The Outdoor Adventure Commission meeting held on November 8, 2022, focused on the ongoing efforts to compile and analyze outdoor recreation assets across Utah. The meeting began with a report on the progress made in collecting data from various workshops, which included an impressive 8-foot by 16-foot map showcasing the outdoor recreation assets identified so far. However, it was noted that this represents only a fraction of the total assets that exist in the state.
The team from Utah State University is actively working to gather more comprehensive data by reaching out to GIS technicians in municipalities and counties. This effort aims to include not only the identified assets but also critical threats to outdoor recreation in Utah. The discussions highlighted the need for broad trends and needs that have emerged from the workshops, with the intention of seeking feedback from the commission to guide future actions.
A significant point of discussion was the development of policies and recommendations based on the compiled data. The team is looking to other states for successful examples of outdoor recreation policies and to learn from those that have faced challenges. The meeting also addressed the importance of understanding how outdoor recreation and tourism intersect, as both are vital components of Utah's outdoor initiatives.
The commission was informed about the ongoing analysis of state funding for outdoor recreation and tourism, emphasizing the need for strategic alignments to support these areas effectively. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the data collection process and to explore potential recommendations for enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism in Utah.