Issue Overview

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to provide a basic understanding of the issue by factually describing the issue, its scope, and dimensions.

While it is the purview of each county to ultimately determine the number and degree of events within the area, agencies such as Utah State Parks may provide guidance for counties in event management.

Options & Trade-Offs

County officials may wish to coordinate with relevant stakeholders and determine the county's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats concerning events and event management. From this analysis, relevant event-related issues arise. Once these issues are identified, counties may identify goals and develop strategies to meet these goals.

Potential for Conflict

Effective management of events is clearly dependent upon opportunities that the county deems desirable. Counties should maintain open lines of communication with entities that may be impacted by events. Coordination with those impacted by events – private entities, local government, state and federal agencies - should be a top priority. This is necessary to ensure that the county has a clear understanding of applicable rules, permits and required clearances as events are scheduled.

Range of Alternatives

Have you seen examples of existing plans that are effective for this?

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Existing Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the existing condition.

Data Review

Are there any studies, maps, photos, etc. that help describe the situation?

Items to Consider

Counties should identify issues regarding economic benefits and costs of events/event management. Both the benefits in terms of increased visitation and the costs (impacts on infrastructure, law enforcement or resources) need to be evaluated to determine socioeconomic impacts.

Special-use Permitting: Permits and event fees will probably be required if an event is held either entirely or partially in a public location. Each separate governmental entity will have its own permitting requirements, procedures and fees. Events may occur on, or cross, the lands of multiple agencies. The event promoter will need to secure permits from each of the agencies involved. Cooperation between the agencies and communities is necessary to ensure understanding about permitting requirements, and that proper information is passed on to event promoters. Events that would damage resources or promote unacceptable behavior or use should not be considered. Again, it is important to understand the individual requirements and restrictions of each agency.

Impact on Communities: Counties should consider how events would affect the resources in communities. Some events may lead to law enforcement and/or other emergency situations that are beyond the capabilities of local resources. Large events, or multiple events held at the same time, can be beyond the community's ability to provide lodging, camping, sanitation and monitoring. There should be some community effort to inventory their resources to understand what type and size of events they can host. There should also be a community effort to keep track of and schedule events to minimize these types of problems. In many communities, the chamber of commerce has taken on this role. Chambers have also promoted and advertised events in communities.

Current Level of County Involvement: The degree of involvement in this issue needs to be defined by the county.

Boilerplate Language

Have you seen language that would be helpful in a local plan to describe conditions and give examples of those who have already accomplished it?

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Desired Future Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the improvements and changes that need to be made to the existing condition in order to achieve the desired future condition. It also provides the basis for the development of policy statements that support the desired future condition.

Range of Alternatives

Effective management of events will require a strong cooperative effort between the county and all agencies with a regulatory or jurisdictional stake in the event. Clear lines of communication, an understanding of applicable laws, regulations or permits, and good interagency working relationships will ensure more effective and efficient management of special events.

Boilerplate Language

We also need to link this to the “items to consider” list. Can you site examples of a desired future condition?

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Policy and Position Statements

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate policy statement language that will support the desired future conditions. A range of possible conditions is provided here.

Boilerplate Language

Are there sample position statements that local officials can use in their own plans?

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Goals, Objectives, and/or Action Items

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate examples of the types of improvements or changes that typically would be needed to reach the desired future condition. “Goal” is the desired condition. “Objectives” are improvements or changes that need to be made to reach the goal. “Action Items” are specific actions that can be taken in order to achieve the objective.

Are there sample goals/objectives that local officials can use in their own plans?

Desired future condition, improvements, and specific actions to be taken…

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Monitoring Methods and Mechanisms

The purpose of this section is to provide suggested techniques and methods for monitoring progress towards the desired condition.

What methods can be used to evaluate the actions suggested?

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Sources and Resources to Assist

This section is intended to be a reference guide to help locate any sources of assistance.

Utah State Parks and Recreation

• State Park Staffs throughout the state or State Office at P.O. Box 146001, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6001 . Most state parks and staffs have hosted events and are aware of permitting requirements.
  http://www.stateparks.utah.gov

Local and state offices of the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service can provide information on their permitting requirements, and give advice about hosting events.

Local travel council and chamber of commerce offices have expertise in hosting and promoting events. Also, have expertise in community resources and abilities to host events.

Local law enforcement and emergency service entities can provide planning advice regarding enforcement, search and rescue and medical services capabilities in area.

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