California’s public lands are where millions of people hike, camp, fish, ride, and connect with nature. To keep these places safe, accessible, and enjoyable, we must continue investing in the infrastructure that supports them.
The bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2020, created the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), using federal energy revenues, not taxpayer dollars, to address long-overdue repairs to roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, water systems, and visitor facilities across our public lands.
Although the fund expired in September 2025, efforts are underway to reauthorize the LRF. President Trump, in his proposed budget this year, has called on Congress to renew the program. In Congress, two bills have already advanced through Senate and House committees: S. 1547 and H.R. 9250. The measures, led by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), have strong bipartisan support, with more than 65 cosponsors in the Senate and more than 215 in the House. In Merced, we are fortunate to have Congressman Adam Gray (D-CA), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, as a cosponsor of this important legislation.
The results speak for themselves. In 2024, California’s national parks and other federal public lands welcomed 39.4 million visitors, generating $3.7 billion in local spending and supporting 35,700 jobs. The Legacy Restoration Fund has already invested nearly $977 million in 34 projects across California, yet an estimated $6.8 billion in deferred maintenance remains.
As President of the California Mountain Biking Coalition, I know firsthand that well-maintained public lands are essential for safe, sustainable recreation. Trails, trailheads, bridges, and access roads don’t just serve mountain bikers, they support hikers, equestrians, campers, anglers, families, and everyone who enjoys California’s outdoors.
Congress should act quickly to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund by passing the America the Beautiful Act. This is a proven, bipartisan investment that will preserve California’s public lands, strengthen our outdoor economy, and ensure future generations can experience the same remarkable landscapes we enjoy today.
Steve Messer is the president of the California Mountain Biking Coalition.