A new panel formed to advise Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on how to operate public lands is raising concerns about conflicts of interests since it consists entirely of recreation industry representatives, the Washington Post reported Monday.

The "Made in America" Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee was created by Zinke in November 2017 and included 15 representatives from the camping, tourism, outdoor outfitter and other recreation industries. Three panel members were specifically flagged by Department of Interior staff as having potential conflicts of interests that could bias judgment on public lands issues, according to the Post.

Critics worry the industry panel would act as little more than a rubber stamp for controversial public lands policies, such as Zinke's suggestion to privatize some campgrounds. The newspaper also noted that the panel included no candidates recommended by the Outdoor Industry Association, which has been critical of President Donald Trump's public land policies.

However, former OIA head Frank Hugelmeyer, now president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, said he has pushed for an outdoor recreation advisory panel since former President Barack Obama's second term.

When it comes to public lands, "the administration and the secretary have been fairly responsive to industry on ideas that will improve access, infrastructure and growth," Hugelmeyer said.

Hugelmeyer also is vice-chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition of recreation industry groups that suggested the creation of the panel, according to Interior Department emails obtained by the Post. https://wapo.st/2DYXYIx

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