Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Initiative awards $20M to 31 projects statewide

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) has announced the awarding of more than $20 million to 31 outdoor recreation projects across the state. The Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) funding, made possible through legislative appropriations and the Outdoor Adventure Infrastructure Fund, marks a significant investment in the state’s outdoor amenities, ensuring access, sustainability and enhanced experiences for all Utahns and visitors, DOR said in a release.

The awarded projects include a variety of initiatives, including new infrastructure development, restoration efforts, land acquisition, feasibility studies and long-term recreation planning.

“Through the Outdoor Recreation Initiative, we are uniting efforts across Utah to build a brighter future for outdoor recreation by supporting local communities, building capacity and removing barriers at a regional level,” said Patrick Morrison, DOR’s recreation program director. “The funding and creation of regional recreation councils demonstrates Utah’s commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces, preserving natural resources and ensuring that every Utahn has access to the incredible opportunities our state has to offer.”

The ORI was established to create a unified framework for outdoor recreation management and development in Utah, the DOR statement said. Central to its structure are regional councils that bring together community leaders, land managers and outdoor stakeholders to collaborate on solutions and strategies for sustainable recreation. The ORI seeks to ensure that outdoor spaces are preserved and accessible for future generations while fostering economic growth and a high quality of life in Utah.

“The ORI represents a collaborative approach to meeting the challenges of today’s recreation needs and being proactive about the future,” said Morrison. “By connecting local and regional voices, we’re fostering an inclusive and locally led vision for Utah’s outdoor future.”

Among the projects receiving grants are $3 million for the Beas-Lewis Campground project near Torrey, $2 million for connecting trails on Sand Mountain in Southern Utah, $1.7 million for the Lucerne Campground restoration project near Manila, $1.3 million for Kent’s Lake Campground improvements in Sevier County, $1.1 million for the Mud Springs Trail System in American Fork Canyon and $1 million each for Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Valley and the Utah Avalanche Center machine learning recreation study.

A list of all of the projects receiving grants can be found at recreation.utah.gov/outdoor-recreation-initiative/.