0
Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act
1/14/2025, 5:11 PM
Summary of Bill S 3123
The bill aims to achieve this goal by addressing various issues that currently limit access to public waters. One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a task force that will be responsible for identifying and addressing barriers to access, such as outdated regulations or restrictions imposed by private landowners.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve infrastructure and facilities at public water access points, such as boat ramps and docks. This is intended to make it easier for individuals to launch and retrieve their watercraft, thereby increasing overall access to public waters. Furthermore, the bill seeks to promote conservation efforts by encouraging responsible use of public waters and supporting initiatives to protect and preserve these natural resources for future generations. Overall, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act is aimed at enhancing access to public waters for recreational purposes while also promoting conservation and responsible use of these valuable resources.
Congressional Summary of S 3123
Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act
This bill directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data on public access to federal waterways for recreational use.
Specifically, the Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for the collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to federal fishing restrictions and public recreational use of federal waterways. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to the collection and dissemination of such data.
Within five years of the bill's enactment, the Forest Service and Interior must also digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, certain geographic information system data about (1) federal waterway restrictions, (2) federal waterway access and navigation information, and (3) federal fishing restrictions. Data on waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation must be updated at least annually, and data on fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes take effect.
Finally, the Forest Service and Interior must develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments about waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 3123
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3123
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
2Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3123
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesPotential Impact Areas
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3123
Comments
Wade White
1 year ago
I heard about this new bill that's supposed to make it easier for people to access our public waters. I think it's a good idea, but I'm not exactly sure how it's going to work. Can someone explain it to me? I'm excited to see how this will impact our community here in MN!
Marcellus Hurley
1 year ago
Not sure about this bill. Long term effects could be bad.
Cheyenne Robertson
1 year ago
I think this bill is a good idea. It will help make it easier for people to access public waters. I hope it passes soon.
Yosef Powers
1 year ago
I think this bill is good for everyone. It will help improve access to public waters. People will benefit from this.
Rishi McKenzie
1 year ago
This bill is a joke, like seriously? Who even comes up with this stuff?
