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Ten Months After the EXPLORE Act: Chaos or Opportunity for Filmmakers?

Update A Bold Step Forward: The EXPLORE Act and Its Ambiguous Outcome Ah, the great outdoors! Where the air is fresh, the scenery beautiful, and small-scale creators can capture it all on camera—unless, of course, the federal government has other plans. Enter the EXPLORE Act, which promised to revolutionize filming laws in our national parks and wilderness areas. On January 4, 2025, this act was signed into law, aimed at making filming more accessible for content creators like Adam Van Tassell, a YouTuber who was thrilled at the prospect of filming his outdoor adventures. But fast forward ten months, and he finds himself tangled in red tape, surprised by a firm “no” when he sought to film in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). Talk about a plot twist! While the EXPLORE Act aimed to reduce restrictions on filming in wilderness areas and pave the way for content creators, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has yet to finalize policies that align with the act’s filming provisions. As it stands, local Forest Service officials seem to be calling the shots without proper national guidance. Perhaps they should have called a meeting—or at least a group text—because chaos has ensued. The Forest Service is dragging its heels, lagging behind other agencies like the National Park Service, which has already embraced the new filming guidelines. Meanwhile, Van Tassell and others like him are left in limbo, eager to share their stories but blocked by bureaucratic hurdles. Understanding the EXPLORE Act: Why It Was Born For those wondering what the heck the EXPLORE Act actually covers, let’s break it down. This law includes a bundle of outdoor measures from campground upgrades to filming reforms, which are essential for creators. The heart of the matter lies in the Federal Interior Land Media (FILM) Act section, which allows filming and photography on federal land without a permit as long as less than six people are involved and basic low-impact criteria are met. Imagine filming scenic shots without needing to jump through bureaucratic hoops! It was meant to liberate filmmakers from overly restrictive and costly permit requirements. Film and Photography: The Great Lakes Edition Our beloved Lake Superior should feel even more special with this new law! Imagine filming your kayaking adventures or bird-watching escapades without worrying about obtaining a commercial filming permit—a distant dream for many aspiring content creators! The excitement for creators is palpable! Yet, as exciting as it sounds, we see a stick in the spokes of this paddle-wheeler; Van Tassell's experience reflects the frustration felt by many. At a time when video content is booming, the contradiction in enforcement raises eyebrows. With the summer tourism season quickly approaching, the camera-ready shores of the Great Lakes could turn into a restricted zone for local creatives if the Forest Service doesn’t get it together. What Is at Stake? Lessons From Other Outdoor Filming Law Changes If there’s one thing we can learn from the new laws in other national parks, it’s that ignoring the opportunity for quicker filming might draw howls of protest from the creative community! The National Park Service, for example, made significant strides under the EXPLORE Act, allowing for much simpler filmmaking rules compared to previous, more stringent regulations. The message is clearer than a calm day on Lake Superior: Give creatives the tools to thrive and watch them bring the beauty of our nature to the screen! Future Implications for Filming in Federal Lands The ramifications of this delay could send ripples across filmmakers seeking thrills in the gorgeous landscapes of the Great Lakes. As comedic genius, Louis C.K., might say, "It’s all a big pile of poop until they give us the go ahead!" Future cinematographers may find it increasingly difficult to maneuver through unexplored areas, risking valuable stories being lost amid bureaucratic chaos. Furthermore, the lack of a clear path has left many creators hesitant, contemplating whether to embark on their filming adventures. After all, no one wants to be the next viral sensation due to an overzealous official waving fines like confetti! Conclusion: Taking Action in Uncertain Times So, what can we do? Local filmmakers eager to embrace the Great Lakes' stunning landscapes must continue to voice their concerns. Engage with the Forest Service and share your stories! After all, nature flourishes best when it is captured and celebrated. If the regulations don't align with the spirit of exploration and creativity of the EXPLORE Act, then let's make some noise! Because if there’s anything we’ve learned from Adam Van Tassell’s experience, it’s that the beauty of our environment deserves to be courted, captured, and shared with the world. Don’t let the Forest Service delay our adventures; let them know we’re ready to hit record!