MAPLand Act Introduced

[406LIFE]

I think this might be like finding buried treasure if it can pass. So many easements that no one is aware of just because the sit in a drawer somewhere and never get published. Untold access...

@Big Fin we were just talking about this. Did you have a birthday wish?

TRCP does a good job talking about this:

MAPLand Act Simplifies Access to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities | Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Legislation invests in digitized, integrated mapping resources for outdoor recreation.

www.trcp.org

And another:

Rep. Fulcher Introduces Bill to Modernize and Standardize Public Lands Access Information - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 [email protected], D.C. -- Today Rep. Russ Fulcher introduced the Modernizing Access to our Public Land (MAPLand) Act of 2020. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) joined Rep. Russ Fulcher to introduce this bill in the House, while Senator Martha...

fulcher.house.gov

 

[88man]

Good Stuff

 

[Big Fin]

I think this might be like finding buried treasure if it can pass. So many easements that no one is aware of just because the sit in a drawer somewhere and never get published. Untold access...

@Big Fin we were just talking about this. Did you have a birthday wish?

It wasn't my birthday, but I knew this was coming. I didn't know it would rise to the top this soon. I hinted about it in other threads of how onX and RMEF were helping Region 1 of the USFS with this concept.

A big thanks to TRCP for pushing the ball forward on this. Not sure if hunters realize how effective TRCP is for our cause in the halls of Congress. Also a big thanks to @joelweb for his work.

Now, if we can just get Congress to act on this and the other good bills in front of them before the crazies decide they can't stand for such sanity.

 

[Schaaf]

TRCP is filled with studs

 

[Nameless Range]

This is a much bigger task than most folks realize, and though I agree it needs to happen, it will also invite a big pile of controversy and litigation. That's not a bad thing, they just need to prepare for it.

On a somewhat related note, if private companies like OnX, are to be involved with public agency work like this, it needs to be explicitly stated that the data derived from the process is publicly available.

 

[TheTone]

The fact Fulcher is a co sponsor on a pro public land bill is mind blowing to me

 

[406LIFE]

The fact Fulcher is a co sponsor on a pro public land bill is mind blowing to me

I think private land owners would want to know this info just as much. Imagine buying a tract only to find out there is a road easement right where you built your new house. Better info is better for all.

 

[MO Betta]

TRCP does a lot of good work, as does onX and the myriad of groups behind this. This is fantastic.

 

[joelweb]

Appreciate the kind words. This is a product of all of the work and effort that has gone into expanding public access over the past decade. Include the advocacy efforts of those on this forum. It is great to see Senators McSally and King, and Representatives Fulcher and Kilmer recognize the need to expand access opportunities on our public lands. It takes bipartisan leadership to get things done and they've stepped up here. Now we need to get it passed.

Here is an article that ran in the Idaho Statesman this morning: https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/hiking/article241064781.html

Nameless Range -- The bill specifies that this information would be made public through the agency websites. onX could use it, and so could you. There is also a 3 year $33.5 million dollar authorization to get the work done. This is a task that will need to get completed in the modern era, and we will all benefit more if it is done sooner than later. For your ease of review and consideration, I've cut and pasted the policy aspects of the bill below.

 

[Irrelevant]

I feel like for as much complaining as many of us have done about the state of Conservation the last 4 years, we currently have some of the best legislation before us, with real hopes of them actually passing. I know it goes to show people like me, who staunchly believe the current administration is working to undermine my interests more than support them, that things can change and perceptions are not always accurate. I greatly appreciate everyone who's actively work on these topics, from true experts like @joelweb to joe schmoe's who just called their congressional rep.

 

[idahohuntr]

What a great bill - glad to see this sort of thing getting bipartisan support; no small task in this era! It will be really interesting to see if any recorded easements turn up for otherwise landlocked parcels of federal lands...what a win that would be for public land users.

 

[Irrelevant]

The House Just Passed an Act That Will Make It Easier for Hunters to Find and Access Public Lands

The bill would benefit outdoorsmen and women who rely on modern mapping systems to gain access to public lands.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[Big Fin]

Dang, I hope this gets all the way through and is signed. It would be a huge help for public recreation.

 

[Irrelevant]

Dang, I hope this gets all the way through and is signed. It would be a huge help for public recreation.

Based on the support in the house i would guess it's a done deal.

 

[manitou1]

What... did they buy an ONX subscription?

 

[Schaaf]

Little birdie just told me the MAPLand Act just passed the Senate. Same version as the House so it’s onto POTUS’ desk.