Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Extend Legacy Restoration Fund

(Washington—June 10, 2026) Audubon applauds the introduction today of bipartisan legislation to extend and build upon the success of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.  The Great American Outdoors Act 250, by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), would invest $1.9 billion over five years to continue restoring and improving public land infrastructure while supporting the long-term stewardship of America's public lands and waters. 

"The Great American Outdoors Act 250 represents a critical next step to address long-standing maintenance and habitat restoration needs across our national parks and monuments, wildlife refuges and waters, and improve the places that support birds, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and communities across America," said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. "We appreciate Chair Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman’s leadership in advancing a bill that builds on the success of the Legacy Restoration Fund and creates new opportunities to invest in wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. These efforts are a key move towards ensuring our wildlife refuges, parks, and forests remain healthy and accessible, and ecologically resilient for the next 250 years." 

In addition to addressing deferred maintenance needs, the legislation adds important new provisions that prioritize investments in non-transportation-related projects that can benefit habitat, ecosystems, and natural resources, improve outdoor recreation experiences, and support wildlife habitat improvements for hunting and fishing.  The bill also and reinforces the important role of public-private partnerships to deliver meaningful on-the-ground conservation outcomes that this legislation promises.  

“Our nation’s public lands are ecological treasures that sustain wildlife, support healthy watersheds and forests, provide places of respite and connection to the outdoors, and serve as vital economic engines for communities across the country. More than 96 million Americans participate in birdwatching, contributing over $107 billion annually to the economy. Investing in the stewardship of the public lands and habitats that birds and people depend on is essential, and Audubon looks forward to working with Congress to advance this important legislation,” said Stadler. 

Established through the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, the Legacy Restoration Fund helps address deferred maintenance needs across national parks and other federal public lands. While Legacy Restoration Fund investments primarily support campgrounds, trails, visitor facilities, and other outdoor recreation infrastructure, the program has also supported habitat restoration and conservation efforts. The proposed changes to the program aim to unlock greater investments for wildlife habitat and stewardship of America’s natural resources.

The legislation is expected to be the topic of a House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on June 12. 

Press contact: Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org

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