Question - What is the greatest challenge you face as director?

Answer - "Money is an ongoing concern, but trying to manage the resources available today with tomorrow in mind is probably a bigger concern. Our population is going to continue to grow and we are trying to not only manage for opportunities today, but to make sure we have plenty of opportunities for tomorrow. This is really about quality of life which also very important to Governor Huntsman. We need to take care of what we have and at the same time look for additional recreation opportunities for the future."

Does that mean you are actively seeking new state parks?

"We are certainly keeping our eyes open and looking for opportunities. One possibility is adding land contiguous to existing state parks. Adding another campground on places where we can pick up more property often makes more sense than building an entire new state park. You never know what might develop, though. There are a couple of things out there we are watching. We are also interested in providing more non-motorized and motorized trails. Our goal is to plan and prepare and to be in the right place at the right time."

On the other end of things, are there parks that may be lost to state management?

"I do not think so. The only way we would do that was if we received a mandate from the Legislature to again trim the agency. I am hopeful that we won't lose any. It would be extremely difficult to select any to turn over."

Does the agency get enough money from the public?

"I'm comfortable with the budget. The residents in this state do a good job of paying their way. Where we are lacking, and where we need some help from the Legislature is on the capital side. There are a lot of capital development requests in this state and it is difficult for the Building Board to have money available for recreation development. I just hope am hopeful they figure out a way to restructure the criteria that will give recreation facilities a higher ranking."

What new things can the public expect in the next five or so years?

"One of our goals is to build more cabins and more yurts. Trends show people are getting a little bit away from tents and into some additional comforts. The surrounding states have had a lot of success with that. We are being strategic about where we put those. We have a great potential for additional revenue there."

Do you have a favorite park?

"We have some tremendous parks. I love them all, of course. I really enjoy the parks on Highway 12 [Anasazi State Park, Escalante and Kodachrome Basin]. And also Edge of the Cedars. They have so much to explore and learn. Part of what makes our state parks so great is the tremendous employees we have working for them. They are passionate, educated and they are concerned about the visitor. They don't do it for the money, they do it because they feel they really can make a difference."

What are the long-term goals of State Parks?

"Improve visitor services. One of the things we are really focused on is encouraging parks to come up with more interpretive programs. This is what helps to bring customers to the parks and again and again. We also have to continue to help the public learn about the opportunities the parks play in getting people outdoors and enjoying themselves. The parks can help people be more healthy in both body and spirit."