Free entry at all US National Parks this Sunday, August 4th

Signed into law on August 4th, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) marked “the most significant conservation legislation enacted in nearly half a century,” per Matthew Daly of the Associated Press. At its core, the GAOA provided permanent, consistent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as well as allocated some $9.5 billion to improve (and repair) the aging infrastructure at our National Parks, National Monuments, et al.

The LWCF, established back in 1964 alongside the Wilderness Act of 1964, is dedicated to ‘safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans.’ If that sounds deliberately broad and nebulous, well, it is – that’s by design. The expansive nature of its ability to dole out money means the projects completed under its dotage range from smaller projects like building parks and playgrounds to helping fund a $34 million purchase of 650 acres of ranchland adjacent to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado.

While the GAOA was remarkable in its willingness to invest in our nation’s natural resources and ability to experience them, perhaps most notable in this extremely partisan environment is that it was broadly supported on both sides of the aisle in Congress. Perhaps that’s why it’s become one of the more celebrated accomplishments out of Washington in recent memory – everyone seemingly benefits, and everyone seemingly supported it.

With that in mind, the Department of the Interior has waived entry fees to all National Parks on Sunday, August 4th – the fourth anniversary of the GAOA being enacted. Hat-tip to Marianne Zumberge at Buckrail for relaying this information, and I’ll point out that August 4th is one of six free-entry days into National Parks this year.

Do your best to avoid the smoke billowing out of the numerous fires across the American west, dodge the heat dome that’s pushed temperatures near 100 degrees along Colorado’s Front Range, and make your way to your nearest, greatest National Park to celebrate!