NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, commends the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) for introducing the Great American Outdoors Act 250, H.R. 9250, legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, a proven conservation and public access initiative that addresses deferred maintenance projects across federal lands. The bill would revamp expired portions of the Great American Outdoors Act that was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020.
"NSSF applauds the introduction of legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and ensure continued investment in America's public lands and outdoor recreation infrastructure," said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF. "The Legacy Restoration Fund has demonstrated that targeted investments in public land facilities, roads, trails, campgrounds, recreational shooting ranges and wildlife habitat projects provide lasting benefits for hunters, recreational shooters, anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts."
The legislation would continue critical funding for deferred maintenance needs by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). America's hunters and recreational marksmen and women depend on access to well-managed public lands. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will help enhance and expand hunting opportunities, improve access to recreational shooting areas, support wildlife habitat conservation and ensure that future generations can enjoy our nation's outdoor traditions.
NSSF notes that investments through the fund have improved visitor infrastructure, increased access to public lands, strengthened conservation and supported economies that depend on outdoor recreation.
"The outdoor recreation economy and our nation's conservation legacy are strongest when public lands are accessible, resilient and maintained," Keane added. "NSSF looks forward to working with Congress, federal land management agencies and conservation partners to advance this important legislation and continue delivering tangible benefits for sportsmen and women across the country."
About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.