Federal Register #2026-13095

Request for Public Comments on Pilot Protocols for Recreation Use Modeling under the EXPLORE Act

This opportunity is a request for public comment from the Forest Service, USDA, and other federal agencies regarding pilot protocols for recreation use modeling under the EXPLORE Act. - Government Buyer: - Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - In coordination with Department of the Interior, Department of Defense, and Department of Commerce - Purpose: - Soliciting public input on proposed pilot protocols and land management units - Focused on modeling recreation use patterns, especially for low-use and dispersed recreation activities - Aims to improve measurement methods beyond current survey and monitoring techniques - Scope: - At least 10 land management units per Secretary's jurisdiction will be included in the pilot - No OEMs, vendors, products, or services are being procured at this stage - No part numbers, quantities, or technical product requirements are specified - This is an information-gathering and feedback initiative, not a procurement action

Description

Section 133 of the EXPLORE Act requires the Secretaries to establish pilot protocols at not fewer than 10 land management units under each Secretary's jurisdiction to model recreation use patterns, including low-use and dispersed recreation activities. These activities may not be effectively measured by existing survey and monitoring protocols. The agencies are requesting public comment on the proposed pilot protocols and the proposed land management units identified for these pilots. Comments must be received by July 29, 2026.

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