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Brad Petersen has been named director of the state's new Office of Outdoor Recreation.

In his new role, Petersen is charged with implementing Gov. Gary Herbert's "State of Utah Outdoor Recreation Vision," a 59-page document unveiled in January.

In addition to creating the outdoor recreation office as well as Petersen's position, the vision "highlights the importance of promoting economic development in the outdoor industry and improving recreational opportunities in Utah," according to a Governor's Office of Economic Development news release. "It also recognizes the need to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to developing, enhancing and protecting public lands."

Petersen, most recently general manager of outdoor gear maker Combined Resources International, has experience both in business and in the outdoors, Spencer Eccles, GOED executive director, said.

"Brad brings an incredible passion to our team, which, when combined with his very unique business and extreme outdoors experience and skill-set, makes him the perfect person to lead" the new office, he said.

The Outdoor Industry Association commended the state for Petersen's appointment.

"We are pleased the governor is continuing to invest in Utah's future with this appointment," OIA spokesman Kirk Bailey said in a news release. "The industry looks forward to working openly and collaboratively with him and Utah leadership to ensure that Utah's natural resources are managed in a balanced way."

The OIA sponsors the Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Market trade shows held in Salt Lake City twice a year. In January, the organization announced the shows will continue to be held in Utah until at least 2016.

OIA was a collaborator in the vision plan and helped initiate its development starting in 2012.