The Five County Region is seeking public input to help shape a Long-Range Outdoor Recreation Plan that will influence future infrastructure and facility investments throughout Southwest Utah. Residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts can participate in a survey running through November 30, 2026, to help guide regional priorities for upcoming projects and funding.
Regional Planning Goals
The planning effort, which includes Beaver, Iron, Garfield, Washington, and Kane counties, aims to identify regional priorities for improving and investing in outdoor recreation opportunities. According to the City of Santa Clara, community feedback will help guide future projects and funding through Utah's Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) as well as other state and federal programs.
The survey is designed to take approximately eight minutes to complete. To encourage participation, organizers are offering a chance to win a 20-degree sleeping bag from Teton Gear for those who provide an email address upon completion.
Survey Details and Participation
The survey, which is available in Spanish, is open to anyone who spends time in the Southwest Utah region. While the project is intended for residents and visitors, the Five County Region is specifically looking for input to inform the long-range plan for the area.
Participants can provide feedback on a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and motorized trail sports. The survey also asks respondents to identify which recreation areas they visit most frequently, such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or various state and national forests.
Collaborative Framework
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and the Southwest Region Recreation Council. The plan seeks to address the evolving needs of the region's outdoor recreation landscape.
As previously detailed in a project overview from October 23, 2026, the Southwest Region Long-Range Recreation Plan is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders to ensure the region's outdoor assets are managed effectively for future generations.
Next Steps
The survey remains active through November 30, 2026. The data collected will be used to help determine how state and federal resources are allocated to support the infrastructure and facilities that the Southwest Utah community relies on for outdoor activities.
