The Youth Outdoor Policy Partnership is a collaboration of leading national organizations working across sectors to ensure that all children have access to high-quality outdoor experiences and environmental education. Every year, we publish an Annual Trend Report that shares innovative policies to encourage legislators, advocates, communities, and youth to replicate, rethink, and collaborate to build equitable youth outdoor opportunities. On our new website, you can find the key Policy Areas we address and monthly Community Spotlights featuring leaders and organizations who are changing the game in youth outdoor policy.

Outdoor policy continued growing in 2024, with 47 states and territories introducing over 350 bills covering outdoor recreation, education, access, and equity.

This Annual Trend Report summarizes policy trends, initiatives, and specific bills enacted in 2024 across:

• Outdoor Equity & Justice | 2
• Outdoor & Environmental Learning | 3
• Outdoor Health & Wellbeing | 4
• Outdoor Access & Leadership | 5
• Federal Policy Related to State Efforts | 6
• New and Exciting Outdoor Ideas | 7   

Note: We do not endorse specific bills or policy ideas as a partnership. We share these examples to inspire local champions and legislators to consider what might work in their state.  

Your Feedback Matters
We work to offer resources that support community-driven and inclusive youth outdoor opportunities. This is not a comprehensive list. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Grant, NCEL’s Outdoor Policy Coordinator, to share your thoughts, ideas, additions, and suggestions!