Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is moving to form a Recreation Advisory Committee to develop suggestions not only on how "public-private partnerships" can improve access and infrastructure on public lands, but also on how to generate more user fees to support "sustainable operations."

"The spirit of American innovation and ingenuity is what built our country, and the Interior Department wants that same spirit and energy to resonate within the realm of outdoor recreation on our public lands,” said Secretary Zinke in announcing the committee. “By forming this committee, I look forward to hearing from the best and the brightest in our private sector on how to improve the public experience on our federal lands and waters by expanding access for all Americans.”

The Interior secretary didn't name who would be appointed to the committee -- nominations are being considered -- but he announced the intention to form such a committee earlier this year in Shenandoah National Park during a meeting with many members of the motorized recreation community: the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

In the release issued Tuesday to formally announce the committee, Interior staff included quotes from two recreational vehicle enthusiasts.

"America's abundance and beauty is something to be both preserved and admired," said U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross, a Florida Republican. "As an RV enthusiast, I have been able to experience firsthand the glorious landscape of our great nation, and am thankful for those American entrepreneurs and innovators who think of new ways to experience what our country has to offer. I hope that with their guidance, more Americans will be able to witness the vast bounty of our land, from sea to shining sea."

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, an Indiana Republican, said she hoped the committee would find a way to see more RVs and boats built in America.

“Northern Indiana is the RV Capital of the World, so Hoosiers know outdoor recreation plays a critical role in growing our nation's economy and creating American manufacturing jobs," said Rep. Walorski. "I'm pleased Secretary Zinke is launching the 'Made in America' Recreation Advisory Committee to help achieve the important goals of increasing access to our nation's public lands, boosting investment in outdoor tourism, and building more American-made products like RVs and boats.”

According to the Interior Department release, the duties of the committee "are strictly advisory and will consist of, but not be limited to, providing recommendations including policies and programs that:

* Expand and improve visitor infrastructure developed through public-private partnerships;

* Implement sustainable operations embracing fair, efficient and convenient fee collection and strategic use of the collected fees;

* Improve interpretation using technology;

* Create better tools and/or opportunities for Americans to discover their lands and waters."

Also Tuesday, the American Recreation Coalition said Secretary Zinke had appointed a former Navy Seal, Capt. Rick May, as a senior advisor to the Secretary, focusing on outdoor recreation. 

"We used to have a Bureau of Recreation – we're bringing recreation back," Secretary Zinke said. "So I've hired a former Navy SEAL captain to evaluate our public lands and look at the recreation opportunities, so the American public can enjoy our lands."

The release did not indicate what background in recreation Mr. May had.

You can mail or hand-carry committee nominations to Terry Austin, associate director for business services, National Park Service, Office of Business Services, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 2717, Washington, DC 20240; or email nominations to: [email protected]