Stephen Gaylord

I planned on camping and fishing while visiting Utah. Bad idea! The DNR has priced outdoor activities to the point a person or family can't afford to participate. $93 for a night of camping and fishing for one person, is absurd. The bathrooms and showers were locked up and only the camp host's family had access to the facilities (and use the only ADA parking spot). The only DNR personnel that I saw (startled me at 1:00 a.m.) used a car mounted spot-light to read my parks pass in my windshield.

Public lands are supposed to be priced so that the public can afford to enjoy them. DNR, I believe you've been entrusted by the public to administrate exactly that; and I'm not impressed. The land is beautiful and so are the views. It's not easy to ruin relaxing time outdoors, but you've got the recipe.

I went by the DNR Offices in Salt Lake City, and WOW! There must be a ton of employees. There were many DNR staff, sitting aroud. A new Governor should do to the DNR what Elon Musk did to Twitter. Cut out the needless employees that only collect a pay-check. Then reduce the cost to the public and EFFECTIVELY manage the Utah public lands.

"Support only supports Support." I don't know if a staff of employees for an empty map and book store is really worth it, but I too have a cousin that would like an easy job with benefits and plenty of down-time.

I'll avoid SLC for business or pleasure from now on. The separation between the Haves & the Have-not's is unbelievably bad here. The Have-not's are growing in numbers and lining the streets with drug abuse and crime. I don't feel safe to walk to eat out. SLC is out of control and I only see the police on the roads. I don't think the Government sees the "public" they're supposed to serve and protect. Maybe motorists are just a better source of revenue. I'm sad for you SLC residents and businesses owners. You all deserve better.