WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah-Saturday, numerous outdoor enthusiasts descended upon Snow Canyon State Park north of St. George in what was disobedience to a directive Utah Governor Gary Herbert gave to the state of Utah Friday afternoon.
Per a report from the St. George News, there were many non-Washington County residents who visited Snow Canyon State Park and there were license plates in the parking lot from Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Washington and New Mexico.
The directive also specifically banned people congregating at trail-heads but there were numerous people in large gatherings all over the park, per reports.
Because of the high volume of traffic the park is presently receiving, Snow Canyon State Park manager Kristen Comella said the decision has since been made to close the entrance booths for the health and safety of both staff and park visitors.
Utah State Parks and Recreation assistant public information officer Devan Chavez confirmed that parks are still open but Utahns need to recreate close to their homes.
Chavez confirmed that Utahns are on the honor code and that they need to assist the state parks by policing themselves.
It is believed that there was such a large gathering at Snow Canyon State Park because not everyone had received word of Herbert’s statements Friday.
Chavez also said that, at this time, the state of Utah will not go around offering citations for violations of Herbert’s statements because the governor made it clear he has offered a directive instead of an order.
Per the governor’s statements, Wasatch County residents should remember only to recreate at Wasatch Mountain State Park and Jordanelle State Park as they are each within Wasatch County boundaries.
Herbert will address the Utah media Monday with a briefing, a practice that will continue daily through at least April 13.
