Public lands

The Interior Department has introduced a proposal to expand access to public lands, which would benefit hunters and fishers. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says her agency has been busy. This week, for example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to expand hunting and fishing opportunities across two point one million acres at 90 national wildlife refuges. This is the largest expansion in recent history. Her comments came on a media call to announce the federal government's New America The Beautiful Initiative. As the report says, we're eager to increase access to public lands and waters for outdoor recreation, to stimulate the economy and to inspire the next generation of outdoor stewards. She adds that in the coming days, the National Park Service will announce a record one hundred fifty million in funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, which helped build parks in underserved communities. This is one way that we can help ensure that all Americans have access to the great outdoors.