Discover Moab plans FAQs, media training and a crisis plan ahead of possible Arches timed‑entry
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
At a workshop with PR firm Camp Stories, Discover Moab staff and board participants urged a coordinated response to any 2026 national‑park timed‑entry decisions; the PR team recommended a single public FAQ, media training and a crisis communications template to avoid repeat confusion like the prior Zion/Bryce fee coverage.
Participants at the Discover Moab workshop devoted a substantial portion of the session to preparing public and media messaging for potential 2026 changes to Arches National Park access.
A participant raised concern about earlier statewide coverage of a $100 fee at Zion and Bryce, saying that "the messaging that surrounded that was wrong" and that poor communications had pulled other parks into controversy. Discover Moab staff said they had already "written the park service this morning to check‑in," and Camp Stories recommended establishing a single authoritative URL and FAQ for visitor guidance and being "lockstep with UOT" (Utah Office of Tourism) and the National Park Service on phrasing.
Why it matters: Park access and timed‑entry decisions can drive immediate questions from visitors and high visibility in regional and national media. Participants said a clear, pre‑approved set of talking points and web guidance will reduce confusion and limit contradictory statements from multiple sources.
Planned actions: Camp Stories recommended a crisis communications plan, media training for spokespeople and an FAQ landing page on DiscoverMoab.com linking to the National Park Service for authoritative ticketing details. The team said media training could be done with television producers and that a template crisis plan (used previously in other jurisdictions) can be adapted quickly.
Outcome: Discover Moab and Camp Stories agreed to coordinate messaging, prepare an FAQ and share templates for media training and crisis response. The tourism office said it would update its website when official park guidance is released and bring communications materials back to the board for review.
Attribution note: Quotes and attributions in this article come from participants and Camp Stories staff who spoke during the recorded workshop.