FAQ

A:  The ZRC aims to engage any organization, agency, or governmental body with a stake in the Zion Region. However, the ZRC's Coordinating Council (referred to elsewhere on the site) has remained largely consistent over time. Currently, the ZRC Coordinating Council has representation from the following entities:

- BLM St. George Field Office

- City of Hurricane

- City of La Verkin

- Greater Zion

- Iron County

- Kane County

- National Parks Conservation Association

- School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration

- Town of Rockville

- Town of Springdale

- Town of Virgin

- US Forest Service (Dixie National Forest)

- Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation

- Utah Office of Tourism

- Washington County

- Zion Forever

- Zion National Park

- 5 County Association of Governments

A: The purpose of the ZRC is to bring together stakeholders to identify and address challenges in the Zion Region. In tackling these challenges, the ZRC looks to protect and enhance our region’s many assets: community character, economic vitality, quality of visitor experience, environmental wellbeing, recreational opportunities, and historical, cultural, and archeological features. Throughout this process, the ZRC aims to encourage collaboration and communication.

A: Anyone can attend ZRC Workshops. However, it’s important to note that these meetings will primarily revolve around the Coordinating Council. The CC consists of representatives from involved communities and organizations, including council members and land managers. 

A: The ZRC’s importance is twofold. First, it provides a forum for communication and relationship-building between a number of different entities. Second, the ZRC creates opportunities to develop regional solutions to regional challenges. These two purposes bolster each other. Improved communication often reveals different perspectives and ideas. These ideas can be used by a number of groups who may be dealing with similar challenges, to create more effective solutions. The set-up of the ZRC creates a positive feedback loop, wherein all stakeholders benefit.

A: The ZRC’s Coordinating Council is not a decision-making body. Instead, the ZRC hopes to provide a productive forum for discussions and collaborative strategizing. It in no way seeks to obligate its members financially or politically, and has no power to make legislative actions. The ZRC also understands that our strength comes from the diversity and individuality of our stakeholders. In recognizing this, we confirm that the ZRC does not look to speak for any one of its participant members.

A: The ZRC’s strength depends on its ability to develop strategies that benefit and empower all stakeholding members. Provided the ZRC can facilitate effective solutions, members bring these strategies back to their respective decision-making bodies for discussion and approval.

The ZRC also relies on its members’ commitment to communication and collaboration. When stakeholding organizations are better educated about the region and its issues, they can then make better-informed decisions. While stakeholders may continue to disagree on certain issues, the collaborative nature of the ZRC means that, regardless of outcome, everyone’s viewpoint is heard.

Lastly, the ZRC empowers its members to use a collective voice, where appropriate. An expression of shared purpose and mission often resonates more strongly than separate appeals. It’s important to note that this collective voice is only ever used to advocate for solutions, not to demand them.