NMMA Applauds Interior’s New Mapping Milestone to Improve Public Access to Outdoor Recreation

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is applauding the U.S. Department of the Interior's latest step to make outdoor recreation information easier for Americans to find and use.

On May 28, Interior announced progress in implementing the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act and the Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act, including the initial publication of recreation access data and the planned launch of a new public-facing mapping tool. The effort, led in part by the U.S. Geological Survey, is designed to make information about public land and water access more consistent, more reliable, and easier for the public to use when planning trips outdoors. (U.S. Department of the Interior)

For the recreational boating industry, this work is directly aligned with NMMA's efforts to protect and expand Americans' ability to get on the water. Access is the foundation of recreational boating, and when families can clearly see where boat ramps, waterways, roads, trails, and public access points are open and available, they are better able to plan safe, affordable, and enjoyable days outside.

The MAPLand and MAPWaters Acts direct federal agencies to digitize and publish key recreation access information, including roads, trails, easements, and waterway access points, in standardized formats. Historically, this information has often been spread across different agencies or difficult for the public to find. Interior's new effort will help reduce confusion by making access information clearer and more consistent across federal lands and waters. NMMA has also made this a central focus in this year's Water Resources Development Act, expanding MAPWaters to include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and align its robust recreational data with other federal agencies.

This is especially important for boaters, anglers, outdoor recreation businesses, and the local communities that depend on recreation access. More useful mapping data can help families find nearby opportunities to get outside, support small businesses in gateway communities, and help public land managers better communicate where access is available, what uses are allowed, and whether seasonal restrictions are in place.

The announcement also comes as the country prepares to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. As more Americans look for ways to experience the nation's public lands and waters, modern access tools can help connect people with the places that make the United States special. Improving access to reliable recreation data is a practical step that supports outdoor recreation, strengthens local economies, and helps families spend less time searching for information and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Recreational boating is a uniquely American industry. Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S., and 93 percent of boat builders are small businesses. When access to the water is protected and expanded, American manufacturers, small businesses, coastal and inland communities, and millions of boaters all benefit.