,i #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #fcdb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,november #i1 #bjbc,mrs4 ,kiggans of ,virginia 7for herself and ,mr4 ,peters7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,agriculture1 and ,veterans' ,affairs1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to promote and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the ,armed ,forces and veterans on ,federal recreational lands and waters4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,military and ,veterans in ,parks ,act or the ,,mvp ,act4 #b4 ,accessible trails and recreation opportunities for military servicemembers and veterans 7a7 ,accessible recreation inventory 7#a7 ,assessment ,not later than #e years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 carry out a comprehensive assessment of outdoor recreation facilities on ,federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective ,secretary concerned to determine the accessibility of such outdoor recreation facilities1 consistent with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq471 including-- 7i7 camp shelters1 camping facilities1 and camping units2 7ii7 boat launch ramps2 7iii7 hunting1 fishing1 shooting1 or archery ranges or locations2 7iv7 outdoor constructed features2 7v7 picnic facilities and picnic units2 and 7vi7 any other outdoor recreation facilities1 as determined by the ,secretary concerned2 and 7,b7 make information about such opportunities available 7including through the use of prominently displayed links7 on public websites of-- 7i7 each of the ,federal land management agencies2 and 7ii7 each relevant unit and subunit of the ,federal land management agencies4 7#b7 ,inclusion of current assessments ,as part of the comprehensive assessment required under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 to the extent practicable1 the ,secretary concerned may rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,public information ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to create1 update1 or replace signage and other publicly available information1 including web page information1 related to accessibility and consistent with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq47 at outdoor recreation facilities covered by the assessment required under paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7b7 ,trail inventory 7#a7 ,assessment ,not later than #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 conduct a comprehensive assessment of trails on ,federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective ,secretary concerned1 including measuring each trail's-- 7i7 surface2 7ii7 clear tread width2 7iii7 passing spaces2 7iv7 size2 7v7 tread obstacles2 7vi7 openings2 7vii7 slopes1 including cross slope2 7viii7 maximum running slope and segment length2 7ix7 resting intervals2 7x7 length2 7xi7 width2 7xii7 turning space2 7xiii7 protruding objects2 and 7xiv7 trailhead signs2 and 7,b7 make information about such trails available 7including through the use of prominently displayed links7 on public websites of-- 7i7 each of the ,federal land management agencies2 and 7ii7 each relevant unit and subunit of the ,federal land management agencies4 7#b7 ,inclusion of current assessments ,as part of the comprehensive assessment required under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 the ,secretary concerned may1 to the extent practicable1 rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,public information ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to replace signage and other publicly available information1 including webpage information1 related to such trails and consistent with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq47 at trails covered by the assessment required under paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7#d7 ,prioritization ,the ,secretary concerned shall consult with stakeholders1 including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities1 in selecting priority trails to measure under paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7#e7 ,assistive equipment specification ,in publishing information about each trail under this subsection1 the ,secretary concerned shall make public information about trails that do not meet the ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines but could otherwise provide outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities through the use of certain assistive equipment4 7c7 ,trail pilot program 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall carry out a pilot program to enter into partnerships with eligible entities to-- 7,a7 measure trails as part of the assessment required under subsection 7b72 7,b7 develop accessible trails under subsection 7d72 and 7,c7 make minor modifications to existing trails to enhance recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities using assistive technology-- 7i7 in compliance with all applicable land use and management plans of the ,federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located2 and 7ii7 in consultation with stakeholders1 including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities4 7#b7 ,locations 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned shall select no fewer than #e units or subunits under the jurisdiction of the respective ,secretary concerned to carry out the pilot program established under subparagraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,special rule of construction for the department of the interior ,in selecting the locations of the pilot programs1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall ensure that at least one pilot program is carried out in a unit managed by the-- 7i7 ,national ,park ,service2 7ii7 ,bureau of ,land ,management2 and 7iii7 ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#c7 ,sunset ,the pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7d7 ,accessible trails 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall select a location or locations to develop at least #c new accessible trails-- 7,a7 on ,national ,forest ,system lands in each region of the ,forest ,service2 7,b7 on land managed by the ,national ,park ,service in