Heinrich introduces Every Kid Outdoors Act

U.S. legislators are hoping to turn an initiative into law, allowing free access to federal public lands and water to fourth grade students and their families. 

Sen. Martin Heinrich, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), introduced the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Act Wednesday, according to a news release from Heinrich's office.

An EKO pass would provide free entrance for fourth-graders and their families (up to three adults) to federal public lands and water across New Mexico and the U.S. to encourage students to enjoy the outdoors, experience public spaces and participate in educational programs.

"Sens. Heinrich and (Tom) Udall have always been supportive of national parks. It (the proposed bill) does not surprise me," said Valerie Gohlke, spokeswoman for the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. "Educational experiences that children and families can have at national parks — they're priceless. National parks are rejuvenating and a great experience for families."

The bill, which has been introduced to U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, would also extend to state parks.

It encourages a collaboration with state park departments to participate in the EKO program and offer their own pass.

Kathryn Law, interpretive ranger at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, said extending the act to state parks is "a wonderful thing."

The EKO Act builds on the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative, which was implemented by the Obama Administration a few years, offering free entry to fourth graders.

“Our national parks and public lands are outdoor classrooms with endless opportunities to learn and make memories,” Heinrich said in the release. "Connecting kids to the outdoors can inspire a lifelong connection to conservation, while reaping all of the health benefits that go along with an active lifestyle."

According to the bill, federal public land agencies, such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, would jointly establish a program under the EKO Act.

The agencies would then issue passes to students — upon the student's request — and their families to allow free entry beginning Sept. 1 of the current year through Aug. 30 of the following year.

The bill also encourages partnerships between schools, federal public land agencies and private and nonprofit organizations.

“We sing about and believe in America the beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience that beauty is to explore our national parks,” Alexander said in the release. “It is my hope that fourth graders — and their families — across the country will take some time to explore our country’s national parks and create their own memories.”