Pacific Creek with Mike and Sophia 9-9-23 @joshmettenphoto-9
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Hunters and Anglers Applaud EXPLORE Act Implementation by Secretary Burgum
Directive brings historic outdoor recreation law to life, unlocking new opportunities and access for public land users across the country
Last week, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed Secretarial Order 3435, officially implementing the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative package passed early in 2025 that would expand access opportunities to a variety of public land users, streamline permitting processes for businesses focused on providing recreation opportunities, and modernize outdoor infrastructure. Its implementation marks a historic step forward in expanding outdoor recreation access and modernizing federal recreation policy across the country.
“TRCP joins hunters, anglers, and the millions of other Americans who recreate on public lands and waters in thanking Secretary Burgum for implementing this important bipartisan legislation,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The EXPLORE Act will have a lasting impact on the continued growth of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy as it continues to evolve in the 21st century. Its implementation will ensure that the agencies and the public have the support and tools they need to make the most of their days outdoors.”
Among many other things, the EXPLORE Act:
- Expands availability of public target shooting ranges on BLM and Forest Land.
- Improves road and trail transportation maps on federal land, benefiting motorized and nonmotorized access.
- Allows states, counties, and Tribes to conduct recreation infrastructure enhancement or improvements on public lands through Good Neighbor Agreements.
- Improves federal coordination and provide assistance to non-federal partners in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
TRCP works to maintain and strengthen the future of hunting and fishing by uniting and amplifying our partners’ voices in conserving and restoring wildlife populations and their habitat as challenges continue to evolve.
Top photo: Josh Metten
Learn more about the outdoor recreation economy HERE
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
TRCP Applauds Legislative Wins for Oregon’s Wildlife, Habitat, and Outdoor Economy
Major investments and policy gains mark a strong 2025 session for conservation, but work left on the table
As the Oregon Legislature adjourns Sine Die, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership celebrates a few key legislative victories that will strengthen habitat connectivity and bolster agency capacity.
“This session proved that conservation can unite diverse stakeholders when the focus is clear, the science is strong, and the outcomes benefit the public,” said Tristan Henry, TRCP’s Oregon field representative. “From corridors to core funding, conservation policy built broad, bipartisan coalitions.”
Wildlife Connectivity Policy Passed (HB 2978)
HB 2978 establishes formal coordination between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Transportation on wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. The law ensures a long-term, science-based strategy for planning and implementing wildlife crossing and corridor projects statewide.
Next Steps on Wildlife Crossing Funding
The legislature’s anticipated capstone for the 2025 session, a comprehensive transportation package that included funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure, fell short in the final hours of the session. While this outcome is disappointing, the inclusion of wildlife crossing investments in the proposal represents meaningful progress and growing recognition of the issue among state leaders. TRCP and our partners remain committed to advancing these provisions in the next available opportunity, whether during the 2025 short session or in a potential special session this fall.
Stable Agency Funding Secured
The Oregon Legislature passed HB 5009, which provides essential base budget allocations for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These funds will allow the agency to maintain staffing, monitoring, and habitat work critical to its mission. TRCP supported this bill to ensure that ODFW can continue at as close to current service levels as possible.
In tandem with this, HB 2342 will increase hunting and fishing license and tag fees to reflect inflation and support service-level stability. While no one in the sporting community welcomes higher costs, this user-based model remains foundational to fish and wildlife management in Oregon and partner organizations like the Oregon Hunters Association provided key support to help safeguard the agency’s financial footing.
Effort to Fund Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan Falls Short
HB 2977 aimed to establish Oregon’s first dedicated, state-managed funding source for the State Wildlife Action Plan. The bill earned broad, bipartisan support and backing from a wide range of stakeholders. Despite this momentum, it was ultimately blocked through procedural maneuvering late in the session.
Advancing Aquatic Invasive Species Protections
Oregon has officially updated its aquatic invasive species (AIS) permitting system with the passage of HB 2982. This new law closes long-standing loopholes by requiring all watercraft, regardless of size, to carry an AIS permit, ensuring shared responsibility among all users of Oregon’s waterways.
TRCP played a key role in supporting this legislation, submitting multiple rounds of testimony and drawing on national findings from our Aquatic Invasive Species Commission. The law will strengthen inspection programs, bolster funding for early detection and response, and position Oregon to align with emerging federal guidance under the Explore Act.
Other Actions
Even in a contentious session, meaningful progress was made. Lawmakers approved HB 3940B, securing critical investments in wildfire preparedness and forest resilience. We commend our partners for leading this effort and helping ensure Oregon is better equipped for future fire seasons. Earlier in the session, HB 3846, a proposal to allow state leasing of the federally managed Ochoco National Forest, was stopped in committee. While the bill did not advance, it highlighted ongoing threats to foundational public land protections under NEPA, FLPMA, and the Wilderness Act.
