Navigating constraints and strategies for veteran outdoor access
| Authors: | Lee K. Cerveny, Monika Derrien, David G. Havlick, Kendra Wendel |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Pacific Northwest Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2026.101098 |
| Source: | Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism |
Abstract
Outdoor programs for veterans (OPVs) support the physical and mental health benefits of nature-based experiences, seeking to mitigate the constraints to participation that veterans commonly face. But OPVs themselves often face organizational constraints to service delivery. The COMPACT Act of 2020 required the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an interagency task force to coordinate with public land agencies to enhance outdoor opportunities for veterans. A federal information request in 2022 asked veteran organizations and the public to identify constraints they experience seeking or facilitating outdoor opportunities as well as strategies for overcoming them. We analyzed public comments (n = 120) received in response to the information request. In their service delivery, we found that OPVs faced internal organizational constraints as well as administrative hurdles with both the VA and public land agencies. We described strategies identified by OPVs for negotiating these constraints. OPVs supported capacity-building initiatives to improve coordination, expand access to information, provide training, and identify mechanisms to support OPV programs. They also sought streamlined services to access VA grants and public land reservation and permit systems. Such improvements could reduce constraints to participation and promote improved veteran health.