This bill mandates a comprehensive study of Federal land reservation systems, requiring the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and the Army to jointly enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences within 60 days of enactment. The study will examine reservation systems used for managing recreational activities across various Federal lands, including National Parks, National Forests, and other public lands. This initiative aims to provide a thorough evaluation of how these systems function and their broader impacts.

The National Academy of Sciences is tasked with reviewing the history of these systems, such as recreation.gov, including their establishment, evolution, and visitor feedback. The study must address critical questions regarding the benefits and challenges of implementing reservation systems, their impact on resource protection, visitor experiences, and sustainable operations. It will also assess the availability and need for data to understand recreation demand and balance visitor management with conservation goals, ensuring a data-driven approach to policy recommendations.

A significant focus of the study is on equitable access, investigating whether Federal reservation systems pose barriers for certain communities or user groups. It will identify best practices for system design, including booking windows and options for unit-specific needs, and analyze fee collection methods, revenue distribution, and transparency. Furthermore, the study will explore how data is shared, the systems' resilience to cyber threats, and strategies to reduce "no shows" and enhance first-come, first-served opportunities to improve overall visitor experience and resource utilization.

Upon completion, the National Academy of Sciences must submit a detailed report of its findings to the appropriate committees of Congress within 18 months of entering the agreement. This report is intended to provide a thorough evaluation to inform future improvements in managing recreational access on Federal lands, ensuring more effective and equitable systems for all visitors.