each region of the ,national ,park ,service2 7,c7 on land managed by the ,bureau of ,land ,management in each region of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 and 7,d7 on land managed by the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service in each region of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#b7 ,development ,in developing an accessible trail under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned-- 7,a7 may-- 7i7 create a new accessible trail2 7ii7 modify an existing trail into an accessible trail2 or 7iii7 create an accessible trail from a combination of new and existing trails2 and 7,b7 shall-- 7i7 consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible trail2 7ii7 ensure the accessible trail complies with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq472 and 7iii7 to the extent practicable1 ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible trail1 including parking spaces and restroom facilities1 meet the requirements of the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh4 7#c7 ,completion ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in coordination with stakeholders consulted with under paragraph 7#b77;,b71 shall complete each accessible trail developed under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,maps1 signage1 and promotional materials ,for each accessible trail developed under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 publish and distribute maps and install signage1 consistent with ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines2 and 7,b7 coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-,federal resources necessary for the development1 stewardship1 completion1 or promotion of the accessible trail4 7#e7 ,conflict avoidance with other uses ,in developing each accessible trail under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible trail-- 7,a7 minimizes conflict with-- 7i7 the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this ,act with respect to any trail or road that is part of that accessible trail2 7ii7 multiple-use areas where biking1 hiking1 horseback riding1 off-highway vehicle recreation1 or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment of this ,act2 or 7iii7 the purposes for which any trail is established under the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq472 and 7,b7 complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the ,federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located4 7#f7 ,reports 7,a7 ,interim report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations1 shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection during the previous #c years4 7,b7 ,final report ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations1 shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection4 7e7 ,accessible recreation opportunities 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall select a location to develop at least #b new accessible recreation opportunities-- 7,a7 on ,national ,forest ,system lands in each region of the ,forest ,service2 7,b7 on land managed by the ,national ,park ,service in each region of the ,national ,park ,service2 7,c7 on land managed by the ,bureau of ,land ,management in each region of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 and 7,d7 on land managed by the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service in each region of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#b7 ,development ,in developing an accessible recreation opportunity under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned-- 7,a7 may-- 7i7 create a new accessible recreation opportunity2 or 7ii7 modify an existing recreation opportunity into an accessible recreation opportunity2 and 7,b7 shall-- 7i7 consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible recreation opportunity2 7ii7 ensure the accessible recreation opportunity complies with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq472 and 7iii7 to the extent practicable1 ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible recreation opportunity1 including parking spaces and restroom facilities1 meet the requirements of the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh4 7#c7 ,accessible recreation opportunities ,the accessible recreation opportunities developed under paragraph 7#a7 may include improving accessibility or access to-- 7,a7 camp shelters1 camping facilities1 and camping units2 7,b7 hunting1 fishing1 shooting1 or archery ranges or locations2 7,c7 snow activities1 including skiing and snowboarding2 7,d7 water activities1 including kayaking1 paddling1 canoeing1 and boat launch ramps2 7,e7 rock climbing2 7,f7 biking2 7,g7 off-highway vehicle recreation2 7,h7 picnic facilities and picnic units2 7,i7 outdoor constructed features2 and 7,j7 any other new or existing recreation opportunities identified in consultation with stakeholders under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 and consistent with the applicable land management plan4 7#d7 ,completion ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in coordination with stakeholders consulted with under paragraph 7#b71 shall complete each accessible recreation opportunity developed under paragraph 7#a74 7#e7 ,maps1 signage1 and promotional materials ,for each accessible recreation opportunity developed under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 publish and distribute maps and install signage1 consistent with ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines2 and 7,b7 coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-,federal resources necessary for the development1 stewardship1 completion1 or promotion of the accessible trail4 7#f7 ,conflict avoidance with other uses ,in developing each accessible recreation opportunity under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible recreation opportunity-- 7,a7 minimizes conflict with-- 7i7 the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this ,act with respect to any ,federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreation opportunity is located2 or 7ii7 multiple-use areas in existence on the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the ,federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreational opportunity is located4 7#g7 ,reports 7,a7 ,interim report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations1 shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection during the previous #c years4 7,b7 ,final report ,not later than #g years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in partnership with stakeholders and other interested organizations1 shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible trails developed under this subsection4 7f7 ,assistive technology ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary concerned may enter into partnerships1 contracts1 or agreements with other ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 or private entities1 including existing outfitting and guiding services1 to make assistive technology available on ,federal recreational lands and waters4 7g7 ,savings clause ,nothing in the ,act shall be construed to create any conflicting standards with the ,architectural ,barriers ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daea et seq474 #c4 ,promotion of outdoor recreation for military service members and veterans ,the ,secretary concerned1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall develop educational and public awareness materials to disseminate to members of the ,armed ,forces and veterans1 including through ,transition ,assistance ,program classes1 on-- 7#a7 opportunities for members of the ,armed ,forces and veterans to access ,federal recreational lands and waters free of charge under section #hje of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjd72 7#b7 the availability and location of accessible trails1 including new accessible trails developed and completed under section #b7;a72 7#c7 the availability and location of accessible recreation opportunities1 including new accessible recreation opportunities developed and completed under section #b7;b72 7#d7 assistive technology assistance pursuant to section #aaea7;c7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#e7 outdoor-related volunteer and wellness programs2 7#f7 the benefits of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health2 7#g7 resources to access guided outdoor trips and other outdoor programs connected to the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,department of the ,interior1 or the ,department of ,agriculture2 and 7#h7 programs and jobs focused on continuing national service such as ,public ,land ,corps1 ,ameri,corps1 and conservation corps programs4 #d4 ,military ,veterans ,outdoor ,recreation ,liaisons 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries and the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall each establish within their ,departments the position of ,military ,veterans ,outdoor ,recreation ,liaison4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,military ,veterans ,outdoor ,recreation ,liaison shall-- 7#a7 coordinate the implementation of this ,act2 7#b7 implement recommendations identified by the ,task ,force on ,outdoor ,recreation for ,veterans established under section #bjc of the ,veterans ,comprehensive ,prevention1 ,access to ,care1 and ,treatment ,act of #bjbj 7,public ,law #aaf-bad71 including recommendations related to-- 7,a7 identifying new opportunities to formalize coordination between the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 ,department of ,agriculture1 ,department of the ,interior1 and partner organizations regarding the use of ,federal recreational lands and waters for facilitating health and wellness for veterans2 7,b7 addressing identified barriers that exist to providing veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on ,federal recreational lands and waters2 and 7,c7 facilitating the use of ,federal recreational lands and waters for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans2 7#c7 coordinate with ,military ,veterans ,outdoor ,recreation ,liaisons at other ,federal agencies and veterans organizations2 and 7#d7 promote outdoor recreation experiences for veterans on ,federal recreational lands and waters through new and innovative approaches4 #e4 ,partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned shall seek to enter into partnerships or agreements with ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 or private entities with expertise in outdoor recreation1 volunteer1 accessibility1 and health and wellness programs for members of the ,armed ,forces or veterans4 7b7 ,partnerships ,as part of a partnership or agreement entered into under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned may host events on ,federal recreational lands and waters designed to promote outdoor recreation among members of the ,armed ,forces and veterans4 7c7 ,financial and technical assistance ,under a partnership or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned may provide financial or technical assistance to the entity with which the respective ,secretary concerned has entered into the partnership or agreement to assist with-- 7#a7 the planning1 development1 and execution of events1 activities1 or programs designed to promote outdoor recreation for members of the ,armed ,forces or veterans2 or 7#b7 the acquisition of assistive technology to facilitate improved outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the ,armed ,forces or veterans4 #f4 ,national strategy for military and veteran recreation 7a7 ,strategy ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries1 acting jointly1 shall develop and make public a strategy to increase visits to ,federal recreational lands and waters by members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 and ,gold ,star ,family members4 7b7 ,requirements ,a strategy developed under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 establish objectives and quantifiable targets for increasing visits to ,federal recreational lands and waters by members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 and ,gold ,star ,family members2 7,b7 include an opportunity for public notice and comment2 7,c7 emphasize increased recreation opportunities on ,federal recreational lands and waters for members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 and ,gold ,star ,family members2 and 7,d7 provide the anticipated costs to achieve the objectives and meet the targets established under subparagraph 7,b72 and 7#b7 shall not establish any preference between similar recreation facilitated by noncommercial or commercial entities4 7c7 ,update to strategy ,not later than #e years after the date of the publication of the strategy required under subsection 7a71 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretaries shall update the strategy and make public the update4 #g4 ,recreation resource advisory committees ,section #hjd7;d77#e7 of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjc7;d77#e771 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #aa and inserting #ab2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,d77ii7-- 7,a7 by striking ,three and inserting ,four2 and 7,b7 after subclause 7,,iii71 by inserting the following3 7,,iv7 ,veterans organizations1 as such term is defined in section #i of the ,military and ,veterans in ,parks ,act4 4 #h4 ,career and volunteer opportunities for veterans 7a7 ,veteran hiring ,the ,secretary concerned is strongly encouraged to hire veterans in all positions related to the management of ,federal recreational lands and waters4 7b7 ,pilot program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in consultation with the ,assistant ,secretary of ,labor for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training and the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 shall establish a pilot program under which veterans are employed by the ,federal ,government in positions that relate to the conservation and resource management activities of the ,department of the ,interior4 7#b7 ,positions ,the ,secretary of the ,interior shall-- 7,a7 identify vacant positions in the ,department of the ,interior that are appropriate to fill using the pilot program2 and 7,b7 to the extent practicable1 fill such positions using the pilot program4 7#c7 ,application of civil service laws ,a veteran employed under the pilot program shall be treated as an employee as defined by section #baje of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,briefings and report 7,a7 ,initial briefing ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,labor for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the pilot program under this subsection1 which shall include-- 7i7 a description of how the pilot program will be carried out in a manner to reduce the unemployment of veterans2 and 7ii7 any recommendations for legislative actions to improve the pilot program4 7,b7 ,implementation briefing ,not later than #a year after the date on which the pilot program under subsection 7a7 commences1 the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,labor for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of the pilot program4 7,c7 ,final report ,not later than #cj days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection 7a7 is completed1 the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,labor for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes the following3 7i7 ,the number of veterans who applied to participate in the pilot program4 7ii7 ,the number of such veterans employed under the pilot program4 7iii7 ,the number of veterans identified in clause 7ii7 who transitioned to full-time positions with the ,federal ,government after participating in the pilot program4 7iv7 ,any other information the ,secretary and the ,assistant ,secretary determine appropriate with respect to measuring the effectiveness of the pilot program4 7#e7 ,duration ,the authority to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is #b years after the date on which the pilot program commences4 7c7 ,appropriate congressional committees defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate4 7d7 ,outdoor recreation program attendance ,each ,secretary of a military department is encouraged to allow members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty status to participate in programs related to environmental stewardship or guided outdoor recreation4 #i4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,accessible trail ,the term accessible trail means a trail that meets the requirements for a trail under the ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines4 7#b7 ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines ,the term ,architectural ,barriers ,act accessibility guidelines means the accessibility guidelines set forth in appendices ,c and ,d to part #aaia of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations74 7#c7 ,assistive technology ,the term assistive technology means any item1 piece of equipment1 or product system1 whether acquired commercially1 modified1 or customized1 that is used to increase1 maintain1 or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities1 particularly with participating in outdoor recreation activities4 7#d7 ,federal land management agencies ,the term ,federal land management agencies means the ,national ,park ,service1 the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 and the ,forest ,service4 7#e7 ,federal recreational lands and waters ,the term ,federal recreational lands and waters has the meaning given the term ,federal recreational lands and waters in section #hjb7e7 of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja7e774 7#f7 ,gold ,star ,family member ,the term ,gold ,star ,family member means an individual described in section #c4c of ,department of ,defense ,instruction #acdh4cf4 7#g7 ,outdoor constructed feature ,the term outdoor constructed feature has the meaning given such term in ,appendix ,c to part #aaia of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations74 7#h7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#i7 ,secretary concerned ,the term ,secretary concerned means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 with respect to lands under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 with respect to ,national ,forest ,system lands4 7#aj7 ,veterans organization ,the term veterans organization means a service provider with outdoor recreation experience that serves members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 or ,gold ,star ,family members4