---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 8573"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "8573"
heading: "Interagency report on special recreation permits for underserved communities"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/8573"
units:
  - "Chapter 103 — Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences"
  - "Subchapter III — Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation"
  - "Part C — Recreation Not Red Tape"
---

# §8573. Interagency report on special recreation permits for underserved communities

- (a) **Covered community defined—** In this section, the term “covered community” means a rural or urban community, including an [Indian Tribe](/usc/16/8401.md?p=4), that is—
  - (1) low-income or underserved; and
  - (2) has been underrepresented in outdoor recreation opportunities on [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2).
- (b) **Report—** Not later than 3 years after January 4, 2025, the [Secretaries](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6), acting jointly, shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes—
  - (1) the estimated use of [special recreation permits](/usc/16/8531.md?p=4) serving covered communities;
  - (2) examples of [special recreation permits](/usc/16/8531.md?p=4), partnerships, cooperative agreements, or other arrangements providing access to [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2) for covered communities;
  - (3) other ways covered communities are engaging on [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2), including through stewardship and conservation [projects](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) or activities;
  - (4) any barriers for existing or prospective [recreation service providers](/usc/16/8531.md?p=3) and holders of [commercial use authorizations](/usc/16/8531.md?p=1) operating within or serving a covered community; and
  - (5) any recommendations to facilitate and increase permitted access to [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2) for covered communities.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 118–234, title III, § 353, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2917.)