New director appointed to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation 

A professor at the University of Utah says his research shows that spending time outdoors in nature and unplugged from technology can improve a person's creative thinking.

SALT LAKE CITY – Pitt Grewe, the first director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and Cache Valley native, left the agency in October to work in the private sector, said Kim Wells, public information officer.

Jason Curry was named the new director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR).

The Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Executive Director Joel Ferry named Jason Curry the new director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR). Curry has been with the DNR since 1999 and has been with the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, where he has been serving as the deputy director.

Jason has a wealth of expertise that will help drive the division’s mission forward,” Ferry said. “It’s vital we continue to grow a strong, sustainable outdoor recreation economy, with opportunities that enhance Utahn’s quality of life by providing the best outdoor experiences possible.”

Curry has an expansive background in outdoor adventure to expand and improve Utah’s outdoor recreational opportunities and assets by promoting the economic, mental and physical health benefits that come with outdoor activity.

With his experience and enthusiasm for any kind of outdoor activity  Curry is ready for the challenge. He has a lot of experience in mountain biking, skiing, OHV and snowmobile riding, rock climbing, camping, sailing and just about any other form of outdoor recreation he can maneuver the division in a positive direction.

The position is meant to collaborate with land managers and industry partners to represent the state’s outdoor recreation interests to inspire all Utahns to get outside and engage in outdoor recreation.

Utah tops the charts for our variety of recreational opportunities. Outdoor recreation is not only a key pillar of Utah’s economy, but it’s part of who we are. More than anything, it’s central to the amazing outdoor lifestyle we enjoy here,” Curry said. “I am thrilled to join the team and work with Utah’s amazing communities, user groups, outdoor companies and nonprofit organizations.”

Before being promoted to deputy director of the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, as the deputy director, he was the division’s public information officer and chief investigator. He also served for many years on the Davis County Search and Rescue Team.

Curry started his career with the DNR in 1999 as a public affairs coordinator, where he served for eight years orchestrating public information and branding for the department. He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

As part of DNR, DOR combines the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with other state recreation management programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and recreation rangers.

DOR’s focus areas include recreational access; safety and education; stewardship and sustainable visitation; and economic growth and opportunity through outdoor recreation.

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