Jordan W. Smith

Director of the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Academic Thoughts on the EXPLORE Act 🌲🚵‍♀️

The passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act is a monumental win for outdoor enthusiasts, public land managers, and the recreation industry. Unanimously approved by the Senate, this bipartisan legislation marks a turning point in how we manage and invest in outdoor recreation.

For decades, funding for recreation on public lands has lagged behind booming demand. Agencies like the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management have faced stagnant budgets, even as visitation has soared—400 million visits to National Parks in 2021 alone! The EXPLORE Act addresses these challenges with forward-thinking solutions:

✅ Fostering Partnerships: The Act empowers federal agencies to collaborate with state governments, municipalities, universities, and private industry to manage and develop recreation infrastructure.
✅ Market-Based Solutions: It opens the door for private investment in unique outdoor experiences, reducing reliance on taxpayer funding.
✅ Adapting to Modern Needs: By aligning public land management with today’s economic realities, it sets the stage for innovation and sustainability.

While it doesn’t resolve all funding issues, the EXPLORE Act lays the foundation for a future where outdoor recreation is accessible, sustainable, and well-supported.

Check out the full post here: https://t.co/l3Tg1Vybvl

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Fishing is a billion-dollar recreational activity in Utah that managers can maintain into the future by preserving access to waterways in developing areas.

As Utah’s population grows and urban areas expand, it’s not just traffic and housing that are impacted—many of our fishing spots are feeling the strain, too. In new research published in the journal Fisheries Research we shed light on the pressures facing Utah’s fishing experiences and highlight the steps we can take to protect it.

Here’s what we learned:

🎣 Anglers value natural, uncrowded fishing locations. Access to these areas is crucial for keeping fishing an enjoyable escape for people across Utah.

🎣 Population growth brings unique challenges, especially to fishing spots near cities. Thoughtful planning and protection can help preserve these spaces for all.

🎣 Climate change affects fishing, too. As temperatures rise, certain species may become harder to find. Forward-thinking management can help us adapt to these shifts.

Utah’s recreational fisheries support local businesses, creates jobs, and connects communities to the outdoors. By focusing on access and conservation, we can ensure that fishing remains a valuable part of Utah life for generations to come.

Learn more about the research and how it can guide the future of Utah’s waterways: https://t.co/kjdNpLWxHy

@USUAggies @QCNRUSU @usuextension @UtahDWR

[QCNR at USU @QCNRUSU]

Grace Larson is gearing up to graduate in Recreation Resources Management from the Quinney College of Natural Resources. Read about her experience at USU.
https://t.co/KdwTNoTxGQ

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

@EliseLaugier @USU_ENVS @QCNRUSU We’re so excited to have you here!

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

@DrSarahNull @USU_WATS Awesome!!! So well deserved. Congratulations!

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

New research in the Journal of Environmental Management from out team outlines and models the social and ecological complexity of the Kenai River Fishery - https://t.co/BjqD6hy4VY

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Alumni Support Graduate Student Research Opportunities in the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism - https://t.co/EK03XtWpOt

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

These data are astounding. The night sky has grown 10% brighter EVERY YEAR between 2011 and 2022.

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Light pollution is skyrocketing https://t.co/zoBMTQyluS

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Our outstanding trainings for gateway community leaders continue next week! The new session focuses on approaches communities have used to shake up their public outreach efforts and get richer, more engaged feedback. https://t.co/MlUv8jaT7D

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

In ongoing work to develop a strategic plan for outdoor recreation for Utah, we've assembled the first comprehensive review of all the state-led programs and funding mechanisms that support outdoor recreation and tourism within the state - https://t.co/YLBsSQ73mD

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Partnerships are critical to getting outdoor recreation and tourism projects done. Our latest webinar showcases how industry leaders are effectively partnering with local and regional governmental organizations. https://t.co/dkTy6rbtgr

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Finding Footing at Bear Ears: Selecting a Site for a National Monument Cultural Center https://t.co/lTdY7tNlg3

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

We’re excited to be leading the development of the state’s new outdoor recreation strategic plan. ⁦@USUAggies⁩ https://t.co/SW4tvGbl5k

[The UnDisciplined Show @SoUndisciplined]

As this year's ski season wraps up, we wondered what's in store for the future of Utah's ski resorts. Listen to this week's episode with @JordanSmithPhD and @Belmont4Utah!
https://t.co/Eu3nNSdRV0

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Change of Scenery: New Research Outlines How Recreation Will Shift with Climate Change in the West https://t.co/PwnBgT9SaO

[Jordan W. Smith @JordanSmithPhD]

Utah ski resorts see declining snow quality and shorter seasons » Yale Climate Connections https://t.co/KYnz1BcyLU

[Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism @JOutdoorRecr]

What are the #motivations of off-highway vehicle (#OHV) #recreationists and how are these motivations related to on-site #behavior?

Motivations and spatial behavior of OHV recreationists: A case-study f... https://t.co/aaNAJGSJH6