Skift Take
Utah's big vision on outdoor tourism is going to be closely watched everywhere in U.S., not just for balancing commercial development of public lands with preservation, but also because claiming back federal lands is a hugely controversial topic.
Utah governor Gov. Gary Herbert unveiled his long-awaited vision for outdoor recreation in the state, calling for the creation of a government office devoted solely to the topic and laying out a broad-stroke plan to preserve Utah's natural jewels and cultivate outdoor recreation as a pillar of its economy. (The full plan in PDF embedded at the end of the story)
Herbert revealed the plan a day after organizers of one of the world's largest outdoor gear trade shows announced they will keep the convention in Salt Lake City through 2016. The long-term future of the show, which is under way this week, remains murky though because of a shortage of convention floor space and lodging for convention-goers.
Herbert said Wednesday he hopes the biannual show — which draws more than 20,000 people and pours an estimated $40 million into Utah's economy every year — will make Salt Lake City its permanent home.
Organizers had threatened to move the event if the state didn't demonstrate its commitment to preserving public lands and solve the space issues. They asked Herbert in August to share his vision for the industry by January.
Herbert's plan calls for a new government office that would be devoted solely to outdoor recreation. Its duties would include organizing an annual summit where outdoor businesses, recreationalists and other stakeholders gather.
The plan also says Utah should stand by its desire to take control of federal lands. With or without the show, the principles in the plan will help to guide the sta
