Sierra Club Responds to Release of Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans Final Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of the Interior released the long-awaited Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans Final Report, outlining recommendations to improve veterans' access to public lands, outdoor recreation, and nature-based wellness opportunities. The report marks a significant milestone in a years-long effort to strengthen coordination across federal agencies and expand access to outdoor experiences that support veterans' physical and mental health.

Created under the Veterans COMPACT Act, the task force was charged with identifying barriers to outdoor access for veterans and developing recommendations to better integrate nature-based experiences into health and wellness programs. The final report highlights opportunities to formalize partnerships between federal agencies, reduce barriers to access, and expand therapeutic and recreational outdoor programming for veterans, caregivers, and military families.

The Sierra Club has long advocated for expanding outdoor access for veterans and military communities, dedicating significant staff time, advocacy, testimony, and direct engagement with policymakers to help advance this effort.

In response, Sherman Neal II, Marine Corps veteran & Deputy Director of Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program, released the following statement:

"Today's report is a meaningful victory for veterans, military families, and everyone who believes access to nature should be part of a healthier, more connected future for those who have served. For years, advocates have pushed for stronger federal coordination to make outdoor recreation and nature-based therapy more accessible to veterans, and this report reflects that sustained work.

"We know that time spent outdoors can reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and foster connection and social growth. Veterans deserve access to those benefits, whether through recreation, community programming, or therapeutic care that recognizes the restorative power of nature.

"Now the real work begins. These recommendations must translate into action that removes barriers, expands access, and ensures veterans in every community can experience the healing power of the outdoors."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.