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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING THE FRIENDS OF

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UTAH STATE PARKS

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2022 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Stephen G. Handy

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Senate Sponsor: Gene Davis

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8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10          This concurrent resolution expresses appreciation for the support and dedication of the
11     Friends of Utah State Parks.
12     Highlighted Provisions:
13          This resolution:
14          ▸     recognizes the work of the Division of State Parks and the support of the Friends of
15     Utah State Parks in the management, promotion, and development of our state
16     parks;
17          ▸     expresses gratitude for the work of former presidents of the Friends of Utah State
18     Parks; and
19          ▸     expresses appreciation for the support and dedication of the Friends of Utah State
20     Parks Board and its members, donors, and sponsors over the past 15 years.
21     Special Clauses:
22          None
23     

24     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
25          WHEREAS, the Division of State Parks hosts millions of visitors each year at Utah's
26     state parks and is the state's leading recreation expert;
27          WHEREAS, the Division of State Parks manages recreation services, hosts visitors,

28     plans recreation opportunities, funds recreation development, enhances recreation experiences,
29     builds recreation facilities, provides recreation programs, and brings economic growth to rural
30     communities throughout Utah;
31          WHEREAS, the Division of State Parks is recognized for having staff who provide
32     unmatched customer service;
33          WHEREAS, the Legislature applauds the outstanding outdoor recreation leadership that
34     the Division of State Parks provides to all who recreate outdoors;
35          WHEREAS, the Friends of Utah State Parks is a national example for how a private
36     non-profit organization can effectively support, advocate for, and promote state parks;
37          WHEREAS, the Friends of Utah State Parks partnered with the Division of State Parks
38     to gather financial donations, engage in park improvement projects, and offer community
39     outreach;
40          WHEREAS, the Friends of Utah State Parks had 59 different volunteer board members
41     from across the state who dedicated their time and talents to accomplishing the goals of the
42     Division of State Parks;
43          WHEREAS, with the backing and generosity of corporate sponsors, members,
44     community programs, and donors, the Friends of Utah State Parks raised $391,000 toward
45     matching grants for special projects and tree initiative programs over the past 15 years;
46          WHEREAS, the Division of State Parks appreciates and is grateful for the contributions
47     of the Friends of Utah State Parks;
48          WHEREAS, the Division of State Parks' leadership team, consisting of Director Jeff
49     Rasmussen, Deputy Director Dave Harris, and Deputy Director Scott Strong, on behalf of all
50     Division staff, would like to express their sincere gratitude to the past Friends of Utah State
51     Parks presidents:
52          Barbara Riddle;
53          Dan McConkie;
54          Jeff Packer; and
55          Jay Christianson; and
56          WHEREAS, the Legislature would like to express the Legislature's sincere appreciation
57     to the leadership and members of the Friends of Utah State Parks, as well as the Department of
58     Natural Resources and the Division of State Parks for their support, expertise, and dedication

59     to improving and enhancing the visitor experience at Utah's 46 fabulous state parks:
60          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
61     Governor concurring therein, expresses appreciation for the support and dedication the Friends
62     of Utah State Parks has provided for the past 15 years.
63          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor offer their special
64     thanks to the Friends of Utah State Parks' board, members, donors, and sponsors for their
65     dedication, commitment, talents, and financial support of Utah's wonderful state parks.