Friends of Utah State Parks Organization

In November of 2007 Lucille Tuttle and Cathleen White were asked to represent the Friends of Wasatch at a meeting to organize a new statewide friends of Utah state parks group. The purpose of the new group will be to preserve, protect, promote, advocate and educate about the cultural heritage, history, natural resources, and funding needs of Utah State Parks among citizens and local and state government officials. Present at this initial meeting were representatives of the State Parks Board, the Friends of Antelope Island State Park, Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park, and the State Parks Division.

Governor Huntsman has given the State Parks Division a mandate to operate more like a business by 1) increasing revenue, reducing expense; 2) improving and promoting products and services; and, 3) partnering with the private sector, non-profits, and other agencies. Utah’s State parks face major challenges in obtaining adequate funding; maintaining a vast number of facilities and assets; and maintaining a unique identity (State Parks are sometimes confused in the public eye with National Parks).

To spread the word about the needs of state parks, the group designed and produced a bookmark and brief white paper. These two items, along with a cover letter from Parks and Recreation Director Mary Tullius, were distributed to every member of the 2008 Utah State Legislature.

Since November organizational bylaws and articles of incorporation have been prepared, a logo has been designed, and a bank account has been established. Provisional officers were appointed including: Barbara Riddle, President; Gordon Topham , Vice-President;

Steve Roberts, Treasurer; Cathleen White, Secretary; Robin Watson-Hullinger, Volunteer Coordinator and Division Liaison. The group also established a Legislative Committee and a Membership Committee.

The first annual meeting of the Board of the Friends of Utah State Parks will be held on Friday, April 18, 2008, at Soldier Hollow. At this meeting permanent officers will be elected, a membership structure will be established, and action plans will be developed for the coming year. If you would like to know more about this new group, please contact either Cathleen White or Lucille Tuttle.