President Joe Biden’s administration unveiled May 6 its plan to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, deeming it the nation’s first conservation goal. The move sparked support from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR).
The “America the Beautiful” report is a 24-page proposal encouraging collaboration between the federal government, state entities and tribal nations. The goal is to create and preserve more public parks, marine and terrestrial wildlife habitats.
“The bottom line is that healthier public lands and waters mean more opportunities for Americans to recreate outside, and for communities’ economies to thrive,” ORR Executive Director Jessica Turner said. “ORR supports the administration’s ‘Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful’ effort and we are encouraged by its goals to conserve and protect our nation’s lands and waters through science-based, locally led efforts that create access to motorized, non-motorized, fishing and hunting recreation opportunities for all.”
The plan does not specify how the initiative would be funded, although costs partially will be funded by legislation such as the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act.
“We are also particularly pleased that this report prioritizes recreation access that already exists, while recognizing that access be maintained sustainably in the future as places are conserved,” Turner noted.
Earlier this year, ORR developed recommendations for the Biden administration as it created its “30 by 30” goals and initiatives. View the recommendation list here.
“We believe sustainable management of our great outdoors is paramount for us to address climate change, while further bolstering the outdoor recreation economy,” Turner said. “We also appreciate the report’s acknowledgment of the connection between healthy places, healthy communities and jobs. We plan to work with the administration on the implementation of ‘America the Beautiful’ and to have outdoor recreation representatives advise in this effort. Together, we can continue to build on Americans’ love for the outdoors and outdoor recreation for generations to come.”
