The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) hosted a packed reception in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the progress and leadership of the newly formed bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. The event brought together policymakers, business and technology executives, state and federal agency leadership, and conservation leaders to spotlight pragmatic solutions that will expand access to outdoor recreation for all Americans, strengthen stewardship, and build a more connected and sustainable future for America’s public lands.
The reception highlighted the shared vision of the Public Lands Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01), who are leading efforts to increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities and ensuring public lands and waters remain public. The caucus exemplifies a collaborative approach at a pivotal time for public lands policy, emphasizing the bipartisan support for growing the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
“When times get tough, we fight for what’s important to us, and safeguarding our public lands is at the top of my priorities — that’s why I founded the Public Lands Caucus with Rep. Ryan Zinke,” said Vasquez. “I’m proud of what this coalition has already achieved — blocking backroom deals to sell off our public lands in the House and Senate was a big victory — but there’s much more work to be done, and I’m committed to stay in this fight alongside every public land advocate in our nation.”
PHOTOS: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvgKf
Event Highlights: Remarks by Public Lands Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior during the first Trump Administration, underscoring their commitment to advancing policies that protect natural resources while enhancing access to outdoor recreation. Additional Remarks from House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), and Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), who reiterated the importance of bipartisan cooperation in ensuring public lands and waters remain accessible and protected for future generations.
“The Public Lands Caucus is demonstrating that open and accessible public lands public lands and waters are not a partisan issue — it’s an American value and a business imperative for the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and the millions of jobs it supports. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen Vasquez and Zinke, their commitment to access and stewardship of America’s public lands and waters, and the vision that unites us all,” ORR Senior Vice President Whitney Potter Schwartz remarked.
The reception followed the highly successful and informative Outdoor Recreation Technology & Innovation Summit, that brought together top outdoor recreation businesses, policymakers, agency and Congressional officials, and technology leaders to spotlight state-of-the-art innovations designed to expand access, information and participation on America’s public lands and waters, while protecting these places for future generations.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable remains committed to supporting bipartisan efforts to ensure that America’s public lands and waters continue to be a foundation for outdoor experiences, local economies, and healthy communities for generations to come.