The EXPLORE Act enhances trail access, maintenance, and event permitting while supporting conservation and economic growth. Here's what trail runners and race directors need to know.
On Saturday, January 4th, the EXPLORE Act (Expanding America’s Public Lands and Outdoor Recreation Opportunities) was signed into law, marking a watershed moment in outdoor policy. This ambitious legislation covers a range of initiatives, from safeguarding rock-climbing access in national parks and forests to facilitating trail-building and infrastructure upgrades like parking lots on federal lands.
“Runners should know that the EXPLORE Act is a first-of-its-kind package of laws that will benefit all outdoor recreation communities – including runners!” said Kathleen Baker, the Executive Director of Runners For Public Lands.
The “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act” or EXPLORE act is a call to action, through policy, of the federal government to address current challenges that have made it difficult for organizations to gain access to use federal lands for outdoor recreational purposes,” said Jeremy Oyen, a committee member with the Coalition for Outdoor Access. “All outdoor recreationalists should be excited about this legislation as it is a significant step.”
By blending environmental stewardship with economic growth in the outdoor sector, the EXPLORE Act sets the stage for tangible benefits for trail runners and race directors alike, including easier access to trails, better-maintained routes, and a streamlined process for organizing events on public lands. Many of these benefits hinge on future funding appropriations to bring the provisions to life. Nevertheless, conservationists view it as a significant step forward for establishing a legal framework to tackle specific policy challenges and gaps.
Here’s what runners should know about this groundbreaking piece of legislation.
The EXPLORE Act includes the SOAR (Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation) Act, designed to streamline and improve permitting processes for guided and permitted events on public lands. These updated policies reduce red tape and administrative burdens for race directors obtaining permits to host events on public lands. A key update allows for event directors to get a single permit to cover multiple or recurring events, a major bonus for RDs that direct race series and annual events. The SOAR Act also implements a fee scale, making sure that permitting prices are appropriate for smaller events and making it easier for grassroots race organizations to operate.
“Most notably, there are provisions that address permit application responsiveness from land managing agencies,” said Baker. “That has been a big concern of race directors, especially after the USFS hiring freeze.”
Another crucial improvement requires land managers to respond to permit applications within 60 days of submission, alleviating challenges for race directors operating on tight timelines and budgets.
Expanding and preserving trail access is another cornerstone of the EXPLORE Act. While the legislation authorizes funding for trail repair and maintenance, actual appropriations will determine the extent to which closures caused by erosion and overuse can be addressed. The act encourages the development of new trails and promotes connectivity between existing networks, particularly in urban-adjacent areas. By supporting the construction and upgrade of trailheads—including amenities like parking lots, signage, and restrooms—the act lays the groundwork for more convenient access.
Year-round usability is another focus. Funding is authorized to address weather damage and erosion, but ensuring trails and access roads remain functional in all seasons will require sustained investment from federal budgets.
The EXPLORE Act places sustainability at the forefront, recognizing the need to balance outdoor recreation with ecosystem preservation. By prioritizing the protection of fragile environments such as alpine meadows, wetlands, and wildlife corridors, the legislation outlines measures to prevent overuse and degradation.
Regular evaluations of trail conditions are mandated to identify areas at risk of erosion or overuse. These assessments will guide maintenance efforts, helping to protect natural landscapes while ensuring that runners can continue to enjoy beautiful trails responsibly.
Expanding public lands for recreation is another highlight of the EXPLORE Act. Federal land management agencies are encouraged to identify and designate additional areas suitable for recreational use. When these areas meet environmental protection standards, they can offer more opportunities for activities like trail running.
“Runners and all recreationalists should understand that this is a call to action to determine how the agencies, and the rest of us, can help facilitate access for marginalized groups so we can share the love of the lands we all enjoy, and do so responsibly,” said Oyen.
Through the Outdoors For All Act, which is part of the EXPLORE Act, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program is authorized to improve parks and public spaces in underserved communities. This initiative aims to make public lands more accessible to everyone, including communities of color, low-income neighborhoods, and urban areas with limited green space. However, the extent of these improvements will hinge on securing dedicated funding.
“This program has the potential to greatly expand equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities, especially running, in the communities that are most impacted by environmental degradation,” said Baker.
The act also supports educational outreach, offering mentorship, skill development, and guided experiences to first-time users of public lands. Improvements to transportation, such as shuttle services or subsidized travel, are authorized but will require specific funding allocations to become reality.
The EXPLORE Act also prioritizes inclusivity, encouraging partnerships with nonprofits and local organizations to provide adaptive equipment like off-road wheelchairs, handcycles, and hiking aids. Training and resources for federal land managers are authorized to ensure that individuals with disabilities are accommodated, but the scale of these initiatives will depend on future appropriations.
“There is a great deal more in the EXPLORE Act that interests trail runners, as trail running is just one aspect of the federal lands that we all love and hold dear,” said Oyen, who encourages all runners to understand the act to better hold elected officials accountable. Much of its long-term impact depends on future funding and implementation. If Congress fails to appropriate resources, many of the authorized programs and improvements will remain unfulfilled.
Baker added, “The passing of the EXPLORE Act is incredibly exciting and inspiring. [Runners] have such a large community (60 million strong!!) and have the potential to be an incredibly powerful and influential voice working to expand access to nature for our communities and fighting to protect the urban and rural public lands where we love to run.”
Editor’s Note: Zoë Rom has been on the Board of Directors for Runners For Public Lands since 2024.