Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI)

Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) is sponsored by Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. The ORI aspires to be a national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure. It leverages municipal, state, federal, and private resources to create a legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities.

Outdoor Recreation Initiative - Utah Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation Initiative Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) was formed in 2023 to support the state's partners in managing, maintaining, expanding, restoring, and improving outdoor recreation infrastructure on public lands within the state, including building new or expanding existing outdoor recreation infrastructure to address increased use and minimize overcrowding or overuse.

(HB0224) ORI's next application cycle is open Wednesday, July 15 - Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) aspires to be a national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure.

By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, the ORI seeks to create a legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities, offering a wide range of experiences that strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors. The Outdoor Recreation Initiative will be the tool to deliver Utah’s Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan.

To create collaborative spaces that foster positive connections among stakeholders, strengthen community and regional communication, and improve planning for small- to large-scale recreation projects. To establish and leverage Regional Recreation Councils (RRC) to create and implement regional long-range outdoor recreation plans.

To utilize Regional Recreation Councils and regional long-range plans to inform strategic, locally vetted, and regionally significant investment decisions for outdoor recreation infrastructure improvements, ensuring alignment with the Utah Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan. Regional Recreation Councils The Regional Recreation Councils meet in person twice annually, with additional meetings of the Ranking Council members as necessary.

To register to attend a meeting, you can find more information HERE . Eligible projects will be reviewed by and receive final approval from the Outdoor Adventure Commission.

Projects that exceed or are ineligible for the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s grant maximums New construction of outdoor recreation infrastructure Upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure Replacement of or structural improvements to outdoor recreation infrastructure Acquisition of land, a right-of-way, or easement used in relationship to outdoor recreation infrastructure Providing access from state highways to outdoor recreation infrastructure Costs associated with bringing new construction or upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure into environmental compliance Benefit to Local Utah Communities Addresses Overcrowding in recreational areas Addresses the Underserved Communities Addresses Backlogged Maintenance Approval Process and Projects Map section.

Use this updated version: View Outdoor Recreation Initiative Projects Explore ORI projects through the interactive project map.

View Outdoor Recreation Initiative Projects List of Fiscal Year 2026 Awarded Projects Regional Recreation Council Charter ORI Program Overview One Pager Wasatch Front and Southwest Regions Recreation Program Director Statewide and Northern Regions Trails & Planning Program Director Central and Eastern Regions Statewide Recreation Planning Coordinator View our 2026 Annual Report The monthly newsletter keeps you updated on Utah’s outdoor community, industry, events, jobs, stewardship opportunities, and more.

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