Outdoor Alliance and Partners Meet in D.C. to Protect Public Lands and Waters and the People Who Care for Them
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The government might shut down, but Outdoor Alliance doesn’t. While Outdoor Alliance meets with decision-makers day in and day out, we also coordinate a fly in with a larger group of our partners and outdoor leaders in Washington, D.C. each year. The goal of these fly ins is to educate lawmakers about the priorities of the outdoor community and to build relationships between leaders around the country and decision-makers in the capitol.
This year, we are taking advantage of a quieter Capitol to meet with dozens of lawmakers this week and keep public lands front of mind. Our full schedule of lawmaker meetings this week will keep attention on keeping public lands public, defending agency capacity, and securing long-term funding for the outdoors. Our meetings will focus on the following issues:
Keeping public lands public: At a moment when decision-makers are considering proposals to sell off, defund, or roll back protections, we are standing up for the idea that public lands belong to all Americans.
Protecting outdoor recreation on public lands: Standing up for the Roadless Rule, which protects 58 million acres of National Forests and innumerable recreation resources, we’re showing lawmakers how proposed rollbacks threaten the trails, rivers, and climbing areas people cherish.
Protecting the agencies and their staff: We will advocate for adequate staffing, funding, and resources at the Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, and other land management agencies—so they can maintain trails, restore landscapes, manage recreation responsibly, and protect the places people love.
Securing funding and resources for the outdoors: Through appropriations and bipartisan legislation like the Legacy Restoration Fund, we are working to make sure the places where we hike, paddle, ski, and climb get the investments they need.
The ongoing government shutdown underscores why our work matters. Public lands need funding, staff, and support. Without them, trails, parks, and recreation access all suffer. Our team has a packed schedule of meetings with lawmakers, and we will stand up for the people, agencies, and resources that sustain and protect the outdoors.
You can help. Lawmakers pay close attention to the messages they get from their constituents, and you can help amplify the work we are doing on the ground in D.C. by writing your lawmakers now. Together, we’re showing lawmakers that millions of outdoor enthusiasts are paying attention — and that outdoor recreation is a winning, bipartisan issue.