Legislation would open new land to hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation
Washington, DC --- U.S. Representative Heath Shuler has joined with his fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to introduce H.R. 1997, a bill that would improve access to hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen.
“Our mountains, forests, and rivers are an important part of our heritage and the economy in Western North Carolina, but many people aren’t able to take advantage of all our area has to offer because of inaccessibility and unnecessary restrictions,” said Rep. Shuler. “This bill will improve access to federal lands in Western North Carolina and throughout the country to give more people the opportunity to hunt, fish, and experience our country’s vast natural resources.”
Millions of acres of federal land are inaccessible to the public and the more than 30 million sportsmen in the United States. H.R. 1997 would direct a percentage of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to be used to secure recreational public access to federal land through easements, right-of-ways, or fee title acquisitions from willing land sellers.
The bill has zero cost to American taxpayers and will serve as a significant economic driver throughout the country.
“Lack of access is the number one reason hunters and anglers stop participating in outdoor activities,” said Rep. Shuler. “As a lifelong sportsman, I will continue fighting to ensure our children and grandchildren have the same opportunity as I did to enjoy the traditions of the great outdoors.”
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