118 HR 6342 IH: Military and Veterans in Parks Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2023-11-09
text/xml
EN
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I
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6342
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 9, 2023
Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia (for herself and Mr. Peters) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To promote and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters.
1.

Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Military and Veterans in Parks Act” or the “MVP Act”.
2.

Accessible trails and recreation opportunities for military servicemembers and veterans
(a)

Accessible recreation inventory
(1)

Assessment
Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall—
(A)
carry out a comprehensive assessment of outdoor recreation facilities on Federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned to determine the accessibility of such outdoor recreation facilities, consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.), including—
(i)
camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;
(ii)
boat launch ramps;
(iii)
hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or locations;
(iv)
outdoor constructed features;
(v)
picnic facilities and picnic units; and
(vi)
any other outdoor recreation facilities, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and
(B)
make information about such opportunities available (including through the use of prominently displayed links) on public websites of—
(i)
each of the Federal land management agencies; and
(ii)
each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land management agencies.
(2)

Inclusion of current assessments
As part of the comprehensive assessment required under paragraph (1)(A), to the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned may rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(3)

Public information
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to create, update, or replace signage and other publicly available information, including web page information, related to accessibility and consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) at outdoor recreation facilities covered by the assessment required under paragraph (1)(A).
(b)

Trail inventory
(1)

Assessment
Not later than 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall—
(A)
conduct a comprehensive assessment of trails on Federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned, including measuring each trail’s—
(i)
surface;
(ii)
clear tread width;
(iii)
passing spaces;
(iv)
size;
(v)
tread obstacles;
(vi)
openings;
(vii)
slopes, including cross slope;
(viii)
maximum running slope and segment length;
(ix)
resting intervals;
(x)
length;
(xi)
width;
(xii)
turning space;
(xiii)
protruding objects; and
(xiv)
trailhead signs; and
(B)
make information about such trails available (including through the use of prominently displayed links) on public websites of—
(i)
each of the Federal land management agencies; and
(ii)
each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land management agencies.
(2)

Inclusion of current assessments
As part of the comprehensive assessment required under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary concerned may, to the extent practicable, rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(3)

Public information
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to replace signage and other publicly available information, including webpage information, related to such trails and consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) at trails covered by the assessment required under paragraph (1)(A).
(4)

Prioritization
The Secretary concerned shall consult with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities, in selecting priority trails to measure under paragraph (1)(A).
(5)

Assistive equipment specification
In publishing information about each trail under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall make public information about trails that do not meet the Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines but could otherwise provide outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities through the use of certain assistive equipment.
(c)

Trail pilot program
(1)

In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall carry out a pilot program to enter into partnerships with eligible entities to—
(A)
measure trails as part of the assessment required under subsection (b);
(B)
develop accessible trails under subsection (d); and
(C)
make minor modifications to existing trails to enhance recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities using assistive technology—
(i)
in compliance with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located; and
(ii)
in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
(2)

Locations
(A)

In general
The Secretary concerned shall select no fewer than 5 units or subunits under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned to carry out the pilot program established under subparagraph (1).
(B)

Special rule of construction for the department of the interior
In selecting the locations of the pilot programs, the Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that at least one pilot program is carried out in a unit managed by the—
(i)
National Park Service;
(ii)
Bureau of Land Management; and
(iii)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(3)

Sunset
The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d)

Accessible trails
(1)

In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall select a location or locations to develop at least 3 new accessible trails—
(A)
on National Forest System lands in each region of the Forest Service;
(B)
on land managed by the National Park Service in each region of the National Park Service;
(C)
on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and
(D)
on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(2)

Development
In developing an accessible trail under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned—
(A)
may—
(i)
create a new accessible trail;
(ii)
modify an existing trail into an accessible trail; or
(iii)
create an accessible trail from a combination of new and existing trails; and
(B)
shall—
(i)
consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible trail;
(ii)
ensure the accessible trail complies with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.); and
(iii)
to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible trail, including parking spaces and restroom facilities, meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.
(3)

Completion
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders consulted with under paragraph (2)(B), shall complete each accessible trail developed under paragraph (1).
(4)

Maps, signage, and promotional materials
For each accessible trail developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall—
(A)
publish and distribute maps and install signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines; and
(B)
coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.
(5)

