Closing Out 2024 With Successful Conservation Efforts and Kicking off 2025 With Expanded Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation for All
In the final weeks of 2024, significant achievements were made in advancing conservation efforts for the environment, wildlife, and our communities.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a proposed 20-year mineral withdrawal to protect approximately 165,000 acres of federal public lands in the Upper Pecos watershed in New Mexico, and Congress passed the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. HECHO has been a strong supporter and advocate for both of these initiatives.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 6492, known as the “EXPLORE Act,” into law. This legislation enhances recreational opportunities, modernizes outdoor infrastructure, and improves everyone's access to our federal public lands, including national parks, national forests, and other areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The strong bipartisan support for it shows the unifying power of the outdoors.
The EXPLORE Act tackles the challenges faced by millions of Americans who visit public lands and aims to address these issues, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation. This comprehensive initiative benefits all Americans by:
Improving access to public lands for sportsmen and women.
Modernizing technology to enhance visitor experiences, such as increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital passes.
Streamlining the permitting process and reducing fees for small businesses that rely on public land access.
Protecting rock climbing in iconic locations and establishing new long-distance bike trails.
Restoring campgrounds and updating infrastructure.
Supporting gateway communities by addressing housing shortages and outdated infrastructure.
Enhancing accessibility for children, military service members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Besides fostering a sustainable connection between people and nature, the initiatives supported by the EXPLORE Act will contribute to the $1.1 trillion recreation industry, which plays a crucial role in our nation's economy.
As 2025 kicks off, we will be engaging in the public comment period and preparing for the implementation of the 20-year mineral withdrawal that will provide long-awaited protections and relief for the water, land, and communities along the Pecos River in New Mexico from the threats posed by new mining proposals.
The 90- day public comment period allows everyone to provide feedback on this critical step towards protecting this vital watershed.
While we support this temporary withdrawal, HECHO urges Congress to pass the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, championed by Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with Representative Teresa Leger Fernández. This legislation will permanently prevent future mining contamination and safeguard water quality and community health.
The progress of these two initiatives marks a promising start to the new year!
We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, with an unwavering commitment to our vision and mission: to unite and mobilize Hispanic leaders in engaging their communities in the conservation of our public lands and waters.
HECHO will continue to advocate for science-based and community-focused effective conservation and outdoor recreation policies that safeguard our public lands and waters for all and support the responsible, sustainable, strategic use of natural resources and spaces for hunting, fishing, recreation, and other traditional practices.