# Plain Language Summary: MAPWaters Act

Right now, if you want to go fishing or boating on federal waterways—like reservoirs managed by the government or rivers on national forests—you might have trouble finding out what's actually allowed. Different federal agencies manage different waters, and they don't always share information in the same way. One agency might have a website saying a lake is closed for the season, while another agency's information is outdated or hard to find. This bill aims to fix that problem by creating one standardized system where people can easily look up current rules and restrictions for federal waterways.

The bill requires five federal agencies—the Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Fish and Wildlife Service—to work together to create a unified online database with maps and information about federal waterways. Within four years, they need to publish detailed information about where you can and can't boat, what types of boats are allowed, seasonal closures, speed restrictions, no-wake zones, and where fishing is restricted or prohibited. The database will also show where boat ramps and fishing access points are located, along with water depth information. Think of it like Google Maps for federal recreation—you'd be able to see at a glance whether a particular lake allows motorboats, if it's currently open, and where you can launch your boat.

The agencies must update this information at least twice a year for boating and access information, and in real-time for fishing restrictions. They can partner with private companies, state agencies, and nonprofits to help gather and organize the data. The bill also includes a way for the public to submit questions or comments if the information seems wrong or outdated. This is primarily a practical tool for outdoor enthusiasts—it won't change any existing rules about water access or fishing, but it will make those rules much easier to find and understand before you plan a trip.

MAPWaters Act

Moore, Blake D.

Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters ActThis bill directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to public outdoor recreational use of federal waterways.Specifically, the Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational use of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data.The Forest Service and Interior must also (1) digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about federal waterway restrictions and federal fishing restrictions, (2) update the information at least twice per year, and (3) develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data.