Open Space Institute Fights for Billions in Interior Bill
Open Space Institute Boosts Lobbying Spending to $155,000 in Spring 2026
What Happened?
The Open Space Institute Inc. (a nonprofit that works to protect land and parks) spent $155,000 on lobbying during the second quarter of 2026 (April through June). That’s a big jump from the $110,000 they spent in the first quarter.
Important Point: Lobbying means talking to lawmakers to try to influence laws or government spending. Nonprofits are allowed to do this, but they have to report it publicly.
Who Did the Lobbying?
- Name: Lesley Kane Szynal
- Role: In-house lobbyist (she works directly for Open Space Institute)
- Job: She filed the official report on July 21, 2026
What Were They Lobbying For?
The Institute focused on two main things:
1. Big Government Spending Bill (H.R. 9171)
This is a major funding bill called the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.
It decides how much money goes to important agencies like:
- Bureau of Land Management
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Forest Service
Important Point: This bill controls funding for public lands, wildlife protection, and environmental programs — things Open Space Institute cares deeply about.
2. Great Outdoors Month Resolution (S.Res. 798)
A simpler measure to officially name June 2026 as "Great Outdoors Month" — a symbolic but meaningful way to promote outdoor recreation and conservation.
Why Does This Matter?
- More spending = more influence: The $45,000 increase suggests the Institute is ramping up efforts as the spending bill moves forward.
- They’re not alone: Other groups, like the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, also lobbied on the same bill — but for different reasons (like funding for Indian Health Service).
- Public records = transparency: Anyone can look up these reports to see who’s trying to shape laws and how much they’re spending.
How Lobbying Disclosure Works (In Simple Steps)
- Organizations hire lobbyists (or use staff) to talk to Congress.
- They spend money on meetings, research, travel, etc.
- Every quarter, they must file a report with the government.
- The report shows:
- How much they spent
- Who did the lobbying
- What bills or issues they worked on
- Websites like Legis1.com make these reports easy to search and read.
Summary
| Quarter | Lobbying Spending | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $110,000 | Not specified in detail |
| Q2 2026 | $155,000 | H.R. 9171 (Interior/Environment funding) and S.Res. 798 (Great Outdoors Month) |
The Open Space Institute is investing more in advocacy as a key federal funding bill advances — showing how nonprofits use lobbying to protect public lands and environmental programs.
FAQ
What is the Open Space Institute?
A nonprofit organization that works to conserve land, protect parks, and support outdoor recreation across the U.S.
Is lobbying by nonprofits legal?
Yes! Nonprofits can lobby as long as it’s not their main activity and they follow reporting rules.
What is H.R. 9171?
A bill that sets funding for major environmental and land management agencies for 2027. It’s a top priority for conservation groups.
Why does the spending increase matter?
It signals the group is putting more effort into influencing the bill — possibly because key decisions are being made now.
Where can I see the original report?
You can view the filing on Legis1.com — a public platform for lobbying and legislative data.