OHI announced a critical advocacy victory: the successful defeat of a legislative proposal that would have resulted in the sale of up to 3 million acres of federally managed public lands across 11 Western U.S. states. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of OHI, its members and partners in Washington, D.C., these lands — many of which surround gateway communities — remain protected.
This outcome is a significant win for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, because more than 75% of privately owned outdoor hospitality businesses are located in or within 25-miles of gateway communities that depend on access to public lands. These public lands drive tourism, support local economies and serve as a foundation for the outdoor experiences so many campers enjoy.
OHI’s government affairs team worked directly with lawmakers and committee staff to raise industry concerns. Their leadership, combined with the voices of OHI members who shared their stories and perspectives, and OHI’s partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), helped turn the tide.
“This was an attempt to quietly strip away millions of acres that fuel our industry,” said David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer and SVP of government affairs. “We have been asked why OHI is focused on saving public lands when our industry focuses on privately owned businesses, and the reason is simple — when legislation threatens these lands, it threatens jobs, tourism and businesses that depend on them. If campers don’t have access to these public lands, the private businesses in the gateway communities won’t survive. It’s a symbiotic relationship for sure and one that OHI takes very seriously as we tirelessly support the success of private RV park, campground and glamping businesses across the country.”
While the proposal was defeated this round, the fight may not be over. OHI is already preparing for the possibility that similar language could resurface in a different legislative package in the next 12 months.
OHI’s government affairs team and its partners in Washington will continue to monitor the issue and will update members accordingly. OHI said it urges all members to remain engaged, share how public lands support your business and be ready to act when needed, so be on the lookout for another grassroots campaign from OHI’s Advocacy Action Center.
Those interested in learning more about OHI’s advocacy efforts can visit ohi.org/advocacy/ for more information.
