Zion Forever seeks $5 million 'out-of-sequence' commission request to stabilize national parks; commissioners press for regional review

Representatives of the Zion Forever Project and local governments asked the Outdoor Adventure Commission for permission to submit an out-of-sequence $5,000,000 funding proposal to stabilize park operations, address deferred maintenance and provide short-term support for gateway communities.

Who spoke: Stephanie Lyon, senior representative of the Zion Forever Project, introduced the request and described the nonprofit’s role as a park partner. Heath Hansen of Washington County and Chris Horton (Zion Forever chief operating officer, participating virtually) described local economic stakes. Zion Forever and county officials said the funds would focus first on the "Mighty 5" national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef—and on smaller monuments where limited investments can produce large returns for infrastructure, sanitation and emergency response.

What Zion Forever proposed: "We're here today, to talk a little bit about seeking approval for the Outdoor Adventure Commission to submit a $5,000,000 out of sequence funding or proposal in support of Utah's national parks, monuments, and recreations," Lyon said. Presenters said the request would fund urgent, ready-to-implement projects such as restroom and sewer work, trail and access repairs, and support for search-and-rescue and EMS where needed. Zion Forever proposed to manage the funds and disperse them by working with park superintendents and local partners; presenters said the organization has experience administering previous awards.

Park needs and economics: Presenters cited a combined deferred maintenance backlog across Utah’s national parks of $387,000,000 and told commissioners that parks generate large economic impact in gateway counties—Zion alone contributes hundreds of millions annually to Washington County’s economy. Heath Hansen said Zion accounts for nearly one-third of the state's park-related economic impact and that keeping park operations stable helps sustain local jobs and businesses.

Commissioner questions and concerns: Commissioners asked substantive questions about funding scope, process and timing. Key concerns included: - Whether the request would fund capital projects (consistent with the commission’s intended focus) or ongoing operational needs; some commissioners said they understood the commission’s statutory emphasis to favor capital investments that create durable infrastructure. - How funds would be allocated across parks and gateway counties and whether regional councils should review priorities before any out-of-sequence award. - Whether local counties (for example, Washington, Garfield, Iron and Kane) would contribute matching funds; Commissioner Adam Snow (Washington County) confirmed the county has previously contributed and said future amounts would be project-specific.

Several commissioners urged Zion Forever and staff to bring a prioritized project list and to secure regional council input or letters of support before the commission considers out-of-sequence funding. Commissioner Kate Bradshaw and others said they wanted formal engagement from affected regional councils so the commission could compare an out-of-cycle request against projects that will come through regular regional ranking processes.

No vote taken: The commission did not vote on the request at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff and Zion Forever to provide more detailed project lists, cost breakdowns and documentation of county and municipal commitments before the commission would consider action.

Ending: Zion Forever representatives said they are meeting with federal and congressional partners in Washington, D.C., and will continue to coordinate with park superintendents and counties. The commission asked for a formal proposal that includes stakeholder engagement and suggested regional-council review as a next step.