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NMMA Applauds Implementation of EXPLORE Act by Secretary Burgum

| General Government Relations

This week, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretarial Order officially implementing the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The action marks a historic step forward in expanding outdoor recreation access and modernizing federal recreation policy across the country.

“We commend Secretary Burgum for implementing the EXPLORE Act. This milestone will have a lasting impact on the continued growth of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, catalyzing critical reforms that expand access to public lands and waters, streamline permitting and modernize the way recreation is managed across federal agencies,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA President and CEO.

“NMMA is proud to celebrate this historic moment and the bipartisan leadership that made it possible. We look forward to working closely with Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration to further expand access to public waters and recreational opportunities for millions of Americans.”

The EXPLORE Act, signed into law earlier this year after unanimous passage in both the House and Senate, was led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), alongside Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The legislation represents one of the most significant recreation policy packages in recent history.

Key Provisions of the EXPLORE Act:

  • Improves public access to federal lands and waters for outdoor recreation
  • Streamlines permitting processes for small recreation businesses
  • Modernizes the technology used by federal land management agencies
  • Invests in the restoration and enhancement of recreation infrastructure
  • Increases stakeholder engagement through meaningful coordination and/or consultation with gateway communities, Indian Tribes, state and local governments, veterans' organizations and other relevant stakeholders


The EXPLORE Act underscores the vital role that outdoor recreation plays in the U.S. economy and establishes a strong foundation for future recreation-focused legislation.

NMMA will continue to engage with federal agencies as implementation moves forward, ensuring that the marine industry’s priorities are reflected in the rollout of reforms. For more information, contact Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected].