USU and Division report progress on statewide outdoor recreation strategic plan and demand analysis

Dr. Jordan Smith presented the Outdoor Adventure Commission with a multi-task update on the statewide strategic planning process, summarizing five supporting tasks that feed the strategic plan and previewing the cardinal directions and objectives that will guide policy, projects and programs.

Smith said the five tasks are: building a statewide outdoor recreation asset database; compiling a funding analysis; projecting future recreation demand; conducting a comparative analysis with other western states; and holding stakeholder workshops (the team has completed 14 regional workshops). He said most tasks are complete or near completion, with the demand analysis written and in the process of being packaged into a final report.

Smith summarized four cardinal directions that emerged from workshops: build and support partnerships; improve awareness and education around responsible recreation; develop infrastructure where there is demand while conserving natural landscapes; and increase the economic and health benefits of outdoor recreation statewide. He said the team plans to use the Outdoor Adventure Infrastructure restricted account as leverage to encourage regional planning and collaboration, rather than simply running an open grant program.

Commissioners raised wording and emphasis questions: whether "conserving natural landscapes" should be phrased as "stewardship," whether infrastructure language should include potential or latent demand, how to account for population growth in demand projections, and how planning could help spread visitation (marketing/promotions paired with capital investment). Smith said population growth is the principal driver of increased outdoor recreation demand and that regional coordinating councils and coordinated marketing could help distribute use while ensuring appropriate infrastructure.

Smith said the team will synthesize workshop inputs and present the finalized recommendations and demand analysis at the next OAC meeting for further refinement and eventual approval.