EXPLORE Act Passes Congress!

Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act Passes Congress

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and our members (SDMB was a supporter) celebrate the U.S. Senate’s historic passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a groundbreaking bipartisan achievement that cements the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry as a cornerstone of America’s economy and a necessity to quality of life for all Americans. The legislation passed the House in April by Unanimous Consent and now advances to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “Today’s passage of the EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry and is a victory for our economy, our communities, our quality of life, and our shared connection to the outdoors," said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of ORR. "We are ready to get to work helping millions of Americans—from 4th graders exploring national parks, to veterans seeking solace in nature and businesses recovering from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene through expanded outdoor access, modernized recreation policies, and economic growth across the nation.”  By advancing this transformative legislation, Congress has shown its commitment to ensuring every American has access to world-class outdoor experiences, from our backyard to the backcountry, while supporting the businesses, workers, and communities who make those experiences possible.

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Mt Graham Article about SDMB Volunteers

By Michael Dematties • July 29, 2026

Local News Volunteers Partner with Forest Service to Restore Mount Graham’s Cunningham Loop Trail July 26, 2026 - by News Director Share Share Pin It Share Forest Service Photo: A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. Gila Herald Staff Reports MOUNT GRAHAM — A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. The workday—organized by the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)—brought together 23 volunteers, group members, and U.S. Forest Service personnel, including Safford District Ranger Voelker. The team focused efforts on the southeastern section and connector trail of the western loop. Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is a popular destination for both mountain bikers and hikers, utilizing a blend of historic roadways and singletrack to form an approximately 4.5-mile loop. Forest Service Photo: Volunteers use a crosscut saw to enable moving a large log out of the way. To carry out the restoration without disturbing local wildlife or disrupting the natural surroundings, volunteers relied on traditional, non-motorized hand tools—including crosscut saws, McLeods, pickaxes, and pulaskis. The use of these purpose-built tools allows trail maintenance and construction to proceed quietly year-round. Organizers noted that the volunteer crew represented a wide variety of backgrounds, united by a shared goal to improve outdoor access and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Pinaleños. Collaborative efforts between local organizations like SDMB and the Forest Service remain vital for keeping trails open and well-maintained across the district. Forest Service Photo: The trail has been restored. How the Public Can Help Community members looking to support the trail don’t necessarily need a shovel to contribute. Trail organizers encourage local hikers and mountain bikers to get out and explore the newly restored path. Regular foot and bicycle traffic plays an important role in trail maintenance by helping compact the soil and prevent future erosion. To learn more about local trail stewardship initiatives or get involved with future workdays, visit the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists website or check out details on the Cunningham Loop Trail #316 .