Outdoor Recreation Initiative

Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) was formed in 2023 to support the state's partners in managing, maintaining, expanding, restoring, and improving outdoor recreation infrastructure on public lands within the state, including building new or expanding existing outdoor recreation infrastructure to address increased use and minimize overcrowding or overuse. (HB0224)

Access the Grants Portal View ORI Projects

Vision

The Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) aspires to be a national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure. By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, the ORI seeks to create a legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities, offering a wide range of experiences that strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors.

Mission

The Outdoor Recreation Initiative will be the tool to deliver Utah’s Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan.

View the Strategic Plan

Program Goals

Goal 1

To create collaborative spaces that foster positive connections among stakeholders, strengthen community and regional communication, and improve planning for small- to large-scale recreation projects.

Goal 2

To establish and leverage Regional Recreation Councils (RRC) to create and implement regional long-range outdoor recreation plans.

Goal 3

To utilize Regional Recreation Councils and regional long-range plans to inform strategic, locally vetted, and regionally significant investment decisions for outdoor recreation infrastructure improvements, ensuring alignment with the Utah Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Regional Recreation Councils

The Regional Recreation Councils meet in person twice annually, with additional meetings of the Ranking Council members as necessary. To register to attend a meeting, you can find more information HERE.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects will be reviewed by and receive final approval from the Outdoor Adventure Commission.

Projects that exceed or are ineligible for the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s grant maximums
New construction of outdoor recreation infrastructure
Upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure
Replacement of or structural improvements to outdoor recreation infrastructure
Acquisition of land, a right-of-way, or easement used in relationship to outdoor recreation infrastructure
Providing access from state highways to outdoor recreation infrastructure
Costs associated with bringing new construction or upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure into environmental compliance

Planning Assistance

For community strategic planning and small NEPA expenses related to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure, please apply for funding through the Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance program.