems. 
(3) FEDERAL
LAND
AND
WATER.—The term 
‘‘Federal land and water’’ means Federal land and 
water operated and maintained by the Bureau of 
Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Forest Service, 
or the National Park Service, as applicable. 
(4) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). 
(5) 
INSPECTION.—The 
term 
‘‘inspection’’ 
means actions to find aquatic nuisance species to 
prevent introduction or spread into new aquatic eco-
systems. 
(6) PARTNER.—The term ‘‘partner’’ means— 
(A) a Reclamation State; 
(B) an Indian Tribe in a Reclamation 
State; 
(C) an applicable nonprofit organization in 
a Reclamation State; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
(D) a unit of local government in a Rec-
lamation State; or 
(E) a private entity. 
(7) RECLAMATION
STATE.—The term ‘‘Rec-
lamation State’’ includes any of the following States: 
(A) Alaska. 
(B) Arizona. 
(C) California. 
(D) Colorado. 
(E) Idaho. 
(F) Kansas. 
(G) Montana. 
(H) Nebraska. 
(I) Nevada. 
(J) New Mexico. 
(K) North Dakota. 
(L) Oklahoma. 
(M) Oregon. 
(N) South Dakota. 
(O) Texas. 
(P) Utah. 
(Q) Washington. 
(R) Wyoming. 
(8) RECLAMATION PROJECT.—The term ‘‘rec-
lamation project’’ has the meaning given such term 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
in section 2803(3) of the Reclamation Projects Au-
thorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 
460l-32(3)). 
(9) SECRETARIES.—The term ‘‘Secretaries’’ 
means each of the following: 
(A) The Secretary, acting through the Di-
rector of the Bureau of Land Management, the 
Commissioner of Reclamation, and the Director 
of the National Park Service. 
(B) The Secretary of Agriculture, acting 
through the Chief of the Forest Service. 
(10) VESSEL.—The term ‘‘vessel’’ means any 
watercraft or other contrivance used or designed for 
transportation or navigation on, under, or imme-
diately above, water. 
(b) AUTHORITY
OF BUREAU
OF LAND MANAGE-
MENT, BUREAU
OF RECLAMATION, NATIONAL PARK 
SERVICE, AND FOREST SERVICE WITH RESPECT TO CER-
TAIN AQUATIC RESOURCE ACTIVITIES ON FEDERAL LAND 
AND WATERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The head of each Federal 
land management agency is authorized to carry out 
inspections and decontamination of vessels entering 
or leaving Federal land and waters under the juris-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
HR 6492 RDS
pheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers. 
(2) SECRETARIES.—The term ‘‘Secretaries’’ 
means— 
(A) the Secretary, with respect to lands 
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; 
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting 
through the Chief of the Forest Service, with 
respect to lands under the jurisdiction of the 
Forest Service; 
(C) the Secretary of Commerce, acting 
through the Administrator of the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration, with re-
spect to Federal waters under the jurisdiction 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration; and 
(D) the Assistant Secretary of Army for 
Civil Works, with respect to lakes and res-
ervoirs under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers. 
SEC. 133. MONITORING FOR IMPROVED RECREATION DECI-
SION MAKING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretaries shall seek to cap-
ture comprehensive recreation use data to better under-
stand and inform decision making by the Secretaries. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
18:31 Dec 30, 2024
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00069
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H6492.RDS
H6492
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS