(Salt Lake City, UT) - The Utah Department of Natural Resources has named an acting director for the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation. Fred Hayes will oversee the division until a new director is named. DNR will conduct an extensive search and interview process during that time and hopes to name the new direct soon after the legislative session.

DNR Executive Director Mike Styler said, “We are very fortunate to have Fred to lead the agency as acting director. Fred has most recently served as deputy director for the division. He started with Parks in 1982 and has worked in several different capacities in Parks, including the off-highway vehicle program. He brings exuberance as well as a lot of valuable experience to the position," Styler said.

Tim Smith will fill in as acting deputy director. Smith is currently the Southeast Region Manager for Parks. Eugene Swalberg, the Green River State Park Manager, will serve as Acting Southeast Region Manager.

Lawrence Twitchell will serve as Acting Southwest Region Manager, replacing Larry Gray, who is retiring.

Hayes replaces Mary Tullius who is retiring December 23, 2011. He will assume duties immediately upon her retirement