Walker names outdoor task force

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Gov. Olene Walker is trying to split the baby in half — appealing to both cowboys and climbers.

On Friday, Walker met with members of the Outdoor Industry Association to announce the appointments to a new task force intending to promote Utah's recreational gems while protecting the traditional Western heritage of rural Utah.

The so-called Outdoor Recreation Economic Ecosystem Task Force is made up of state bureaucrats, rural county commissioners and recreational retailers. Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie will head the group.

"This is a talented task force with great diversity and balance," Walker said. "I know the lieutenant governor will help this group succeed as he works closely with its members."

Outdoor Industry Association, the exclusive endorser behind the biggest retail shows in Utah, has urged Utah's governor to protect the state's wilderness — the industry's playground — or it would move its semiannual trade shows elsewhere.

Dana Donley, spokeswoman for OIA, said they are pleased with Walker's commitment.

"We look forward to working with her to promote recreational opportunities in Utah," she said.

In May, Outdoor Retailer, which brings $24 million each year into Salt Lake City with its trade shows, threatened to pull out of Utah because of former Gov. Mike Leavitt's deal with Interior Secretary Gale Norton that left millions of acres of wilderness unprotected.

Leavitt said he intended to promote Utah's recreation industry by appointing a task force that would also boost tourism in rural communities.

Walker said she plans to continue Leavitt's commitment. She appointed a 16-member task force made up of five members from state government, five members from county government and six representatives of the outdoor recreational community.

They are: Wes Curtis, state planner; Bob Morgan, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources; Jeff Gochnour, director of the state Division of Business and Economic Development; Dean Reeder, director of Utah Travel Council; Courtland Nelson, director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation; Lynn Stevens, San Juan County commissioner; Mike McKee, Uintah County commissioner; Steve Harmsen, Salt Lake County Council member; Dennis Stowell, Iron County commissioner; and Ralph Okerlund, Sevier County commissioner.