Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025
Last recorded step: Became Law, Dec 26, 2025.
Requires federal agencies to standardize and publish digital geospatial data regarding public access and restrictions for federal waters.
What it does
This law requires the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize, digitize, and publish geospatial data regarding public access to federal waterways and fishing areas. The agencies must provide online information about waterway navigation, access points, and restrictions, updating these records at least twice a year while providing real-time updates for fishing regulations. Additionally, the law establishes a process for the public to submit questions or comments regarding the accuracy and accessibility of this federal waterway data.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, which are required to standardize, digitize, and publish geospatial data regarding federal waterways. The legislation also impacts members of the public who use federal waterways for recreational purposes, including boaters and fishers, by providing them with online access to information on navigation, waterway access, and fishing restrictions. Additionally, the public is granted a formal process to submit questions or comments regarding the accuracy and utility of the published waterway data.
Key provisions
- Standardization of geospatial data for federal waterways. The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are required to jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for the collection and dissemination of geospatial data regarding public recreational access to federal waterways and fishing restrictions.
- Digitization and public availability of waterway information. Within five years, the agencies must digitize and publish online geographic information system data concerning federal waterway restrictions, access and navigation information, and fishing restrictions.
- Mandatory data update schedules. The bill requires that data regarding waterway restrictions and navigation be updated at least twice per year, while information concerning fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes occur.
- Public feedback mechanism. The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior must establish a process for the public to submit questions or comments regarding the published data on waterway restrictions, access, and navigation.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior must digitize and publish specific geographic information system data within five years of the bill's enactment. Once published, data regarding waterway restrictions and access must be updated at least twice per year, while fishing restriction data must be updated in real time as changes occur.
Relationship to existing law
The bill requires the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to ensure compatibility and interoperability among existing federal databases when standardizing geospatial data for public waterway access and fishing restrictions.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to improve public access to federal waterways for recreational use by requiring the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize, digitize, and publish geospatial data regarding waterway navigation, access points, and fishing restrictions.