Outdoor grants board raises youth engagement allocation to $850,000

The Utah Department of Natural Resources grants board voted unanimously to increase the division’s youth engagement allocation to $850,000 for the current grants round. The board’s chair opened the vote after staff described near‑term demand and program growth.

Staff told members the youth engagement program previously had a $750,000 authorization but that applications and demand had increased; last year’s cycle recorded nearly $954,000 in requests for that track. The additional $100,000 was proposed to support school‑integrated outdoor classrooms and broadened youth programming that staff said has been operating with growing participation.

Board members debated whether to prioritize larger regional investments or ensure smaller youth projects receive sufficient funding. Several members said they valued the program’s integration with schools and its potential for long‑term outdoor engagement. A motion to increase the allocation was made, seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Staff said the board will account for the $850,000 set‑aside when modeling remaining funds for other grant categories during final funding decisions. The program is expected to sustain rental, equipment and outreach elements; exact fee or subsidy levels for participants were not specified by presenters and will be set during project agreements and final budgeting.