Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025
Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would extend and increase funding for a federal program that pays private landowners to allow the public to hunt, fish, and enjoy wildlife activities on their property. The program provides grants to state and tribal governments, which then work with farmers, ranchers, and forest owners to create public access agreements.
The bill would fund this program through 2029 and would also expand it to include wetland areas protected by conservation agreements. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily benefits outdoor enthusiasts who want access to hunting and fishing areas, as well as private landowners who receive payment for allowing public recreation on their land. State and tribal governments would administer the grants, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service would oversee the program overall. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and increases funding for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). This Natural Resources Conservation Service program provides state and tribal governments competitive grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held land (i.e., farm, ranch, and forest land) to allow public access for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.The bill also reauthorizes through FY2029 VPA-HIP funding to encourage public access to land covered by wetland reserve easements through agreements with states and tribal governments.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.