[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6544886,"mediaKeyId","3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5","parentId",3472151,"title","RTP committees award roughly $2 million in grants; vote complicated by sworn‑in quorum rules","audioSeconds",983,"startMs",643000,"endMs",1626000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5&start=643&end=1626","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5/thumbnail_643000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544886/Utah/RTP-committees-award-roughly-2-million-in-grants-vote-complicated-by-swornin-quorum-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544886-cbc5dbbf99b7de91894dd78f76e411d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021907&Signature=mLXbBrR3HwNngwWdzlvVBVO0grGi65EpohtI-vEceljVuprCxKxZwgxQMScQux5-Vf97P9EO3YnITIUFoM4EYyJ9tgG1g3YdNKh4y2D8qx2PQrGz8wpynvjzWzNVMqbVWD~qvDFVZ8D78vLReAOzjNx8OsZubXA4J5yt5tA4Fs~kBR~fwj2-BN2Z~70vH6nkWTE7NkNf9xNnUvr2YpKqyj29RAU8VBlTWxejxSimzDhXqBcnr41eSh7Fnd7bEfopeFkMf6YF2LzOOm1oGo-r86RY~zBDwYK-1PT2cjguWMx2vvlakh6JOYE~xzsKyfCrlGSXgCoDfVeUfssiKljA0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-23T21:05:35Z","article","The state’s recreational trails committees approved awards for the 2025 grant cycle after a joint motorized/nonmotorized convening May 23, with the nonmotorized panel recommending roughly $2,046,135 to 22 projects and the combined program reporting about $2,000,000 in total awards across categories.

Program staff told the council the full portfolio leverages the grant dollars: $2,000,000 in award funds are expected to support nearly $5.8 million in total project value statewide. Committee members highlighted heavy demand on the nonmotorized side (about $5 million in requests this year) and far fewer motorized applications (about $682,000 requested).

Discussion focused on how to make limited RTP funding more efficient: members urged closer coordination when organizations apply to both motorized and nonmotorized tracks so duplicate administrative costs can be shared; Southern Utah University’s near‑identical motorized and nonmotorized applications were cited as an example. Staff said committees may explore changes that encourage combined budgeting or shared overhead to put more dollars on the ground.

The meeting’s formal roll call on the recommendation was disrupted when several OHV advisory council members reported they had not completed a new oath-of-office requirement and therefore could not vote. Legal counsel advised that only sworn members may vote on motions affecting the OHV advisory council; staff paused the roll call while officials confirmed which members were authorized. Council staff later reported that both committees had already made the same recommendations in earlier internal meetings, and that the combined meeting’s action would proceed administratively.

Committee chairs described the motorized awards: four of five motorized applications were funded, including a Grand County BLM trail maintenance project and program support for the Utah Avalanche Center and Southern Utah University trail crews. Nonmotorized awards included multiuse trail maintenance, two paved pathway projects, climbing access and maintenance contracts, winter grooming initiatives, a Weber River dam‑removal/stream restoration project, and outreach/ambassador programs.

Members also raised timing and process questions for future cycles: public commenters and council members urged earlier spring award dates so grantees can begin seasonal work sooner; volunteers asked that accrued volunteer hours be allowed to count toward later contracts for the same project. Staff noted federal approvals (for RTP subgrants routed through UDOT and FHWA requirements) constrain some timing, but said they would discuss schedule changes and report back.

What changed: the council voted on several administrative items during the meeting (see “Votes at a glance”), and staff and committee chairs said they would return with proposals to increase coordination between motorized and nonmotorized applicants, consider a weighted scoring approach to prioritize scarce funds, and review the grant calendar to reduce the lag between award and field work.

Why it matters: RTP grants are a major non‑infrastructure funding source for trails, education, safety and equipment in Utah; the program’s distribution decisions affect trail maintenance, public‑land access, and how limited state and federal dollars are leveraged across the state. Limited funding on the motorized side and long federal approvals were identified as recurring problems that constrain outcomes.

