BLM Executive One-Pager
A ready-to-customize one-page brief for BLM field offices — what the EXPLORE Act enables, why disc golf fits, and the cost case.
Use this one-pager as the lead document when engaging a BLM field office. Customize the “What we’re asking” section for your specific office and proposal.
Disc Golf on BLM Land: A Low-Cost, Accessible, Stewardship-Ready Recreation Opportunity
Aligned with the EXPLORE Act (P.L. 118-234)
What the EXPLORE Act enables
The EXPLORE Act creates new authorities for recreation infrastructure development on BLM land:
- Section 112 mandates identification of underutilized lands suitable for new recreation
- Sections 214–215 require selection of new accessible recreation opportunities in each BLM region — including “any other” recreation opportunities identified with stakeholders
- Section 351 (Good Neighbor Authority) allows counties to carry out recreation infrastructure improvements
- Section 341 extends volunteer authority to BLM for facility construction and maintenance, with no volunteer liability insurance requirement
- Section 312 expands categorical exclusions for recreation permits
Why disc golf is an ideal fit
Disc golf is a low-impact, dispersed recreation activity requiring minimal ground disturbance. An 18-hole course occupies 15–25 acres with only tee pads, metal basket targets, signage, and existing natural terrain — no irrigation, no chemical treatment, no mowing.
The sport has 11,165 U.S. courses and 21.2 million annual rounds. 89% of courses are free. BLM already recognizes disc golf as a recreation activity and manages courses at Three Peaks/Ironside (UT) and Stewart Pond (OR).
How disc golf advances EXPLORE Act priorities
- Accessibility: Adaptable for shorter loops, accessible surfaces, wheelchair-friendly layouts
- Youth and veterans: Low-cost, low-barrier, scalable for clinics and wellness programming
- Underutilized sites: Activates developed recreation nodes with minimal infrastructure
- Shoulder-season visitation: Year-round activity extending use beyond peak months
- Volunteer stewardship: Construction and maintenance are overwhelmingly volunteer-driven
The cost case
A 9-hole course costs $9,000–$18,000 to build. Daily capacity: 432 player-slots. Annual maintenance: $1,000–$5,000 (volunteer labor). Creekside DGC (Lehi, UT) delivered 59,142 recreation-hours on approximately $200K investment.
What we’re asking
[Customize with one clear, specific ask for this office]
Existing BLM precedent
Stewart Pond DGC (BLM Oregon), Three Peaks/Ironside DGC (BLM Utah), Ward Mountain DGC (BLM Nevada), Barnes Grade Recreation Area (BLM Applegate, approved September 2025).
Contact
[Your organization name, contact, email, phone, website]