In 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR) to coordinate Federal efforts on improving access to nature, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, and providing people with improved and more affordable experiences on America’s public lands and waters.
The FICOR includes leaders from the Departments of the Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Interior. FICOR provides a coordinating framework to address common challenges and opportunities in managing and expanding outdoor recreation activities and access on public lands and waters. FICOR participating agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
The FICOR works collaboratively across agencies and boundaries, including with State, Tribal, territorial, and local governments, non-profit entities, outdoor recreation partners, and communities near Federal recreational lands and waters to improve shared resource stewardship and sustainable outdoor recreation planning.
Council Goals
Improve Coordination and Partnership Building
- Facilitate coordination of recreation programs and policies among the participating FICOR Departments.
- Facilitate coordination of Federal outdoor recreation-related programs and policies with State, Tribal, Territorial, and local governments and communities near Federal recreational lands and waters.
- Build partnerships between the participating FICOR Departments and a range of private, public, Tribal, non-profit entities to promote stewardship of and sustainable recreation on Federal lands and waters.
Promote Equitable Access, Youth Engagement, and Career Development
- Promote equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities on Federal lands and waters, and a safe and welcoming visitor experience for all.
- Engage youth and provide training and career opportunities in conservation, outdoor recreation, and resource management work.
Expand Coordination of Outreach, Education, and Data
Provide comprehensive visitor information and education, and coordinate resources related to outdoor recreation on Federal lands and waters.
Key Resources
FICOR MOU [PDF, 6 pages]
Learn more about the establishment of the FICOR and its goals for improved
interagency coordination on outdoor recreation.
USFS Reimagine Recreation
Learn more about the USFS’ strategic planning effort to plan for the future of
outdoor recreation on lands managed by the Forest Service, address challenges,
and meet emerging opportunities.
BLM Blueprint for the 21st Century Outdoor Recreation [PDF, 28 pages]
Explore how the BLM is planning for the future of outdoor recreation with a
strategy for investments, partnerships, outreach, and program development to
meet growing outdoor recreation demand and emerging trends.