Just two weeks after passing widespread conservation and outdoor recreation legislation the Great American Outdoors Act, the Senate reaffirmed its appreciation for America’s lands and waters by declaring June 2020 Great Outdoors Month with a unanimous vote.
This is the fourth year in a row the Senate has recognized Great Outdoors Month, which began in 1998 under President Bill Clinton as Great Outdoors Week. That weeklong acknowledgement has grown over the years into a month-long celebration of America’s public lands and waters at the national, state and local levels with thousands of events across the country.
“Great Outdoors Month is a time to celebrate responsible recreation on our public lands and waters,” said Jessica Turner, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We thank the Senate — especially Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) — for recognizing the important health benefits of time spent outdoors, the effects COVID-19 has had on the small businesses that make up this industry, and how all communities deserve equitable access to the outdoors through our public lands.”
