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

Marcus Gettysburg Ginnie Wade National Park Service Image
Marcus Gettysburg Ginnie Wade National Park Service Image

Gettysburg: Remembering The Women Who Served

While we celebrate the anniversary of the independence of our country this Fourth of July, it is also the anniversary of another major event in American history. Despite a ban on women serving in either army, some felt a call to fight in the Civil War.

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with a Bang

You only get to call it a semiquincentennial once, so many gun makers are creatively displaying their American pride with these limited-edition firearms. Check out a few of them here.

Why You Should Call the Police Anytime You Draw Your Gun in Defense

If you pull your gun and the bad guy runs away, great. But you still need to call the police and report what happened. Here’s why.

New Gear 2026: GTM Original Expands The Avenue Collection

The satchels are crafted from USA top-grain cowhide and distressed buffalo leather, offering a refined blend of fashion, function and personality.

SLG2, Inc. and Walk The Talk America Unite to Advance Firearm Safety

The partnership will provide practical resources that encourage safe firearm handling, secure storage and meaningful conversations surrounding mental health.

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 26, 2026

The law was on a woman's side quite literally all the time, which didn't end well for her ex-cop boyfriend.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.