The Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025, or the MAPWaters Act of 2025, aims to enhance public access to information regarding recreational use of Federal waterways. It directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, acting through their respective agencies, to develop and adopt interagency standards for collecting and disseminating geospatial data. This standardization will ensure compatibility and interoperability among Federal databases concerning public outdoor recreational access and Federal fishing restrictions.

Within five years of enactment, the Secretaries must digitize and make publicly available online extensive geographic information system (GIS) data. This includes detailed information on Federal waterway restrictions, such as conditions for entry, seasonal closures, restrictions on motorized propulsion, anchoring, and vessel speed. It also covers the permissibility of various watercraft and recreational activities.

Furthermore, the bill requires the publication of data on Federal waterway access and navigation, including the locations and operating status of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites, as well as bathymetric information. Data on Federal fishing restrictions, such as locations of closures, no-take zones, equipment restrictions, and catch-and-release requirements, must also be made available. The Secretaries are required to establish a public comment process and update data on waterway access and restrictions at least twice annually, with fishing restriction data updated in real time.

To facilitate these efforts, the Secretaries may partner with non-Federal agencies, private sector entities, and experts, and can collaborate with the United States Geological Survey. The bill emphasizes using existing data and resources where practicable. Annual reports on progress are mandated through March 2034. Importantly, the Act clarifies that it does not alter the definition of "navigable waters," affect agency jurisdiction, or change the accessibility of waters open to recreation as of the enactment date.