Governor's Executive Order 2005-0012: Creating the Outdoor Recreation Economic Ecosystem Task Force

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Creating the Outdoor Recreation Economic Ecosystem Task Force

WHEREAS, Utah has numerous and varied natural attractions, features, and landscapes that set it apart as a premier destination for outdoor recreation opportunities and make Utah a world-renowned outdoor recreation capital;

WHEREAS, Utah is home to numerous quality manufacturers, retailers, and outfitters of outdoor recreation equipment and products that serve a worldwide market;

WHEREAS, Utahns and visitors to Utah have a high level of interest in outdoor recreation;

WHEREAS, the State of Utah is interested in ensuring that a full spectrum of recreation opportunities is available to the public;

WHEREAS, the outdoor recreation industry is an increasingly important component of Utah's economy;

WHEREAS, it is in Utah's interest to develop and support a strong outdoor recreation economy that benefits not only the outdoor recreation businesses in Utah, but also Utah's economy generally, as well as Utah's natural heritage;

WHEREAS, appropriate management and preservation of Utah's outstanding natural areas is essential to the continued vitality of the outdoor recreation experience;

WHEREAS, preserving appropriate access to premier outdoor recreation destinations is important to the viability of the outdoor recreation experience;

WHEREAS, wilderness, wildlands, and other natural settings are an important component of the outdoor recreation economy and, therefore, can possess economic value for the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws and the constitution of the state, hereby order the following:

1. There is created the Outdoor Recreation Economic Ecosystem Task Force.

2. This Task Force, executive order, and the provisions thereof constitute phase I of an ongoing initiative, and it is expected that phase I shall be completed, and this executive order supplanted or revoked, on or before July 1, 2007.

3. The Task Force shall:

a. identify Utah's premier outdoor recreation destinations and natural assets;

i. identify the state's "recreation gems;"

ii. identify the state's rural "recreation economic ecosystems" or areas of the state with a focus on public recreation land opportunities, wildlands, cultural and heritage resources which deserve preservation, recognition and coordinated management;

b. identify the protection and or management needs of those "recreation gems" and "recreation ecosystems;"

c. work with local, state, and federal governments and agencies to facilitate and develop sustainable protection and proper management of those "recreation gems" and "recreation ecosystems;"

d. work with local, state, and federal governments and the tourism industry to promote local recreation assets and outdoor recreation to the benefit of local communities and rural economies across Utah;

e. identify information sources and technologies including geographic information systems that will contribute to identifying and advertising outdoor recreation opportunities.

4. The task force shall be appointed by the Governor and shall include one or more representatives from the following, for a total of 15 to 18 voting members and three non-voting members:

a. four to six members from state agencies, including:

i. the Director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget or designee;

ii. the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources or designee;

iii. the Coordinator of the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office;

iv. the Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism or designee;

b. four to six rural county commissioners or members of county councils; and

c. four to six Utah outdoor recreation manufacturers, retailers, and other industry professionals in Utah.

d. three members from the tourism industry in Utah including:

i. two representatives from the tourism promotion/marketing industry;

ii. one representative from the tourism academic field;

d. three non-voting members from federal agencies including:

i. a representative from the United States Forest Service;

ii. a representative from the Bureau of Land Management;

iii. a representative from the National Park Service;

5. Members of the task force shall serve without per diem and expenses.

6. It is anticipated that all members shall serve terms concurrent with phase I, ending on or before July 1, 2007.

7. The terms of the state officials shall correspond to their terms of service in the relevant assignment. Members who are county officers may not serve beyond the expiration of their term in county office.

8. The Governor shall appoint the chair of the task force.

9. Staff support shall be supplied by the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget.

10. A majority of the task force constitutes a quorum for voting purposes, and all actions shall be by majority vote of the quorum in attendance at a meeting.

11. The task force may meet as often as necessary to perform its duties, and shall meet at least quarterly.

12. The state agencies represented on the task force, as well as other state agencies that may be involved in specific task force issues shall work collaboratively and productively to achieve the goals of this order.

13. The Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, in collaboration with other state agencies as necessary, shall identify the land management and ownership status currently in place for the premier outdoor recreation destinations and natural assets identified by the task force under Paragraph 2.b, for subsequent use by the Governor in seeking any modification that may be appropriate to preserve or enhance those destinations or assets.

14. This order shall remain in effect until revoked or supplanted by executive order.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah. Done in Salt Lake City, Utah, this 10th day of June, 2005.

(State Seal)

JON HUNTSMAN JR.
Governor

ATTEST:

GARY HERBERT
Lieutenant Governor

2005/0012