Great American Outdoors Act

Great American Outdoors Act

Robert Decker

The Great American Outdoors Act: A New Era for National Parks and Conservation

In 2020, Congress passed a landmark piece of conservation legislation — the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) — that would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the long-standing maintenance needs of our national parks. On August 4, 2020, the Act was officially signed into law, marking one of the most significant investments in public lands in over 50 years.

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What Does the Great American Outdoors Act Do?

The GAOA provides critical funding for two key initiatives:

  1. The National Parks and Public Lands Restoration Fund
    - Allocates up to $1.9 billion annually for five years to address deferred maintenance projects in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and American Indian schools.
    - These funds focus on improving critical infrastructure — from roads, trails, and bridges to visitor centers, water systems, and historic buildings.
  2. Permanent Funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
    - Guarantees $900 million annually from offshore oil and gas royalties to support local parks, public lands access, and wildlife conservation projects across the country.

Why It Matters for National Parks

America’s national parks welcome over 325 million visitors each year, but aging infrastructure and rising demand have pushed facilities beyond their limits. Many parks have restrooms, campgrounds, roads, and visitor centers built decades ago that now require significant upgrades.

The GAOA addresses this maintenance backlog — which exceeded $12 billion for the National Park Service alone — through the National Parks and Public Lands Restoration Fund. Projects range from:

  • Repaving Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
  • Restoring historic buildings in Shenandoah and Yosemite
  • Modernizing water and sewer systems in Grand Canyon
  • Rebuilding trails and overlooks in Acadia and the Smokies

The Legacy of the Land and Water Conservation Fund

The LWCF has quietly transformed the American landscape since 1964. It has supported over 40,000 projects — from playgrounds and city greenways to wildlife refuges and trail systems.

Many of the places we love today were protected or enhanced thanks to LWCF funds, including:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park’s hiking trails and scenic overlooks
  • Blue Ridge Parkway’s land protection and visitor access points
  • Community parks in nearly every county in the U.S.

Now, with permanent funding secured, the LWCF will continue to expand outdoor access and preserve the wild beauty of America for generations to come.

A Commitment to Future Generations

The Great American Outdoors Act is more than just a legislative win — it’s a promise. A promise to protect the wild places that define America’s natural heritage, to improve access to outdoor spaces, and to ensure that our parks remain safe, resilient, and welcoming for the millions who visit them each year.

Whether you’re standing beneath the towering peaks of Denali, exploring the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, or watching the sunrise over Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, these parks are more than just destinations — they’re part of our shared story.

What You Can Do to Support the Parks

You don’t have to be a lawmaker to make a difference. Here are a few ways you can help protect and support our national parks:

  • Visit Responsibly: Follow Leave No Trace principles and encourage others to do the same.
  • Support Park Partners: Donate to organizations like the National Park Foundation, or your favorite park’s official nonprofit friends group.
  • Shop with Purpose: Support small businesses and creators whose work celebrates and contributes to park preservation — like National Park Posters.
  • Stay Informed: Learn about park legislation, attend town halls, and advocate for continued investment in public lands.
  • Share Your Story: Post your photos and memories from the parks — inspiring others to care about these places helps keep them protected.

About the Author

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with a single passion for our National Parks. He had the rare opportunity to study under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19, and for more than 50 years, he has explored and photographed these iconic landscapes. Through his company, National Park Posters, Rob is on a mission to celebrate the beauty of our public lands and to help preserve them for future generations. 10% of annual profits are donated to organizations that support America’s parks.

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