Updated Report on Advocacy Efforts for the Year 2025

In the ongoing saga of funding for America's public lands, the year 2025 has proven to be a challenging yet busy one for trails and public lands advocates. The President's FY26 Budget proposal has raised concerns, aiming to eliminate all Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects on public lands and undermining the Great American Outdoors Act. This proposal, if enacted, could have significant implications for the management and conservation of our nation's public lands.

The current administration's aggressive policy proposals have also affected trail programs and public land management agencies, leading to staffing shortages and proposed funding cuts at federal land management agencies like the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Park Service (NPS). Over 6,000 federal land management employees have been fired, impacting the maintenance and accessibility of trails.

However, it's important to note that federal funding for land management agencies and trail programs is currently secured through September 30, 2025. Beyond that date, a new Continuing Resolution is expected, as appropriations have not been finalized. Congress has begun deliberations on the FY26 appropriations, and both the House and Senate have rejected many of the severe cuts proposed by the administration.

For FY26, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act providing $15.1 billion for the Department of the Interior. This includes funding supporting wildfire suppression, tribal programs, and public land management. The total nondefense discretionary funding in the bill is $38.6 billion, reflecting bipartisan support and balancing conservation, energy, and recreation priorities.

Despite these developments, the exact appropriation levels for specific trail programs remain unclear. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, crucial for recreation and conservation projects, is facing its most serious threat in years. The America the Beautiful Act (S.1547) aims to extend the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund beyond its current sunset in 2025, providing a potential solution to this issue.

In light of these uncertainties, public involvement is crucial. The public can engage with organisations that track and lobby for federal land and trail funding, such as the American Hiking Society. They encourage spreading awareness in Congress through meetings and communications with elected officials, promoting bipartisan support for trail programs and land management funding. This includes supporting the extension of the Legacy Restoration Fund, full funding of the Recreational Trails Program, and the implementation of legislation like the EXPLORE Act.

Public participation can involve contacting members of Congress to express support for public lands and trail funding, joining advocacy campaigns led by trail and conservation groups, and participating in public comment opportunities related to appropriations or land management rules. Such civic engagement helps influence appropriations decisions and protects funding for public lands and recreation.

In summary, while the FY26 budget details are still emerging, the public's involvement through advocacy groups and direct communication with Congress is vital in ensuring continued and bipartisan funding for America's public lands.

| Fiscal Year | Funding Status | Notes | |-------------|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | FY25 | Funding secured through 9/30/25; potential CR beyond | President proposed cuts; Congress pushing back on reductions for trails and land agencies | | FY26 | Senate Committee bill approves $15.1B Interior Dept. budget (part of $38.6B nondefense discretionary) | Bipartisan support; details on trail program funding still emerging |