Next steps: Staff said they would compile suggested calendar changes, explore whether administrative costs across dual applications can be shared, and clarify voting‑eligibility procedures so future roll calls are not delayed by oath‑of‑office issues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Council 5/23/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Utah Recreational Trails Program committees approved more than $2 million in awards for 2025 projects but a planned roll call was interrupted after several advisory‑council members reported they had not completed a new oath of office and therefore could not vote.","taxTitle","Great Salt Lake, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Government Divisions, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",77344,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6544878,"Two access‑protection/education grant proposals tabled for revision; council asks for budgets that separate program costs from overhead",2602,8818000,11420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5&start=8818&end=11420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5/thumbnail_8818000.jpg","/articles/6544878/Utah/Two-accessprotectioneducation-grant-proposals-tabled-for-revision-council-asks-for-budgets-that-separate-program-costs-from-overhead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544878-d1e5de4bd426e17184cbbf50395e3ba0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021907&Signature=D~~We7zw3DhOYqN-rjW9zhzwCZ6J3GiqW9H5B70PSFAszk1PoyEEBq2OXS6Qb6HxSoMFs5kCXb46tWAQRIZUS~sqc7Hi~lV4Lth-zJhkj6GVJ86mNwNUJ800VuiO1xHU9GOaod4OBTVgtjdPNMPSvrawQFe~Rcw8-Gb1PhxjNN83NzUWGf8-SGNyhONX94k890A7Q7lU-EzxOg53JqIIv3HRrfoHzvR4W1Mjjn0wRc0QW1RrHZaGpLSUVoiWJb~xn7WNZNSm5izEWcpWJT2HEZ9F06bb7R46mC00HkozDi5WxbcCHsbI9W1e5gYYFhABO0s49VfVpNcDrCM~9PwzcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two grant applications that sought funding for access protection and education work were discussed May 23 and sent back for revision after council members and legal staff raised questions about how proposed personnel and administrative costs would be allocated against the OHV restricted account’s allowable expenses.

Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) asked for funding to hire an executive director to coordinate statewide access protection and volunteer engagement. Staff and counsel noted the OHV access‑protection rule includes a prohibition on paying general overhead that is not directly advancing OHV access protection work; the advisory council asked UPLA to clarify how the proposed position’s time would be dedicated to OHV matters, how match funds were committed and whether deliverables and a time‑and‑task log could be provided so the grant‑funded salary is demonstrably tied to OHV work.

Tread Lightly requested funds to support a Utah program manager who runs stewardship and field education for motorized ethics and volunteer projects (the contractor is already partially funded by private industry partners). Staff requested clearer budget detail showing whether line items purchase direct project delivery (kiosk materials, volunteer coordination, field crew time) versus administrative or national‑office design/communications services, and suggested Tread Lightly work with staff to reduce ambiguity and demonstrate OHV‑specific deliverables.

Both applicants were told they could revise their budgets and reapply; Tread Lightly representatives said they will work with staff to incorporate agency matching and to identify whether federal partners will contribute salary support. UPLA said it will increase its cash match and meet with staff to refine the scope so that proposed executive director tasks are clearly OHV‑focused and logged.

Why it matters: The OHV grant rules restrict use of restricted‑account dollars to purposes that advance OHV access, safety or stewardship. The council emphasized the need to show a close, auditable connection between grant dollars and OHV outcomes — especially for salaries and administrative costs — and recommended applicants work with staff and counsel before re‑submitting.

Next steps: Staff will meet with both applicants to help them revise budgets and scopes; both groups were invited to reapply in the next grant cycle and to supply deliverables, time sheets and matching commitments. The council asked staff to prepare guidance on how personnel costs may be structured to meet administrative‑rule limitations.","Council asked Utah Public Lands Alliance and Tread Lightly to refine grant applications after concerns surfaced about administrative or overhead expenses and precise budgeting; both groups were encouraged to work with staff to reapply in the next cycle.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6544883,"Council reviews OHV restricted account, considers mechanized trail crew expansion",212,3608000,3820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5&start=3608&end=3820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5/thumbnail_3608000.jpg","/articles/6544883/Utah/Council-reviews-OHV-restricted-account-considers-mechanized-trail-crew-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544883-086ad966118c357ff383610a0f369a21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021907&Signature=QemClCOy5mGDb9oz5nflgzadxbaIvPTaC7iCpuiIXJekITqrrfs2MWFaXZhjkqiE3tfDwWfngLT0hns6sH8u8cf8mo6z7nAwuv~vNDV62V9352QroXBUryGnEW6ANjuhPAVtPtJ2Ful0L-8ZwyPuitidQM~rrT-a4PiGO827GDiONFjiWrwBJpQml~kiLDCL5HM3SoaR5Ar~klwTGXWIEOcqh25NkeyliXVkJD~E8bfV88NsPCuD9Ymtzvywc1INUjHtI~cSQt92N4Bs8yNJvgGWpIbudCfyBe94hI790CvDO~BR7PceQLjRUjTrvHLxlRk7~TDnLdb55mj7s4Ejvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Division staff presented an overview of the OHV restricted account’s revenue sources and ongoing appropriations May 23 and proposed expanding trail‑crew capacity with a mechanized crew that would use heavy equipment for larger maintenance projects.

Staff recapped revenue flows: yearly incoming revenues include OHV registrations (about $8.2 million cited for registrations as a broad figure by staff), snowmobile fees, a fuel tax allocation, nonresident permit revenue and fines; the division then described how the legislature appropriates portions of that restricted pool for law enforcement, winter grooming, education, trail crews and grants. Staff said the division currently budgets a mix of restricted and other funds to pay for operation and that some appropriations are ongoing while others are project‑based.

