The Great American Outdoors Act Explained

The Shoot Like a Girl organization hosted a Facebook Live event to sort out exactly what the GAOA means.

by posted on October 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Wilderness

With only two months left in 2020, many Americans are ready to write this year off and begin fresh in 2021. However, for those of us who participate in the outdoor lifestyle through hunting, fishing, hiking and more, 2020 hasn’t been a total wash. “Outdoors” was the one place we could escape the constant reminders of the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, there have even been a few moments during the year that caused us to give collective thanks.

One of those moments for celebration was on August 4, 2020, when President Donald J. Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act, which effectively enables national parks and other federal lands to repair and upgrade vital infrastructure and facilities. This is all designed to enrich the visitor experience, protect resources, and enable increased access for all visitors. (We also got another free public access day out of it!)

It all sounds great on paper, but what exactly does it all mean, and how will you notice it in your outdoor pursuits? Earlier this week, the Shoot Like a Girl organization hosted a Facebook Live event with guest Jenn Doherty, Director of Lands at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, to sort it all out. If you missed it, take a little time to watch this informative discussion about the Great American Outdoors Act, how those dollars will be applied, and how you might notice the results. 

Watch the Facebook Live event here, and for more, please visit Shoot Like A Girl and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

 

Latest

Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede
Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede

Springfield Armory Announces Julie Golob's 2026 Bianchi Cup Record-Setting Achievements

Golob used the Echelon 4.0FC 9 mm over the Memorial Day weekend competition, earning top women's honors in multiple divisions and historic placements.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 29, 2026

An uninvited hotel guest who threatened employees with a knife learned the opposite of hospitality the hard way.

3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

With more than 20 years as an NRA Training Counselor, the author is an actual expert firearms instructor. Here's what to watch out for if you are just beginning your journey.

New Guns 2026: CZ 75 Legend Now Shipping

Introduced in early 2026, the pistol is built to honor one of the most influential handgun designs of the modern era.

New Gear 2026: Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight System for LCP MAX Pistol

This new reflex sight requires no batteries, allowing the shooter to focus on acquiring and staying on target without worry.

5 Items You Need to Butcher Your Own Venison

Butchering your own deer isn’t really all that complicated, but there are a handful of gear items you absolutely have to have to get it done.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.