Recreation

In other news, a new license plate wants to help settle Utah's nearly $4 million school lunch debt. And, over 8,000 boats were inspected for invasive mussels over the weekend.

After last year's massive Dragon Bravo Fire, there's an increased risk of dangerous flooding and mudslides in the area. Park officials have a plan to keep visitors safe.

Veterans, and research, say getting outdoors helps their physical and mental health. A new report aims to find ways to expand these opportunities.

In other news, stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for parts of southwest Utah. And, Causey Reservoir in Weber County is getting safety upgrades this summer.

The Dragon Bravo fire burned about 145,000 acres and destroyed nearly half of all structures on the North Rim. Some businesses and trails are back open, but evidence of the fire is still visible.

In Colorado, visits dropped about 8% in the first year after wildfires. But recreation stayed flat or even increased after low-intensity prescribed fires.

Ski areas on public lands have to be primarily focused on snow sports. But now, that focus won't be determined by revenue, which could help these businesses adapt to a changing climate.

There's bipartisan support for trail infrastructure in Utah, but with Biden-era funding expiring this September, the future of what public transportation projects Congress will fund is unclear.

With the United State's 250th birthday this year, however, domestic travel is expected to increase — pushing advocates and politicians to ask Congress to renew a key fund for overdue parks repairs.

Outdoor recreation remains a major economic player, but inflation, tariffs, and affordability concerns may have contributed to a slowing growth rate in 2024.