ST. GEORGE — As rural communities across southern Utah face both the promise and pressure of growing outdoor recreation economies, a new national guide may help chart the way forward. And Utah leaders say this new tool couldn't come at a more relevant time.

"The Trail Map for Rural Development in America" was released by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to provide actionable strategies for small towns seeking to leverage the benefits of recreation while preserving their unique sense of place.

Written by Chris Perkins, vice president of programs for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the document was not authored by Utah officials, but the state's outdoor recreation leaders are reportedly embracing its principles, said Tara McKee, deputy director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreatio

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