Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson and Debbie Dingell have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The legislation, known as the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act, seeks to provide grants to states and tribal governments to encourage private landowners to open their lands for public use while maintaining property rights.

Senators Steve Daines, Michael Bennet, and Roger Marshall have introduced similar legislation in the Senate. Johnson emphasized that "encouraging conservation and public access to land through a voluntary program promotes personal freedom and agency." He believes this initiative will preserve outdoor recreation traditions for future generations in South Dakota.

Dingell highlighted Michigan's cultural ties to outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting, stating that expanding land access is vital for maintaining these traditions. She remarked, "The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act will expand outdoor recreation opportunities nationwide."

The VPA-HIP aims to overcome barriers preventing participation in outdoor activities like hunting and wildlife viewing by increasing public land access. The proposed bill would raise funding from $50 million to $150 million over five years, from fiscal 2025 through 2029. This increase is expected to boost local economies by supporting jobs in rural communities' outdoor recreation sectors.

The bill has garnered support from various organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, American Sportfishing Association, Delta Waterfowl, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, National Deer Association, National Wildlife Federation, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Ariel Wiegard of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever praised VPA-HIP as a crucial factor enabling public hunting access on private lands. She noted that increasing funding for the program is a priority for the next farm bill. Kaden McArthur of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers also supported the act for addressing public access issues in sporting traditions.