TRCP will continue working alongside state and federal partners, private landowners, and fellow sporting organizations to ensure these wins are effectively implemented, and that Oregon’s public lands and wildlife remain protected for future generations.
“Our outdoor traditions and our economy all depend on healthy fish and wildlife populations,” said Henry. “Oregon took meaningful steps forward this session, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
TRCP Celebrates Removal of Public Land Sales from Budget Megabill
This critical win for America’s public lands is a testament to the strength and unity of hunters, anglers, outdoor advocates, and conservation-minded lawmakers
Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) celebrates a critical win for America’s public lands: the removal of proposed public land sales from the Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill. This victory is a testament to the strength and unity of hunters, anglers, outdoor advocates, and conservation-minded lawmakers who stood up for what’s right.
“Hunters and anglers made it abundantly clear that reconciliation is not the appropriate vehicle for public land sales,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Public lands are a cornerstone of our national heritage, our outdoor traditions, and the economies of countless communities across the country. We’re deeply grateful to Senators Sheehy, Daines, Crapo, and Risch for their leadership and all the lawmakers— including Senator Heinrich— who helped ensure this short-sighted proposal was removed.”
“The removal of public land sales from the budget bill is more than a legislative correction—it’s a reminder of the power of collective advocacy,” Pedersen continued. “This outcome affirms our long-held belief: when we unite, we win.”
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
Alaska Stewardship in Action
TRCP, BHA, the Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum team up to help conserve the Russian River
At the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, we believe the most impactful conservation wins occur through collaboration and recent work on Alaska’s Russian River this past May perfectly personifies that sentiment.
This spring, as TRCP’s senior Alaska program manager, I volunteered with the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum for the annual Russian River Stewardship Project. Being out in the field to help conserve crucial salmon habitat reminded me just how essential this work is to maintaining Alaska’s remarkable fisheries for anglers and local communities alike.
Each year, this effort brings together volunteers to maintain one of Alaska’s most cherished salmon fisheries. The project focuses on installing temporary fencing along the river to guide anglers to designated access points—a simple but effective way to prevent bank erosion and safeguard fish habitat.
The Russian River is one of the most popular and heavily used fisheries in the state. Each summer, the Russian draws thousands of anglers from across Alaska and beyond hoping to experience the thrill of sockeye fishing in a stunning wild setting. Its clear waters, strong salmon returns, and relatively easy access from the road system make it a treasured public resource—not only for anglers but also for local economies and outdoor recreation traditions. Conserving the river’s ecological health is essential to keeping these opportunities alive for future generations.
At the heart of this fishery are the sockeye salmon, whose migration drives fishing opportunities and the broader ecological cycle. These salmon nourish bears, eagles, and countless other species, and when they spawn and die, their bodies deliver vital marine nutrients deep into inland ecosystems. Ensuring healthy salmon runs means maintaining the health of the forest, the river, and all the life they support—including ours.
With clear skies above and snow still clinging to the distant peaks, ten volunteers suited up in waders, gloves, and hit the trail. Spirits were high, and the sense of community was strong.
Once at the river, the crew worked together to drive posts and stretch fencing along popular access points. While the task was physical, it was also rewarding—each stake in the ground was a small but meaningful investment in the health of the river. By guiding foot traffic away from vulnerable banks, fencing helps reduce sediment runoff, which can degrade spawning habitat and impact salmon survival.
Of course, no day on the Russian is complete without pausing to take in the scenery of water rushing through a lush green corridor framed by rugged alpine slopes. It was a beautiful reminder of what’s at stake and why this kind of stewardship matters.
This work fits squarely within TRCP’s mission in Alaska—to maintain public access and wild places and support the habitat that sustains fish and wildlife populations. Whether we’re weighing in on federal policy or rolling up our sleeves for on-the-ground projects like this one, TRCP is committed to ensuring Alaska remains a place where salmon run strong, hunting and fishing traditions thrive, and conservation is driven by people who care deeply for the land.
Thank you to our partners at BHA, the U.S Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum for leading this effort, and to the volunteers who made the time to show up and do the work. Your hands-on conservation helps ensure that places like the Russian River remain healthy, accessible, and fishable for generations to come.
We’re proud to support this project and look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.
Learn more about TRCP’s work in Alaska HERE.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
TRCP has partnered with Afuera Coffee Co. to further our commitment to conservation. $4 from each bag is donated to the TRCP, to help continue our efforts of safeguarding critical habitats, productive hunting grounds, and favorite fishing holes for future generations.
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