Commission approves Utah Outdoor Recreation Plan after minor edits

The Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission voted unanimously to adopt the final Utah Outdoor Recreation Plan, approving minor editorial revisions and one substantive addition addressing anticipated growth in search‑and‑rescue needs tied to population growth and increased outdoor recreation tourism.

Representative Justin Enquist, chair of the commission, opened the meeting and thanked the plan authors, saying, “Thank you, Dr. Smith, and your whole team for all the work that you did on this.” The commission considered a small set of edits submitted since the last meeting, including clarifying language for a funding‑use figure and one added sentence on search‑and‑rescue demand; commissioners said the changes addressed earlier questions.

Commissioner Vicky moved to approve the plan; Director Curry seconded the motion. Chair Enquist called the item for a voice vote and announced the motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners said the plan should be treated as a living document to guide outreach, resource planning and the creation of regional councils that can develop more specific recreation plans. The chair and staff described immediate next steps: distributing the approved plan publicly, integrating it into upcoming grant and prioritization work, and using the plan to align future resource allocations.

The commission recorded no roll‑call vote in the transcript; the motion was carried by voice vote and announced as unanimous. Staff said the commission will revisit detailed prioritization and project rankings in January, when presentations will be abbreviated to allow more time for discussion and ranking.

The commission adjourned after hearing a slate of project presentations from Forest Service and state forest staff.