Temperatures drop and the days get shorter, but Autumn in Arkansas brings a burst of red, orange, and gold as the landscape comes to life through the transformation of fall foliage. People across the country venture to our great state every year to drive along scenic Highway 7 or set up camp along the Buffalo National River to catch glimpses of the Natural State's beauty. This changing of seasons is an encouraging reminder – the oppressive summer heat never lasts forever, and beauty and newness are always just around the corner. This sense of optimism brings out-of-state visitors and locals alike to enjoy the bountiful nature of Arkansas.
Earlier this year, as the House Natural Resources Committee Chairman, I introduced the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, also known as the EXPLORE Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The EXPLORE Act will help modernize visitor experiences at parks, increase accessibility for veterans and service members outdoors, create new opportunities and trails for outdoorsmen and women to recreate, and support local communities that depend on access to our public lands. The bill also includes key priorities for Arkansans, like reopening overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area, protecting battlefields, and creating more parking and restroom facilities at some of our favorite sites. I hope that this legislation will move quickly through the Senate and make its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
