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

Rao Wood Turkish Walnut Photo By The=Hallowell&Coillustratedfirearmsdirectory Lede
Rao Wood Turkish Walnut Photo By The=Hallowell&Coillustratedfirearmsdirectory Lede

Gun Stocks: Which Wood—You Choose!

The stock is the first thing you notice about a rifle. Here's why the wood chosen for a particular model firearm is anything but random.

Three Tips for Summer Road Trips While Carrying Concealed

It seems like an easy task to just pack your CCW and be on your way to your summer destination. But wait—there's more.

Where Memories Take Flight: A Mother-Son Tower Shoot

As shared by the author, the most meaningful moments with our children are the ones without distractions, when phones are put away and we can focus on simply making memories.

Terminology Wars: Seasoned Firearms Instructors vs. Younger Students

With each generation, archaic phrases can seem like a whole new language. If you are from "back in the day," here's how to handle the passing of the torch to new—and younger—instructors.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 8, 2026

A trio of brave women lived to tell their tales of non-victimhood.

Range USA Celebrates Mother’s Day with Lady Sure Shots Events Across All Locations 

This session of the shooting club will offer exclusive merchandise and limited time offers in honor of Mother’s Day, while continuing to promote firearm safety and education. 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.