Southern Utah University’s Kelly Goonan introduced as conservation appointee to Outdoor Adventure Commission

Dr. Kelly Goonan, program director of the outdoor recreation, parks and tourism degree program at Southern Utah University, was introduced to the Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission as a recommended fill for a conservation vacancy.

Commission leadership said the vacancy opened when Christopher Mons of Utah State University retired to avoid a potential conflict after the division entered a consulting contract with Utah State. Goonan told commissioners she describes herself as “a hybrid recreation ecologist, recreation social scientist,” and said her work focuses on both biophysical impacts of recreation on landscapes and visitor experience.

Goonan said she has worked on regional planning initiatives in Southern Utah and looks forward to contributing to the commission’s strategic planning and asset-inventory efforts.

The introduction was followed by a routine welcome from commissioners; there was no formal vote recorded on the appointment during the meeting.