The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation served as the sole voice for sportsmen at an oversight hearing held by the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, titled "EXPLORE America250: Celebrating One Year of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act." The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) testified as the only organization representing the sportsmen's community, ensuring hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers had a clear and authoritative voice on the Congressional Record.
The hearing marked one year since the passage of the EXPLORE Act—one of the most significant outdoor recreation bills enacted by Congress—and examined its early impacts on improving access to shooting ranges on federal public lands, reducing aquatic invasive species, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and strengthening forest health nationwide.
Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice President at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, delivered testimony on behalf of America's sportsmen and women, highlighting the importance of maintaining access and conservation outcomes that directly support outdoor recreation traditions and responsible land stewardship.
"As Congress evaluates the first year of the EXPLORE Act, it is essential that decisions affecting public lands and outdoor access are informed by those who use and care for them," said Schmitz. "CSF is proud to represent the sportsmen's community and ensure their priorities remain front and center in this discussion."
CSF's participation as the sole sportsmen's organization at today's hearing reflects its longstanding role as the leading authority on sportsmen-focused policy and its commitment to bipartisan collaboration. Through continued engagement with Congress and the Administration, CSF works to protect access, advance conservation, and protect America's outdoor heritage for generations to come.