Senator Daines Leads Push to Expand Public Land Access for Montana Outdoorsmen

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) have introduced the “Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act.” The bill aims to enhance public access for activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking on public lands.

The “Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025” seeks to reauthorize the Voluntary Public Access Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) for an additional five years and increase the authorization to $150 million. This program provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments to incentivize private landowners to open their lands for public use while maintaining private property rights. The grants have facilitated the opening of 60,000 acres for hunting and increased public access in Montana.

This legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.).

Senator Daines commented, “Hunting, fishing, and hiking are huge parts of our Montana way of life, and as a lifelong sportsman myself, I’m glad to lead an effort to expand access to our public lands. Reauthorizing the Voluntary Public Access Habitat Initiative Program will give more Montanans the chance to enjoy outdoor recreation activities and support critical habitats for wildlife.”

Senator Bennet stated, “For years, this program has rewarded Colorado’s family farmers and ranchers for their efforts to improve wildlife habitat, provide new opportunities for sportsmen and women, and expand recreation options for Coloradans. I fought to expand funding for this program in the last Farm Bill, and I’ll continue to work to prioritize successful, voluntary programs like this.”

Senator Marshall shared his thoughts, saying, “As an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, some of my greatest memories are hunting and fishing with my kids. I fully support and am proud to introduce the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act which encourages Kansans to open their land for the public to enjoy the great outdoors. Increased access to these outdoor recreational activities is good for our children and our shared American values.”

Various organizations have expressed support, including Joel Pedersen, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. He stated, “State-led access programs are hurting this year without support from VPA-HIP, and including the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act in a 2025 farm bill would be a major positive development for hunters and anglers. We are thrilled to see such an influential, bipartisan group of leaders recognize the importance of increased hunting and fishing access by introducing this legislation.”

In addition, Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, remarked, “By reauthorizing and expanding the only federal program specifically designed to increase opportunities for hunters and anglers on private land, the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act addresses the number one barrier to participation in our sporting traditions, lack of public access.”