We’re committed to transparency in the OHV Program! To address a recent inquiry regarding the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, we’ve made the full Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) response to the @Utah OHV Advocates inquiry available to the public here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wD3GDnrp5crszKQvBycNuXqk2YoEA-e7?usp=drive_link

We welcome your questions and have provided further contact information below. Our goal is to provide accurate information and ensure a positive OHV experience for everyone. Here are a few key highlights: 

• Nine statutory uses of the Off-highway Vehicle Account, including for grants and enforcement and administration of the chapter (41-22-19(1)(b) https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter22/41-22-S19.html?v=C41-22-S19_2023050320240101). The OHV Restricted Account was created in 1971. Over the years, the Legislature has amended the statute multiple times to allow monies from the account to be used by the Division of Outdoor Recreation, and to be distributed by the division as grants for nine OHV-related uses. These uses include: 1) construction, maintenance, and acquisition of public OHV facilities; 2) mitigation of impacts associated with OHV use; 3) OHV access protection; 4) education of OHV users; 5) support of search and rescue programs; 6) promotion of OHV tourism; 7) furthering Utah’s policy of promoting safety and protection for persons, property, and the environment connected with the use, operation, and equipment of OHVs,  promoting uniformity of laws, adopting and pursuing a safety education program, and developing trails and other facilities for the use of OHVs; 8) providing grants that further uses one through seven; and 9) administration and enforcement of the OHV Act (Title 41, Chapter 22).   
• OHV Recreation Grant – Since the Division of Outdoor Recreation took over management of the OHV Recreation Grant in 2022 (formerly called the Fiscal Incentive Grant), DOR has awarded more funds to applicants than ever before (2020 awarded: $1.16m; 2021 awarded: $1.88m; 2022 DOR awarded: $3.18m; 2023 DOR awarded: $5.92m; 2024 DOR awarded: $6.26m). Check out the 2024 OHVR Annual Report: https://recreation.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-OHVR-Annual-Report-2024.pdf.
• OHV dollars on the ground: For many years, the Legislature has appropriated funds from this account for the purposes outlined in the statute. As of 2024, the appropriation was approximately $7 million. These funds support essential OHV program services, including law enforcement, statewide trail crew operations, OHV education, equipment, training, communications, shop costs, events, office space, maintenance, and administrative costs. Check out the Trail Crew 2024 End of Season Report here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d377270871c44be1b5fc0dd2925180ae.

To ensure continued transparency and accountability, DOR requested an audit, and the OHV Restricted Account is currently on the auditor’s list. Additionally, the Legislature may pursue a separate legislative audit. We view audits as valuable opportunities to learn, improve, and ensure the best use of OHV funds for Utah’s off-highway community.

Let’s keep the conversation going – send your questions to ohveducation@utah.gov, call 801-538-7433, or visit ohv.utah.gov for more information. Happy Trails!

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