Since its inception in 2008, the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program has expanded public access to more than 3 million acres of private land for outdoor recreation.
Washington, D.C. – Though every American is a Public Land Owner®, access to quality hunting and fishing spots can differ wildly depending on geographic location, among other factors. The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) aims to better level the playing field by opening more private lands to public access while simultaneously enhancing habitat for wildlife. Reintroduced earlier this week by bipartisan conservation leaders in Congress, the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act (H.R. 1565/S. 704), would renew VPA-HIP for the next five years. It would also triple funding levels from $50 million to $150 million for this program which has successfully made millions of acres available to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
“By reauthorizing and expanding the only federal program specifically designed to increase opportunities for hunters and anglers on private land, the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act addresses the number one barrier to participation in our sporting traditions, lack of public access,” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations for BHA. “We applaud the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Debbie Dingell and Dusty Johnson and Sens. Steve Daines, Roger Marshall and Michael Bennet on legislation that would expand public recreation opportunities as well as enhance fish and wildlife habitat.”
Since its inception in 2008 as part of the Farm Bill, VPA-HIP has facilitated partnerships with private landowners, enhancing public access while promoting sustainable land management practices. The program offers win-win solutions by incentivizing landowners to open their lands while contributing to the conservation of vital wildlife habitats.
As the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to conserving our nation’s wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, BHA will continue to advocate for the inclusion of this legislation in the Farm Bill. BHA invites its members, supporters, and the broader public to join in supporting this critical initiative by visiting BHA’s Action Center.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership,visit www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues.
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