Interior Department Celebrates “Great American Outdoors Act” Anniversary with Fee Free Day on Public Lands
Law’s historic investments in national parks and public lands are creating jobs and strengthening local economies
On Wednesday, designated as “Great American Outdoors Day,” the Department of the Interior will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The law, which passed with strong bipartisan support, makes unprecedented investments in national parks, public lands, and American Indian schools.
To support the Department’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to public lands, entrance fees will be waived on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at all fee-collecting public lands managed by the Department. Other fees — such as overnight camping, cabin rentals, group day use, and use of special areas — remain in effect.
Said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland: “Creating new jobs and stimulating our economy is a top priority of the Biden-Harris administration. Through the Great American Outdoors Act, we are investing in the American people, and in the future of our public lands and sacred spaces. I invite all Americans to experience the beauty and bounty of our nation’s public lands – not just on August 4 but every day of the year.”
This summer is especially busy on many public lands. While most of the 423 national parks are open, visitors may find limited services in and around national parks. Check individual park websites (searchable Find A Park map) or download the NPS App for specific details about their operations. Learn more about alternatives to popular parks on Interior’s blog. Public lands enthusiasts are encouraged to similarly plan their visits with the Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Be sure to note your destination’s Covid-19 safety guidelines, including mask requirements.
Source: US Department of Interior
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Ed. Note:
Public Lands in North Carolina include portions of the Appalachian Trail, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, the Trail Of Tears, and:
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore — www.nps.gov/caha
- Cape Lookout National Seashore — www.nps.gov/calo
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — www.nps.gov/grsm
and historic sites including:
- Carl Sandburg Home — www.nps.gov/carl
- Fort Raleigh — www.nps.gov/fora
- Wright Brothers National Memorial — www.nps.gov/wrbr
- Guilford Courthouse (National Military Park) — www.nps.gov/guco
- Moores Creek National Battlefield — www.nps.gov/mocr
