An industry-heavy committee has advised the Interior Department to privatize campground amenities in the national parks to boost revenue.
A new proposal from a now-disbanded committee under consideration by the Trump Administration could allow private firms to run aspects of the nation’s campgrounds, and roll back discounts for seniors.
Calling campgrounds an “underperforming asset,” the group advised the Department of Interior that expanding amenities like Wi-Fi and equipment rentals, furnished by the private sector, could improve and maximize park service sites. Story continuesPrivate influence over public lands part of the DOI's planThe Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee, comprised of outdoor recreation industry insiders, was created by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in 2017 to advise the department on how to manage public lands and private sector partnerships.
A recent Economic Report released by the DOI on Oct. 15 highlighted the economic potential of the Administration's efforts for the fiscal year 2018. Championing both increases in energy acquisition on public lands and increases in revenue from park visitors, the report boasted that Interior activities resulted in $315 billion in economic output and close to 2 million jobs.
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