Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Steve Daines, and Michael Bennet have introduced the "Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act," a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing public access to outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. The proposed legislation seeks to reauthorize the Voluntary Public Access Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) for five more years with an increased funding of $150 million.

Senator Marshall expressed his support for the initiative by stating, “As an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, some of my greatest memories are hunting and fishing with my kids. I fully support and am proud to introduce the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act.”

Senator Daines highlighted the importance of this program for Montana residents: “Hunting, fishing, and hiking are huge parts of our Montana way of life, and as a lifelong sportsman myself, I’m glad to lead an effort to expand access to our public lands.”

Senator Bennet emphasized its benefits for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers: “For years, this program has rewarded Colorado’s family farmers and ranchers for their efforts to improve wildlife habitat.”

The VPA-HIP provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments to encourage private landowners to open their lands for public use while maintaining private property rights. This bill was also introduced in the 118th Congress by the same senators.

Representatives Debbie Dingell and Dusty Johnson have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Joel Pedersen from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership expressed enthusiasm about this development: “State-led access programs are hurting this year without support from VPA-HIP... We are thrilled to see such an influential, bipartisan group of leaders recognize the importance.”

Kellis Moss from Ducks Unlimited described it as a "win-win" situation: “Hunting access is one of the most significant barriers for both new and experienced hunters.”

Glenn Hughes from the American Sportfishing Association stated that this legislation would provide crucial support: “This legislation will support and enable landowners to provide fishing access on private lands.”

Aviva Glaser from the National Wildlife Federation remarked on its significance for wildlife heritage: “This common-sense, bipartisan bill will ensure farmers, ranchers, and private land owners have the tools they need through [the program].”

Ariel Wiegard from Pheasants Forever praised its economic impact: “The economic returns for rural communities in VPA-HIP have been shown many times over.”

Kaden McArthur from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers emphasized addressing participation barriers: “[The Act] addresses the number one barrier to participation in our sporting traditions, lack of public access.”

John Devney from Delta Waterfowl noted its alignment with priorities in upcoming legislative discussions: “As we entered discussions of the next Farm Bill, extending and expanding [VPA-HIP] was one of Delta’s highest priorities.”

Nick Pinizzotto from the National Deer Association acknowledged its role in sustainable management: “Reauthorizing and strengthening [the Act] will ensure that landowners and sportsmen alike can continue to benefit from sustainable wildlife management.”