MAPWaters Act of 2025

Bill 119 HR 187, also known as the "Outdoor Recreation Data Sharing and Standardization Act," aims to improve the management of public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways by standardizing, consolidating, and publishing data among various Federal land and water management agencies. The bill seeks to enhance coordination and communication between these agencies to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is readily available to the public.

Specifically, the bill requires Federal land and water management agencies to collect and share data on public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways, including information on visitor numbers, activities, and economic impact. This data will be standardized and consolidated into a centralized database, making it easier for agencies to track trends, identify areas of high use, and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and management.

In addition to data sharing and standardization, the bill also includes provisions for the development of a national strategy for outdoor recreation data collection and reporting. This strategy will outline best practices for data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring that agencies are using consistent methods and metrics to measure recreational use across Federal waterways. Overall, Bill 119 HR 187 aims to improve the management of public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways by promoting collaboration and transparency among Federal land and water management agencies. By standardizing data collection and sharing practices, the bill seeks to enhance the overall quality of information available to the public and support more effective decision-making in the management of Federal waterways for recreational use.