By Stephanie Degraw | St. George News | Photo by Stephanie Degraw | St. George News
Utah’s HB200 prioritizes safeguarding public lands and their economic impact on neighboring communities during government shutdowns. After sailing through the recent legislative session with no opposition, the outdoor recreation amendments have been sent to the Governor’s desk.
India Nielsen Barfuss, Deputy Director of Operations at the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, told St. George News that since 2015, the top priority list for areas that stay open year-round has included all five of Utah’s national parks, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Ensuring these areas are prioritized for funding is based on the significant economic impact their closures would have on the surrounding gateway communities.
“The areas prioritized are major attractions, drawing visitors from across the nation and around the world, many of whom plan their trips well over a year in advance,” Barfuss said. “The Division also considers the height of the season for an area.”
Rep. Paul Cutler emailed St. George News that in December, when it appeared that the federal government might shut down, the Division of Outdoor Recreation analyzed what public lands the state would attempt to keep open.
Read the full story at stgeorgeutah.com.
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.