Utah. The state inspires images of awe-inspiring natural arches, fresh powder on our mountains and beautiful sunset vistas. Utah is the epitome of outdoor recreation, with 34 million acres of public land, five national parks, 44 state parks, 15 ski resorts, thousands of miles of mountain bike trails and much more.
Outdoor recreation is a huge driver of Utah’s economy, generating $5.5 billion for the state, supporting more than 75,000 jobs and making up 3.3% of the state’s economy.
Gov. Gary Herbert’s foresight to create the first state Office of Outdoor Recreation was a game-changing decision for the outdoor recreation industry. The decision not only promoted Utah’s natural wonders and actively encouraged residents and visitors to get outdoors, but it also launched a nationwide movement to follow our state’s lead.
States with outdoor recreation offices create new government positions focused on growing the outdoor recreation industry. They manage the substantial contributions this sector brings to their economies and defend the outdoor industry’s interests.
Before the pandemic, outdoor recreation was one of the fastest growing industries in the nation, making up over 2.2% of our gross domestic product. Now, with more Americans looking to embrace outdoor recreation, it is more important than ever to ensure outdoor recreation businesses are prepared and our outdoor places are open and accessible to all. The establishment of Offices of Outdoor Recreation ensures that we are doing everything we can to make outdoor recreation a safe and enjoyable experience and, in turn, bolster our economy.
Herbert opened the doors to Utah’s Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2013 as a result of the outdoor recreation industry’s significant contribution to the state’s economy. In seven short years, the office partnered with business leaders to lead a nationwide recreation management standard, fostered the Utah Outdoors Summit to bring outdoor industry and local leaders together, and created the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant, which has distributed $16.2 million in funding to help communities increase tourism through outdoor recreation opportunities. The office will continue to play a critical role in our state’s economic resiliency, ability to recruit and retain a skilled workforce and quality of life.
For example, Logan-based Camp Chef, a brand within the Vista Outdoor family, has been an active partner with the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation from the beginning. The office more recently afforded Camp Chef a platform to engage with other outdoor businesses on how Camp Chef has navigated — and excelled — during the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform serves the interests of Camp Chef in telling its story about the positive power of outdoor cooking while also educating, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of outdoor businesses in this great state. We thank Herbert, his chief of staff, Justin Harding, and all other leaders for their thoughtful guidance in supporting businesses, small and large, throughout the state through this office and overall process.
It is paramount that the next governor continues to support and develop the Office of Outdoor Recreation to foster a fantastic business environment for Utah’s outdoor industry, advance innovation in the outdoor space, and safeguard conservation and access for all.
We are certain it will continue to pay huge dividends to our state and applaud the past and current directors on their passion, leadership and vision. Together we can accomplish great things in the years to come.
Fred Ferguson
Fred Ferguson was raised in Park City and currently serves as vice president of public affairs for outdoor gear manufacturer Vista Outdoor. Vista Outdoor’s outdoor cooking brand, Camp Chef, is headquartered in Logan.