CHEYENNE - A new state recreation plan reflects diverse viewpoints on regulation of public lands and use of motorized vehicles.

About half the recreation users surveyed are concerned by an apparent lack of regulations and enforcement.

About one-third are worried about over-regulation and control of public lands.

When asked to list the most important recreation-related issues, the most common response was concern over motorized use, such as four-wheelers.

"The second most common response was support for expanding motorized use," said the Wyoming Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Drafted by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, the plan summarizes Wyoming's recreational needs.

It is required every five years in order for the state to receive federal money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program, and is used to guide the distribution of those dollars.

Over the years, Wyoming has received more than $33 million in Land and Water Conservation Funds, which have been used by recreation providers to build and improve playgrounds, outdoor playing fields and courts, trails and swimming facilities.

That source of money has been cut in recent years, however, said Todd Thibodeau, planning manager for the department's division of historic sites and trails.

Thibodeau said the results of the 2008 survey are similar to those in the 2003 document.

He said he thought that with the energy boom and the change in demographics in the state, priorities would change, but they have not.

"There tends to be a lot of consistency in terms of what people want," he said.

What people want is additional recreational facilities, the new report said.

"The public has made it clear they want facilities that are close to home, uncrowded, are suitable for Wyoming's environment, are up to date and reflect current recreation trends," the report said.

A major public concern, according to the report, is adequate money for maintenance, restoration of existing facilities and additional personnel.

"The public expects recreation areas to be clean, safe and well-maintained," the report said. "It is imperative that existing facilities are properly maintained to provide a worthwhile experience for the user."

The report recommends pursuing alternative financing for outdoor recreation through a joint partnership between local governments, business leaders and private interests, among other suggestions.

Comments on the plan will be accepted until the close of business, Nov. 17.

The document then will be sent to the governor's office and to the National Park Service, Thibodeau said.

Contact capital bureau reporter Joan Barron at (307) 632-1244 or joan.barron@trib.com