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MOAB — Utahraptors aren't a threat to humanity because they've famously been dead for millions of years; however, the new Utah state park named after the extinct creature is about to take a chomp at your wallet.
The Utah Division of State Parks announced Friday that they will begin to implement a $15 per night fee for all overnight lodging within the boundaries of Utahraptor State Park, located about 15 miles northwest of Moab and directly west of Arches National Park, beginning on May 15. The fee includes tents, vehicles, trailers and RVs, as well as any other form of overnight use.
There are no changes in how people camp overnight, which have "historically been permitted at existing dispersed sites," according to division officials. Visitors coming into the park will be able to pay through the iron ranger locations found at the entrance of the park or online. The park will continue to not collect fees for day use, at least for the time being.
"We ask eager adventurers to remain patient as the area is currently underdeveloped and only primitive camping is available," division officials wrote, in a statement. "Permanently constructed bathrooms, dumpsters and portable toilets can be found throughout the area. Please utilize them appropriately and continue to practice responsible recreation."
The Utah Legislature designated Utahraptor State Park last year. The area isn't just where many dinosaur bones have been uncovered, it also has more recent historical significance. The Moab camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Moab Isolation Center from World War II were also located on what is now a state park.
The park is expected to have a visitor center with historical and paleontological displays in the coming years. In addition, park officials say it will have a modern campground, restrooms and trailheads for motor and non-motor vehicle trail systems in the area.
"This will truly be a park that caters to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts," division officials said. "(State Parks) has been hard at work planning and preparing the Utahraptor State Park for updates and construction. Utah State Parks believes that — with proper planning and coordination with partners — we can better protect the area while maintaining its recreational value."
