OHI has announced a major policy win following the defeat of a legislative proposal that would have allowed the sale of up to 3 million acres of federally managed public lands across 11 Western states.
The proposal, which had raised concerns among outdoor business owners and conservation advocates, has been effectively blocked through coordinated advocacy led by OHI and its Washington, D.C., partners.
The lands in question are located near gateway communities—areas within 25 miles of public lands—that are essential to the operations of many private outdoor hospitality businesses.
According to OHI, more than 75% of these businesses are situated in such regions, and access to nearby federal lands plays a central role in driving tourism and sustaining local economies.
OHI’s Government Affairs team engaged directly with lawmakers and committee staff, voicing industry concerns about the negative impacts the proposed legislation would have on tourism-based businesses.
In addition to internal efforts, OHI collaborated with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and mobilized its members to share personal stories that helped underscore the significance of protecting public lands.
“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,” Basler added.
Basler added that the relationship between public lands and private outdoor businesses is “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.”
Although the proposal was blocked in the current legislative session, OHI cautions that similar efforts may return.
OHI’s Government Affairs team plans to closely monitor developments on Capitol Hill and keep members informed through future updates.
OHI, formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), represents more than 3,000 private RV parks and campgrounds across North America.