Congress passes the EXPLORE Act

This is good news. The new legislation (Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, for those keeping score at home) generally funds improvements to our outdoor recreation infrastructure, from campgrounds to long-distance trails, as well as upgrading the permitting process and improving access to public lands for a wide range of people.

That's great news, and we hope President Biden will sign it soon.

Meanwhile, if you want more information about the whole thing, there is a nice article on The Trek website about it: https://thetrek.co/the-explore-act-has-passed-in-congress-what-it-means-for-backpackers/

While you're there, you might also check out the other information---it's a good website for those interested in through hikes, or just hiking in general.

Nice way to start out the year.