Bill > S2637

This bill, known as the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 (MAPWaters Act), aims to improve public access to information about federal waterways by requiring several federal land and water management agencies (including the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service) to standardize, consolidate, and publish detailed digital data about waterway restrictions and access. Within 5 years of enactment, these agencies must create comprehensive online geographic information system (GIS) maps and databases that will provide the public with detailed information about waterway conditions, including seasonal closures, boat and watercraft restrictions, specific usage permissions, boat ramp locations, fishing access sites, bathymetric information, and fishing restrictions. The bill requires the agencies to update this information at least twice per year, develop a public comment process, and coordinate with state, tribal, and private sector partners. The Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior will oversee this effort and must submit annual progress reports to congressional committees through March 2034. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not modify existing water regulations, jurisdictional authorities, or current water accessibility for recreational activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2637/all-info