Conflict avoidance with other uses
In developing each accessible trail under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible trail—
(A)
minimizes conflict with—
(i)
the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to any trail or road that is part of that accessible trail;
(ii)
multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle recreation, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment of this Act; or
(iii)
the purposes for which any trail is established under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
(B)
complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located.
(6)

Reports
(A)

Interim report
Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection during the previous 3 years.
(B)

Final report
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection.
(e)

Accessible recreation opportunities
(1)

In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall select a location to develop at least 2 new accessible recreation opportunities—
(A)
on National Forest System lands in each region of the Forest Service;
(B)
on land managed by the National Park Service in each region of the National Park Service;
(C)
on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and
(D)
on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(2)

Development
In developing an accessible recreation opportunity under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned—
(A)
may—
(i)
create a new accessible recreation opportunity; or
(ii)
modify an existing recreation opportunity into an accessible recreation opportunity; and
(B)
shall—
(i)
consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible recreation opportunity;
(ii)
ensure the accessible recreation opportunity complies with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.); and
(iii)
to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible recreation opportunity, including parking spaces and restroom facilities, meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.
(3)

Accessible recreation opportunities
The accessible recreation opportunities developed under paragraph (1) may include improving accessibility or access to—
(A)
camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;
(B)
hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or locations;
(C)
snow activities, including skiing and snowboarding;
(D)
water activities, including kayaking, paddling, canoeing, and boat launch ramps;
(E)
rock climbing;
(F)
biking;
(G)
off-highway vehicle recreation;
(H)
picnic facilities and picnic units;
(I)
outdoor constructed features; and
(J)
any other new or existing recreation opportunities identified in consultation with stakeholders under paragraph (2)(B) and consistent with the applicable land management plan.
(4)

Completion
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders consulted with under paragraph (2), shall complete each accessible recreation opportunity developed under paragraph (1).
(5)

Maps, signage, and promotional materials
For each accessible recreation opportunity developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall—
(A)
publish and distribute maps and install signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines; and
(B)
coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.
(6)

Conflict avoidance with other uses
In developing each accessible recreation opportunity under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible recreation opportunity—
(A)
minimizes conflict with—
(i)
the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to any Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreation opportunity is located; or
(ii)
multiple-use areas in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B)
complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreational opportunity is located.
(7)

Reports
(A)

Interim report
Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection during the previous 3 years.
(B)

Final report
Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection.
(f)

Assistive technology
In carrying out this section, the Secretary concerned may enter into partnerships, contracts, or agreements with other Federal, State, Tribal, local, or private entities, including existing outfitting and guiding services, to make assistive technology available on Federal recreational lands and waters.
(g)

Savings clause
Nothing in the Act shall be construed to create any conflicting standards with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.).
3.

Promotion of outdoor recreation for military service members and veterans
The Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop educational and public awareness materials to disseminate to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including through Transition Assistance Program classes, on—
(1)
opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans to access Federal recreational lands and waters free of charge under section 805 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804);
(2)
the availability and location of accessible trails, including new accessible trails developed and completed under section 2(a);
(3)
the availability and location of accessible recreation opportunities, including new accessible recreation opportunities developed and completed under section 2(b);
(4)
assistive technology assistance pursuant to section 1151(c) of title 38, United States Code;
(5)
outdoor-related volunteer and wellness programs;
(6)
the benefits of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health;
(7)
resources to access guided outdoor trips and other outdoor programs connected to the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of the Interior, or the Department of Agriculture; and
(8)
programs and jobs focused on continuing national service such as Public Land Corps, AmeriCorps, and conservation corps programs.
4.

Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons
(a)

In general
The Secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each establish within their Departments the position of Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaison.
(b)

Duties
The Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaison shall—
(1)
coordinate the implementation of this Act;
(2)
implement recommendations identified by the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans established under section 203 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–214), including recommendations related to—
(A)
identifying new opportunities to formalize coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, and partner organizations regarding the use of Federal recreational lands and waters for facilitating health and wellness for veterans;
(B)
addressing identified barriers that exist to providing veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on Federal recreational lands and waters; and
(C)
facilitating the use of Federal recreational lands and waters for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans;
(3)
coordinate with Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons at other Federal agencies and veterans organizations; and
(4)
promote outdoor recreation experiences for veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters through new and innovative approaches.
5.

Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation
(a)

In general
The Secretary concerned shall seek to enter into partnerships or agreements with State, Tribal, local, or private entities with expertise in outdoor recreation, volunteer, accessibility, and health and wellness programs for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
(b)

Partnerships
As part of a partnership or agreement entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may host events on Federal recreational lands and waters designed to promote outdoor recreation among members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
(c)

Financial and technical assistance
Under a partnership or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may provide financial or technical assistance to the entity with which the respective Secretary concerned has entered into the partnership or agreement to assist with—
(1)
the planning, development, and execution of events, activities, or programs designed to promote outdoor recreation for members of the Armed Forces or veterans; or
(2)
the acquisition of assistive technology to facilitate improved outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
6.

National strategy for military and veteran recreation
(a)

Strategy
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, acting jointly, shall develop and make public a strategy to increase visits to Federal recreational lands and waters by members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members.
(b)

Requirements
A strategy developed under subsection (a)—
(1)
shall—
(A)
establish objectives and quantifiable targets for increasing visits to Federal recreational lands and waters by members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members;
(B)
include an opportunity for public notice and comment;
(C)
emphasize increased recreation opportunities on Federal recreational lands and waters for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members; and
(D)
provide the anticipated costs to achieve the objectives and meet the targets established under subparagraph (B); and
(2)
shall not establish any preference between similar recreation facilitated by noncommercial or commercial entities.
(c)

Update to strategy
Not later than 5 years after the date of the publication of the strategy required under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretaries shall update the strategy and make public the update.
7.

Recreation resource advisory committees
Section 804(d)(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6803(d)(5)), is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by striking “11” and inserting “12”; and
(2)
in subparagraph (D)(ii)—
(A)
by striking “Three” and inserting “Four”; and
(B)
after subclause (III), by inserting the following:
“(IV)
Veterans organizations, as such term is defined in section 9 of the Military and Veterans in Parks Act.”.
8.

Career and volunteer opportunities for veterans
(a)

Veteran hiring
The Secretary concerned is strongly encouraged to hire veterans in all positions related to the management of Federal recreational lands and waters.
(b)

Pilot program
(1)

Establishment
The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a pilot program under which veterans are employed by the Federal Government in positions that relate to the conservation and resource management activities of the Department of the Interior.
(2)

Positions
The Secretary of the Interior shall—
(A)
identify vacant positions in the Department of the Interior that are appropriate to fill using the pilot program; and
(B)
to the extent practicable, fill such positions using the pilot program.
(3)

Application of civil service laws
A veteran employed under the pilot program shall be treated as an employee as defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.
(4)

Briefings and report
(A)

Initial briefing
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the pilot program under this subsection, which shall include—
(i)
a description of how the pilot program will be carried out in a manner to reduce the unemployment of veterans; and
(ii)
any recommendations for legislative actions to improve the pilot program.
(B)

Implementation briefing
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) commences, the Secretary of the Interior and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of the pilot program.
(C)

Final report
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of the Interior and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes the following:
(i)
The number of veterans who applied to participate in the pilot program.
(ii)
The number of such veterans employed under the pilot program.
(iii)
The number of veterans identified in clause (ii) who transitioned to full-time positions with the Federal Government after participating in the pilot program.
(iv)
Any other information the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary determine appropriate with respect to measuring the effectiveness of the pilot program.
(5)

Duration
The authority to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date on which the pilot program commences.
(c)

Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(1)
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(2)
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
(d)

Outdoor recreation program attendance
Each Secretary of a military department is encouraged to allow members of the Armed Forces on active duty status to participate in programs related to environmental stewardship or guided outdoor recreation.
9.

Definitions
In this Act:
(1)

Accessible trail
The term accessible trail means a trail that meets the requirements for a trail under the Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines.
(2)

Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines
The term Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines means the accessibility guidelines set forth in appendices C and D to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(3)

Assistive technology
The term assistive technology means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities, particularly with participating in outdoor recreation activities.
(4)

Federal land management agencies
The term Federal land management agencies means the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service.
(5)

Federal recreational lands and waters
The term Federal recreational lands and waters has the meaning given the term Federal recreational lands and waters in section 802(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801(5)).
(6)

Gold Star Family member
The term Gold Star Family member means an individual described in section 3.3 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
(7)

Outdoor constructed feature
The term outdoor constructed feature has the meaning given such term in Appendix C to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(8)

Secretaries
The term Secretaries means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.
(9)

Secretary concerned
The term Secretary concerned means—
(A)
the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; and
(B)
the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands.
(10)

Veterans organization
The term veterans organization means a service provider with outdoor recreation experience that serves members of the Armed Forces, veterans, or Gold Star Family members.