Sponsors (35)
The bill emphasizes large economic, environmental, and civic benefits from public lands—boosting recreation spending, conservation, and volunteerism—while creating pressure for stricter land-use rules and expectations of continued federal spending that could constrain local resource users and concern taxpayers.
Visitors and outdoor recreation businesses (including middle-class families and small-business owners) see increased revenue and local jobs as record National Park visits (331.9M in 2024) drive recreation spending and tourism.
Rural and urban communities benefit from preserved biodiversity and conservation on public lands, which protects species and natural systems that provide ecosystem services.
Nonprofits, volunteers, and civic groups retain valuable volunteer opportunities (e.g., National Public Lands Day) that support local restoration, stewardship, and community engagement.
Rural communities and small-business owners could face tighter land-use regulations or restrictions on resource activities if the findings are used to justify expanded federal controls.
Taxpayers may face expectations of continued or increased federal spending and management on a large federal land footprint, which some will view as costly.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes nonbinding findings on the extent, use, economics, and volunteer support for U.S. public lands and recognizes Sept 27, 2025 as National Public Lands Day.
Declares nonbinding findings about the size, use, economic contribution, biodiversity, and volunteer support for U.S. public lands and acknowledges National Public Lands Day on September 27, 2025. The resolution provides statistics on acreage, visitor use, recreation and economic figures, and highlights the role of volunteers and outdoor recreation without creating legal obligations or new funding.
Official title: Expressing support for "National Public Lands Day" and encouraging the people of the United States to visit public lands on this fee-free day and recognize their spiritual and cultural value, as well as their contribution to the economy of the United States.
Introduced September 26, 2025 by Alice Costandina Titus · Last progress September 26, 2025