Sponsors (2)
Designating June 2026 as a national month for outdoor recreation raises public awareness and may boost local economies and support for conservation, but it creates no new funding and risks increased crowding and maintenance strain on popular sites.
Children, youth, parents, and families will see increased national awareness of outdoor recreation in June 2026, which can boost participation and public appreciation of outdoor activities.
Small-business owners and rural communities may get increased visitation and economic activity from promotional events and tourism tied to the designated month.
State and local governments (and federal policymakers) will have a highlighted opportunity to point to existing federal investments and economic data, which can help build public support for conservation and maintenance funding decisions.
Visitors, local communities, and park managers may face disappointment or unmet expectations because the designation provides no new funding or resources for access, maintenance, or improvements.
Rural communities and popular outdoor sites could experience more crowding and maintenance strain if visitation rises from publicity without concurrent investment in infrastructure or stewardship.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Designates June 2026 as "Great Outdoors Month" and records findings on the economic and social value of outdoor recreation.
Official title: Designating June 2026 as "Great Outdoors Month".
Introduced June 24, 2026 by Steve Daines · Last progress July 14, 2026
Designates June 2026 as "Great Outdoors Month" and records findings about the size and value of outdoor recreation in the U.S. The resolution cites recent Bureau of Economic Analysis figures showing outdoor recreation generated about $696.7 billion in 2024 (roughly 2.4% of GDP), reports growth in output, compensation, and employment, and references prior laws that support outdoor access and conservation funding.