The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation has awarded $21 million to support 38 projects across the state, including several in Southern Utah according to an article by St. George News.
“These projects are investments in Utah’s future,” Patrick Morrison, division recreation program director, said in a press release.
“Through the Outdoor Recreation Initiative, we’re empowering communities to build lasting recreation infrastructure and foster stewardship and sustainability at the regional level. The impact of these projects will be felt for generations,” Morrison added.
The grant is funded through appropriations by the Utah State Legislature and the Outdoor Adventure Fund, which was created three years ago.
According to the release, “The funding seeks to fill the gaps in the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s grant offerings and supports a diverse mix of projects, including land acquisitions, paved trail networks, large-scale infrastructure projects and restoration projects, environmental and feasibility studies and long-term recreation planning.”
Morrison added that the program demonstrates “how effective collaboration can be when local, state and federal partners come together.”
He continued, “Utah’s commitment to outdoor recreation through programs like ORI ensures that our incredible natural resources remain accessible, safe and sustainable for all.”
Nate Wiberg, senior planner at the Five County Association of Governments and chair for the Southwest region of the Outdoor Recreation Initiative, presented recommended projects during a November meeting.
He noted that proposals totaled $11 million, but not all could be funded this year. “Most of our funds are going to infrastructure projects, but we are recommending at least one of each type of project, which is planning, infrastructure and land acquisition,” he said.
“With these recommendations, we are committed to spreading the funds around the region, and are excited to see that every county in the region is recommended to receive funding. Of course, these were difficult decisions.”
Eight projects in Southwest Utah received funding. These include $70,000 for the Sand Caves Trailhead Restroom Project in Kane County, $460,650 for Sheep Bridge Road underpasses in Washington County, and $200,000 for the Southwestern Utah Recreation Feasibility Study.
Additional awards include $775,000 for the Kanarra Falls Parking Expansion Project in Iron County, $250,000 for the Improving Visitor Experience at Bryce Point project in Garfield County, and $803,700 for the Dixie National Forest Campground Utility System Restoration project.
The final allocations cover $500,000 for the Coal Creek Campground project in Iron County and $500,000 for the Puffer Lake Recreational Area project in Beaver County.
One of the region’s largest investments is the expansion of the Kanarra Falls parking area. Manager Holly Hadley said, “Kanarra Falls is a stunning slot canyon hike that attracts over 40,000 hikers annually. In 2018, due to overcrowding and pollution, the town, in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), began managing the area.”
The town will use its grant to purchase property adjacent to the existing lot at 76 N. 300 East, which was negotiated by Mayor Tyler Allred and Realtor Ben Batty.
“This is an excellent opportunity as the property is already equipped for overflow parking, RV parking, and tent camping, and it even includes a store,” Hadley said.
“Acquiring this property will also aid in flood mitigation by redirecting water from the hillside to prevent flooding along 100 North in Kanarraville,” Hadley explained.
She added that the town may add a restaurant, gear rental shop and visitor center to the property, with plans to increase the daily ticket limit for the hike.
Another major project is the installation of three underpasses on Sheep Bridge Road, which is slated for paving and improvements.
Leslie Fonger, destination development manager for Greater Zion, said the upgrades will help manage heavy trail traffic.
“Hurricane Rim trail system, particularly the popular Jem Trail, currently crosses Sheepbridge Road in a couple of locations,” she wrote.
“With over 80,000 users counted on the trail system annually we wanted to create a safe passage for the trail crossings in conjunction with the upcoming road improvements.”
She said that “with the approval of the funds, Washington County will be installing three underpasses with the road improvements and trail users will be able to safely cross under the road.”
Additional funding will support the design of a shared-use path connecting Bryce Canyon National Park to Bryce Canyon City and the installation of a new vault toilet.
The Coal Creek Campground project will create a new 55-acre campground east of Cedar City with amenities such as picnic tables, trailheads, kiosks, vault toilets, grills and pavilions.
Wiberg said, “More camping is always needed, and particularly in Cedar Canyon. As Cedar City is heavily traveled with a growing population, it is also going to be a great local asset for residents in Cedar City who have close-to-home options.”
Dixie National Forest also received a significant award. Recreation Program Manager Cody Clark said the agency requested $1.9 million and received $803,700, with the Forest Service contributing additional in-kind funds and a cash match.
“The award will provide funding to update ageing culinary water systems for multiple campgrounds across the Forest,” Clark said.
“Problems caused by ageing infrastructure have interrupted culinary water delivery in recent years. This funding will facilitate updating underground infrastructure to ensure the continued delivery of clean, potable water to campgrounds across the Dixie National Forest.”
Wiberg noted that the initiative aims to direct funds toward Panguitch Lake and Pine Valley, which has seen recent damage from fire and flooding, along with other Forest Service sites near Bryce Canyon.
For a full list of funded projects, click here.
This funding emphasizes Utah’s commitment to enhancing trails, campgrounds, and recreational infrastructure for campers, RV travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.