Commission flags search-and-rescue funding gap as potential future ask

Director Curry briefed the Commission that many search-and-rescue costs are borne by county sheriffs, reimbursements from the OHV-funded search-and-rescue account are oversubscribed, and some counties and OHV groups are concerned that only OHV registration funds are currently flowing to that fund while human-powered users also benefit from search-and-rescue services.

Curry said the division has some demand numbers to evaluate but that any change to how the Outdoor Venture fund or ORI funds can be used for search-and-rescue may require statutory change. Commissioners asked for clearer data and timelines; several suggested a study or inclusion of search-and-rescue demand in broader recreation participation research to quantify shortfalls.

Public commenter Brett Stewart (Utah OHV Advocates) urged the Commission to support Forest Road 85 restoration and reiterated that volunteer search-and-rescue teams and counties face equipment and reimbursement shortfalls. Commissioners acknowledged the issue and requested staff return with more detailed figures and options.

Representative quotes

Director Curry: "A lot of search and rescue costs are born, by the counties... There's far more requests than there is available money." (paraphrased from meeting remarks)

Brett Stewart (public): "It's been going on its third year [closed]... The importance of that road is, not just for recreation... but search and rescue, fighting a fire." (paraphrased)

Next steps

Commissioners asked staff to compile demand and cost data, incorporate visitation and participation studies, and report back with options (including whether statutory changes would be required to broaden eligible uses of program funds).