The OHP Advisory Council announced on April 23 that it has hired Wade Allinson as the program’s new manager.

The council’s chair, Jason Blankenagle, opened the meeting by welcoming Allinson and saying the council and staff were “excited to have Wade in this position.” Allinson said he has 32 years of law‑enforcement service and had been working for the U.S. Forest Service before a probationary separation. He said his experience includes travel‑management and resource‑management plans and that he wanted to use the new role to engage volunteers and council members on planning work.

Allinson told members he already has met with staff and the council chair to discuss priorities. He described volunteer work — including past trail restoration projects — as an important part of his background and said he looked forward to coordinating with groups across the state.

Council members replied with welcome remarks and brief questions; none requested a formal vote. The council will introduce Allinson at future public events and include him in upcoming grant‑review and travel‑management discussions.

The hire was announced by Division of Outdoor Recreation staff during the advisory council’s regular meeting; Allinson’s start date was not given at the meeting.

Why it matters: The OHP program manages grants, trail crews and enforcement coordination across hundreds of thousands of registered off‑highway vehicles in Utah. A program manager’s priorities affect grant administration, coordination with federal land managers and outreach to volunteer groups that maintain trails.

Looking ahead: Allinson told the council he plans to prioritize travel‑management and resource plans and to work closely with the council and division staff on grant priorities and volunteer programs.