The council discussed whether restricted funds are the right source for law‑enforcement wages and other uses. Legal and budget staff said most law‑enforcement costs must be charged against the activities (OHV patrol hours versus boating patrol hours) and that the legislature makes appropriations each year; the council asked staff to keep advocating for general‑fund support to create sustained capacity without depleting restricted program dollars.

Trail‑crew expansion: Wade Allinson (trail‑crew program manager) proposed creating a mechanized trail crew equipped with a small excavator/TrailCat and associated operators, arguing that many motorized trails require heavy equipment to rebuild tread and manage water and that current crews lack the mechanized capacity. Several council members supported the idea and asked staff to return with detailed budget estimates; staff said they could direct a portion of funds that would otherwise lapse toward crew expansion and present a budget request for the next appropriations cycle.

Why it matters: The division’s restricted account funds law enforcement, search‑and‑rescue support, grooming, education and grants; shifting more money to mechanized trail maintenance would accelerate repairs on routes heavily used by motorized vehicles but may reduce funds available for other categories unless new appropriations are secured.

Next steps: Staff will produce cost estimates and a project plan for a mechanized crew, present options for using funds that otherwise might lapse, and return to the council with a formal proposal and budget.","DNR staff summarized restricted‑account revenue and ongoing appropriations and proposed adding a mechanized trail crew (TrailCat/mini‑excavator) to speed heavy maintenance on motorized routes; council expressed support and asked for detailed costing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6544884,"Local nonprofit pitches 20‑acre staging site and operations hub near Sand Mountain; council asks for detailed written proposal",3892,2898000,6790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5&start=2898&end=6790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5/thumbnail_2898000.jpg","/articles/6544884/Utah/Local-nonprofit-pitches-20acre-staging-site-and-operations-hub-near-Sand-Mountain-council-asks-for-detailed-written-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544884-c617249b73af152e8929d1cecb1ea373/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021907&Signature=QV6inlSwtWELV~kr1UutvS8h9S1ZiCqdh7diMIu~yZOjrxA8P25589WCJIWEIOSsVn4b9scEhHv8kGaFVBG79OHW0n1ctceAl-cYh-MsXozjxWQCraomcEhmN3iQ3WjmpoVVKkwqh9Fs6cM373DMC6gfy2K2sgZ~nBE0Qq61dJK-F9Tvc7yYOGacUKJPdzERzIMzh5ytaA2GghReUYgnzuapR8VDhR90TORTUXSm-cnTx2ytogmfPtXN0qawJJCy~dGymAbLHY~xR7BRcf3TV0tsxs2kYWOhnqd9jokOAUgjiiFVtWE-rLPx-KRNCyrRCrRWRjcqtLOMzvAtXg5O8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Desert Roads and Trails Society (DRATS), a nonprofit that runs the Winter 4x4 Jamboree and donates proceeds to search and rescue and other local groups, presented a land acquisition and operations proposal to the OHV advisory council May 23. The plan envisions purchasing roughly 20–45 acres near Sand Mountain adjacent to Sand Hollow for a staging area, a 50x250 foot multiuse building for equipment, showers and administrative space, and developed camping to relieve pressure on Sand Hollow and surrounding communities.

Presenters said the parcel would offer direct access to the northeast boundary of Sand Mountain and would provide a place to stage law enforcement and search‑and‑rescue assets, a public staging area for OHV users outside core park infrastructure, and long‑term visitor services. DRATS representatives said they expect a combination of private fundraising, donated construction services, and potential state funding to pay for land, utilities and a building; a preliminary figure for the full site build was discussed informally in the meeting in a range that DRATS described as approximately $5 million (land plus building and utilities), with the land portion alone estimated at several million dollars depending on final acreage.

Council members and agency staff raised multiple questions the nonprofit must address before any public funding could be considered: who would own the land long‑term; protections to prevent future residential development; a reversion or conservation easement to lock in OHV access; how utilities and water rights would be secured; updated, realistic construction cost estimates; and contingency plans if the nonprofit dissolved. DRATS said the owner has expressed a desire that the parcel be used for OHV access rather than development, that DRATS has a succession plan and asserted proceeds would be reinvested into OHP/OHV programs, and that private donations and donated in‑kind labor would be part of the financing package.

State Parks staff signaled informal support for a facility that would relieve pressure on Sand Hollow and Washington County tourism infrastructure, but said more detail and public‑partner commitments would be needed before any state contribution could be considered. Council members suggested exploring public‑private structures, including county or municipal participation, to create a public ownership option and to unlock additional federal funding (for example Land and Water Conservation Fund) that can carry perpetual public‑use conditions.

