The Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission convened on November 19, 2024, to discuss various projects aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation across the state. The meeting focused on addressing overcrowding in popular areas and improving access to outdoor spaces, with a particular emphasis on funding allocation for several key projects in the Southwest Region.

The commission began by acknowledging the increasing number of visitors to Utah's outdoor spaces, highlighting the need for new projects to accommodate this growth. A total of 10 to 11 projects were identified for consideration, with discussions centered around a rating and ranking matrix developed by state staff to guide funding decisions.

The first project discussed was the East Zion Spotted Owl and Archaeology NEPA project, which aims to create a non-motorized trail system to alleviate overcrowding in Zion National Park. The project requires completion of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and an archaeological study before construction can begin.

Next, the Washington City Mill Creek Trail project was presented. This initiative involves constructing a three-quarter-mile paved multi-use path that will connect the east and west sides of Washington City, enhancing recreational access while improving safety by avoiding busy interchanges.

The commission also reviewed the Kent Kents Campground improvements in Beaver County, which are necessary for restoring one of the area's most heavily used campgrounds. The project will focus on restoring facilities and roads, with options presented to manage costs effectively.

Another significant project discussed was the Coral Pink Sands Road Improvement, which aims to upgrade access roads to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This project is critical due to increased traffic expected from the closure of a tunnel in Zion National Park to larger vehicles, necessitating improvements to accommodate both recreational and tourist traffic.

The Ivan City land acquisition was also prioritized, which will provide a new park on the southwest side of Highway 89, granting residents access to public lands and enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.

The Washington Dome feasibility study was introduced as a means to assess the potential for outdoor recreation development on an 800-acre area of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within Washington City. This study is essential for planning future recreational uses as the local population grows.

Lastly, the commission discussed a connection project to Sand Mountain, adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park, which aims to improve access for ATV users and enhance safety by constructing additional tunnels and ramps.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners raised questions regarding the categorization of certain projects, particularly whether some road improvements should be classified as transportation rather than recreation costs. The discussions highlighted the complexities of funding and managing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Utah.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, although none were received. The commission plans to continue discussions on statewide requests and other projects in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning to support Utah's outdoor recreation needs.