Progress Report on Activism for 2025

In the realm of public land management and trail development, the United States is witnessing a mix of investment, legislative support, and challenges.

Funding and Legislative Efforts:

At the state level, numerous states are receiving substantial funding for trail development and maintenance. For example, North Carolina's Great Trails State Program, established in 2023, has authorized $25 million, with nearly $11 million recently awarded to 37 projects including trail improvements and restorations. This funding boost is part of a broader state-led effort to stimulate tourism and local economies through trail infrastructure.

Pennsylvania is also investing $2.1 million to enhance ATV and snowmobile trails, with funds coming from specialized management accounts and recreational trail programs. These investments aim to support outdoor recreation and rural economic growth.

At the federal level, the USDA's 2025 budget includes approximately $31.6 billion for discretionary programs encompassing national forest management, wildland firefighting, conservation, and rural development efforts. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) also manages the BUILD grant program, which provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure. However, the 2025 awards demonstrate a shift toward projects increasing motor vehicle capacity, though active transportation options like walking and biking remain a component in some projects.

Conservation funding partnerships involving the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) continue, requiring matched funding to support on-the-ground conservation projects.

Staffing and Management Outlook:

While specific staffing details are less mentioned in recent announcements, the increased funding and project activity imply public land agencies and local governments are mobilizing staff and resources to implement these projects. Challenges remain in balancing motorized and non-motorized trail needs and managing increased public use sustainably.

Key Legislative Efforts:

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) remains a foundational source for conserving public lands and creating recreational trails. However, recent budget documents do not specify new allocations. The America the Beautiful Act, aimed at advancing conservation and restoration goals nationally, continues to influence land management strategies, though details on direct funding impacts in the latest reports are limited.

Addressing Staffing and Funding Concerns:

The current status of trail programs and public land management in the United States reflects a need for active investment, legislative support, and careful management of funding priorities and staffing. Trail leaders from across the country have launched the Hike the Hill event, calling on Congress to reverse the firings of over 6,000 federal land management employees.

During the August Recess, trail advocates have an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and their staff, inviting them on trails, organizing events, sharing success stories, and using advocacy tools to fund trails and extend the Legacy Restoration Fund.

Staffing at key federal agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service has been deeply affected, with the elimination of positions like the National Trails coordinator at BLM headquarters, assistant trail positions within the U.S. Forest Service, and reductions in regional staffing affecting partnerships and contract work.

The blight of these firings and funding freezes are overshadowing opportunities for public lands, such as the extension of the Legacy Restoration Fund, the full funding of the Recreational Trails Program, implementing the EXPLORE Act, and supporting trails through annual appropriations.

As the year 2025 marks a high level of activity and stakes for trails and public lands advocates, it is crucial for Congress to ensure not only new FY26 projects move forward but that FY24 and FY25 projects are allowed to proceed without interference. The ongoing momentum at both state and federal levels supports trails and public land management through targeted funding programs. However, evolving federal infrastructure priorities are influencing the balance of investments between motorized and non-motorized access, and staffing needs presumably continue to adjust accordingly.

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Hiking and outdoor recreation on public lands are increasingly popular, providing opportunities for personal growth, mindfulness, and learning.
Education-and-self-development programs have begun incorporating trail experiences to foster personal development and lifelong learning.
The United States government's allocation of funds indicates a commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
In the realm of career-development, jobs in the outdoor recreation industry are on the rise, offering unique skill-training and goal-setting prospects.
With the surge in outdoor activities, it's essential to ensure public lands are managed sustainably to maintain their natural beauty and promote long-term learning.
War-and-conflicts often lead to the destruction of public lands, highlighting the importance of policy-and-legislation to protect these spaces.
Online-education platforms are starting to introduce courses focusing on the understanding and preservation of public lands and their ecosystems.
Job-search websites are increasingly featuring job opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry, catering to the growing demand for skills training in this sector.
General-news outlets cover stories about the challenges faced in public land management, educating the public about the issues at hand and the need for advocacy.
Crime-and-justice cases related to illegal activities on public lands, such as car-accidents or fire-setting, remind us of the need for effective law enforcement and conservation efforts.
Fires pose significant threats to public lands, highlighting the importance of preparedness and response policies in place.
Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns are factors that must be considered in the management and preservation of public lands.
Learning about the role of public lands in our ecosystems, including their contribution to carbon sequestration, helps us appreciate their importance in the context of productivity.
Proper goal-setting and planning are crucial for successful trail development projects and effective policy-and-legislation in managing public lands.
Lifelong-learning is emphasized in public land management careers, as the field requires constant adaptation to new challenges and conservation needs.
Sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf, can be enjoyed on public lands, offering opportunities for both leisure and skill development.
Champions-league, NFL, WNBA, MLB, NHL, Premier-League, and even lesser-known European leagues bring people together to enjoy sports on public lands.
Racing events, including auto-racing, horse-racing, and mixed-martial-arts, attract a significant crowd to public lands, demonstrating the economic potential of such spaces.
Weather forecasting is important for planning outdoor activities, ensuring the safety of those taking advantage of public lands for sports, hiking, or simply enjoying nature.
Serie-A, Laliga, NCAATournament, and other international sports events often attract fans to public lands for viewings or accompanying events.
NCAAFootball, NASCAR, tennis tournaments, and sports-analysis shows attract spectators to public lands, contributing to the economy.
Sports-betting is a growing industry that utilizes public lands for events and raising funds for trail development and conservation.
Public lands face various threats, including accidents, fires, and policy changes, that impact education-and-self-development, career-development, and general-news discourse.
Advocating for increased investment and legislative support to protect public lands is crucial in addressing the challenges faced in outdoor recreation.
Trail leaders are taking action to urge Congress for support, engaging with lawmakers during the August Recess to share success stories, ideas, and advocacy tools.
Ensuring the safety and continuity of projects in FY24, FY25, and future FYs is vital for the ongoing success of public land management and trail development efforts.