Why it matters: The proposal aims to reduce visitor pressure at a popular Trailhead and provide dedicated search‑and‑rescue and law‑enforcement staging capacity; if implemented it could change how large OHV events interface with Sand Hollow and adjacent communities and create a funding model for similar sites elsewhere in southern Utah.

Next steps: DRATS will prepare a detailed written proposal with bids/cost estimates, clarified ownership and protection mechanisms, funding sources and governance, and return to the council for further discussion. Council members recommended early consultation with the county, the city of Hurricane, state purchasing/DNR finance staff and potential federal partners.","Desert Roads and Trails Society presented a concept to buy roughly 20 acres adjacent to Sand Mountain for a staging area and facilities for search‑and‑rescue, law enforcement and visitor services; council requested a formal proposal with funding, ownership and long‑term protection details.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6544885,"Utah State Parks outlines new event permit pricing, web portal and law‑enforcement billing changes",540,2948000,3488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5&start=2948&end=3488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3472151-c32093f6f4a1630c9dfc9bdda6dac1b5/thumbnail_2948000.jpg","/articles/6544885/Utah/Utah-State-Parks-outlines-new-event-permit-pricing-web-portal-and-lawenforcement-billing-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544885-4887c428d86f9ce7269812d6d5381628/orig.mp4?Expires=1771021907&Signature=Os8II7G701zJPRaFsRXRr0qGk8xXCvvX92dy1HohmxjHCFCR7Szh8JZS5kRhNwlVH2fwS0PZ3UcG4cOUJcXuVsY5q5yh4Fy4VwzISCGuKR0N3-OTpl58qUR3BgYO0mUgwp4hKaYEZCZbA6GlD1~WBdlo6HxTANUxmDOZwJwmIct1fw00UreMqNSaa-OrDLR05zzdYFJ20laXfvfxjKrDdyg53ndewsiQ6Pv7HBcJLMbSj5ZVjHcZvHQ7JAAZWwfMvoqx3DUm8tY8XdNuUaw2ZRImmbLbKw4w4cX7ND05i8Mt~c~NAjDh-bsQu5lGV498xXTadvyggxqHH2pvEIrkjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Utah State Parks staff presented a new, statewide special‑use permit pricing menu May 23 and described work under way to move permits to a web‑based portal and clarify how parks bill for event support.

Deputy Director Chris Horimoto and assistant Sand Hollow manager Josh Del Monte said the pricing menu is designed to make event fees transparent and consistent across state parks. The menu breaks fees into standard park entry, campsite reservations, location use (for example OHV staging areas or beaches), manager time and third‑party services such as vendor review. The menu also shows optional discounts for social‑media publicity and community benefit from events.

Horimoto said the changes aim to reduce uncertainty for event organizers and to ensure parks are compensated when an event displaces paying customers. Josh Del Monte walked the council through Sand Hollow’s draft tool: event organizers could create an account, specify attendees, campsites and locations, and receive an instant fee estimate. Parks plan to accept electronic payments through the portal to reduce delays associated with mailed checks.

Law‑enforcement billing is also changing: rangers formerly embedded in State Parks are now part of the Division of Law Enforcement. Park permit reviews will notify the law‑enforcement organizers when events are large or complex and services may be needed; state parks anticipate billing law‑enforcement costs through the special‑use permit process for now. Horimoto said that could change in future fiscal years.

Organizers and council members raised specific questions: the division’s role administering SITLA (School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration) access fees outside parks; multi‑year reservations for recurring major events; and how camping reserve windows interact with event organizers. Sand Hollow staff said they will continue working with the SITLA office and local stakeholders and will share contacts and pricing guidance; staff also said they are exploring ways to reserve campsites more than four months ahead for major recurring events.

Why it matters: The new menu and online portal are intended to speed approvals, clarify event costs, and reduce risk for parks and organizers. For OHV tourism and large events that account for substantial local economic activity, faster, clearer permitting and billing may reduce conflicts with local businesses, sheriffs’ offices and other stakeholders.

Next steps: State Parks plans to pilot the portal and menu at Sand Hollow and aims for an October launch. Staff will publish the draft menu and contact information for follow‑up and said they welcome input from the OHV committee.","State Parks presented a standardized pricing menu for special‑use permits at Sand Hollow and statewide, plans an online permit portal and clarified that law enforcement previously embedded in parks is now billed through the division of law enforcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

RTP committees award roughly $2 million in grants; vote complicated by sworn‑in quorum rules

Two access‑protection/education grant proposals tabled for revision; council asks for budgets that separate program costs from overhead

Council reviews OHV restricted account, considers mechanized trail crew expansion

Local nonprofit pitches 20‑acre staging site and operations hub near Sand Mountain; council asks for detailed written proposal

Utah State Parks outlines new event permit pricing, web portal and law‑enforcement billing changes