What does Preamble of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes,' aims to standardize, consolidate, and publish data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 31, 2025, by Mr. Barrasso and Mr. King.

What does SHORT TITLE. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Federal fishing restriction” is defined as an area where fishing activities are prohibited or restricted by a Federal land or water management agency. “Federal land or water management agency” includes the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. “Federal waterway” refers to waters managed by relevant Secretaries. “Federal waterway restriction” means a restriction on access or use of a Federal waterway applied by the Secretaries. “Secretaries” refers to the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Chief of the Forest Service) and the Secretary of the Interior. “State” includes each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.

What does INTERAGENCY DATA STANDARDIZATION. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Secretaries to develop and adopt interagency standards. These standards aim to ensure compatibility and interoperability among Federal databases. The standards relate to geospatial data concerning public outdoor recreational access of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restrictions. The development and adoption of these standards must occur within 30 months of the Act's enactment.

What does DATA CONSOLIDATION AND PUBLICATION. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section mandates the digitization and public online availability of geographic information system (GIS) data related to Federal waterway restrictions, access, and fishing regulations. The data must include information on waterway conditions, seasonal closures, restrictions on motorized propulsion, anchoring, travel direction, and permitted uses (e.g., canoes, motorboats, swimming). It also requires the publication of data on boat ramps, portages, fishing access sites, and bathymetric information where feasible. Federal fishing restrictions, including closures, no-take zones, and restrictions on equipment/bait, must also be digitized and made public. A process will be established for public comment on the information described in subsections (a) and (b). The data will be updated at least twice per year, with fishing restriction data updated in real-time. This section excludes irrigation canals and flowage easements. Data disclosure is restricted to protect information about historic, paleontological, and archaeological resources.

What does COOPERATION AND COORDINATION. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines cooperation and coordination mechanisms for carrying out the Act. The Secretaries are authorized to coordinate with non-Federal agencies and private sector partners, including state and tribal natural resource agencies, technology companies, and data science experts. The Secretaries can enter into agreements with third parties to fulfill provisions of the Act. The Secretaries may collaborate with the Director of the United States Geological Survey to manage data collection, aggregation, digitization, standardization, and publication. Data developed and distributed under this Act must comply with applicable federal, state, and tribal laws. Any geospatial data must include a notice of applicable laws and regulations. To the extent practicable, the Secretaries should utilize existing data, maps, and resources, including those developed under the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act and section 103 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

What does REPORTS. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section mandates annual reports from the Secretaries. The reports detail progress in meeting the requirements of this Act. The first report is due within one year of the Act's enactment. Subsequent reports are due annually through March 30, 2034. The reports must be submitted to specified committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What does EFFECT. of MAPWaters Act of 2025 do?

This section states that the Act does not modify the definition of 'navigable waters' under federal law. The Act is not intended to affect the jurisdiction or authority of state or federal agencies to regulate navigable waters. This section clarifies that the Act does not alter the authority or jurisdiction of federal or state agencies to manage fisheries. The Act does not authorize or intend to change the accessibility of waters open to hunting, fishing, or other outdoor recreation as of the date of enactment.

Back to bills

MAPWaters Act of 2025

Last updated: 7/31/2025 · Introduced: 7/31/2025

Author: John Barrasso (R-WY)

TL;DR (AI)

The MAPWaters Act of 2025 requires federal land and water management agencies to develop standardized data formats for information related to public access, restrictions, and fishing regulations on federal waterways.
This bill mandates the digitization and public online availability of geographic data concerning waterway conditions, access points, fishing restrictions, and other relevant details, updated at least twice annually.
The Act establishes a framework for cooperation between federal agencies, state and tribal entities, and private partners to collect, manage, and publish this recreational waterway data while protecting sensitive resource information.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 187(Signed into Law)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

8 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account