BLM News Briefs

For the latest news from the BLM, check this link.

http://www.ut.blm.gov/E-Briefs12-05/Index.htm

Christmas Bird Counts underway through New Year

26 December, Monday - St. George

Contact: Keith Davis - (435) 673-0996 or mkdavis@xmission.com

27 December, Tuesday - Silver Reef

Contact: Marilyn Davis (435) 673-0996 or mkdavis@xmission.com

28 December, Wednesday - Morgan

Meet: 7:30 a.m.
Where: Utah DWR Northern Region Office, 515E. 5300S., South Ogden, to carpool to breakfast at The Spring Chicken Inn in Morgan, or meet at the Inn (4 N. State Street) at 8:00 a.m.
Contact: John Bellmon, jcbellmon@email.msn.com , 444-3704 Fee: $5.00

31 December, Saturday - Tooele

Contact: KC Childs Phone- 801-369-5984 - E-mail orembirder@yahoo.com

We will be meeting at 8:00 A.M. at the Tooele McDonalds, this is not the one just off the freeway, it is in the town and the address is 970 N. Main Street. If anyone needs a ride from Provo, let me know, I can help with carpools. We would love to have at least ten participants this year, so I would love any and all the help I can get. Thanks so much. If your interested, call or email me.

31 December, Saturday - Dinosaur NM / Jensen

Contact: Kathy Paulin at kpaulin@fs.fed.us
or go to the CBC website at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/

1 January, Sunday - Antelope Island

Meet: 8:00 a.m.
Where: Parking lot outside the Antelope Island State Park entrance kiosk
Contact: John Bellmon, jcbellmon@email.msn.com , 444-3704 Fee: $5.00

1 January, Saturday - Jordan River

Meet at 7am at Johanna's Kitchen; 9725 S State St; Sandy, UT. Assignments will be distributed, and groups will start birding at 8am. To sign up, or for more information, call Jeanne Le Ber or Ray Smith at 801-532-7384 evenings. If no answer, please leave a message.

1 January, Sunday - Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge website at http://fishsprings.fws

Contact: Jay Banta at 435-831-5353 (from Salt Lake exchanges - (801) 522-5353)
or Jay_Banta@fws.gov

4 January, Wednesday - Glen Canyon

Contact: John Spence at: (928) 608-6267 Fax: (928) 608-6283
John_Spence@nps.gov

Hunter Safety Instructors Needed in Northern Utah

You can teach young hunters to be safe, responsible and ethical by becoming a volunteer Hunter Education instructor. New instructors are needed in northern Utah. In January, the Division of Wildlife Resources will hold training sessions in Salt Lake City and Randolph to train new instructors. Instructor training runs two nights a week, for three weeks. Seminars will be held at the following locations:

SALT LAKE CITY
* starts Jan. 9
Mondays and Tuesdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Department of Natural Resources
1594 W. North Temple

RANDOLPH
* starts Jan. 11
Wednesdays and Thursdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Rich County Courthouse
20 S. Main

Qualifications

The instructor training is free. To be an instructor, a person must be at least 21 years old and must be cleared through a background check. Prior experience in teaching is not required. "In addition to getting people familiar with what the course teaches, we also teach people how to be good teachers," says Mark Bearnson, assistant hunter education coordinator for the DWR. "We focus a lot on teaching techniques and how to relate to the young audience instructors typically teach."

After being certified new instructors must teach, or assist another instructor in teaching, at least one student course each year. Instructors also must attend a four-hour training seminar each year. Seminars are held throughout Utah.

Those interested in attending the instructor training are encouraged to preregister by calling 1-800-397-6999. They also may register the first night of class.

Rewards

Instructors aren't paid for teaching, but they do receive a lot of rewards. "I think the biggest reward a hunter education instructor receives is the knowledge that they've had a positive impact on the life of a young hunter," Bearnson said. "The information in the course is very positive and ethics and safety oriented. The knowledge that the instructor has played a role in teaching a young hunter those things, you can't put a price tag on that."

Bearnson also said that instructors are doing much to further the sport of hunting. "Responsibility and ethics are taught throughout the course, and being able to tie everything that's taught in the course back to one's ethical conduct is very, very important and something these young people will carry with them forever," he said.

SCI Honors Young Hunters

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 22, 2005 - SCI announced today that six youths from across the U.S. each will be honored with the 2006 Young Hunter Award. Recipients are Arizona residents Katie Barstow of Tucson and Rand Hallman of Payson; Salt Lake City, Utah residents Sara and Elizabeth Seegmiller and Daniel Freed; and Zachary Garrett of Houston, Texas.

SCI's Young Hunter Award was established in 1987 to recognize youth who excel in outdoor sportsmanship, are active volunteers and contribute to local SCI activities. The recipients will accept the award during the Thursday evening awards dinner and auction event at SCI's 34th Annual Hunters' Convention.

"These fine young people represent the future of our hunting freedoms," said SCI President Mike Simpson. "They are the finest examples of dedication to our sport, to academics and to their respective communities. It is a great honor to name them as this year's Young Hunters."

Eighteen-year-old Katie Barstow grew up in a family that encouraged hunting and other outdoor activities as family events. The youngest of three siblings, her brothers were Young Hunter recipients in 1995. She and her family have been on safari to South Africa, and visit Mexico annually for salt water fishing and scuba diving. She also has hunted New Zealand and twice attended SCI's Apprentice Hunter Camp and Cowboy Camp each at the YO Ranch in Texas. In addition to SCI's Arizona Chapter, she holds active memberships with several pro-firearm and -hunting organizations. She has numerous first place and championship awards for pistol shooting and has twice been named Young Pistol Shooter of the Year by the Arizona Rifle and Pistol Association. She was also named on Salpointe Catholic High School's Honor Roll from 2002-2004 and has volunteered at Sportsmen Against Hunger events and at Tucson Medical Center's Birth and Women's Health Center.

Rand Hallman has hunted since age eight. Now 17, he is an SCI Life Member who has volunteered on Chapter wildlife conservation projects and fundraising banquets. He also is a member of the local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Chapter, and has been involved with other conservation projects with the RMEF, as well as Arizona Game and Fish, the U.S. Forest Service, the Payson Natural Resources Committee and the Mogollon Sportsmen's Association. Currently a senior at Payson High School, Hallman maintains a 3.4 GPA, participates on the school's varsity football team and is involved with the National Honor Society and the Arizona Scholars program.

Sara and Elizabeth Seegmiller were also introduced to hunting at an early age by their grandparents. They have been in numerous hunting adventures including five African Safaris. Both are active in SCI's Utah Chapter, where they have served on its Youth Advisory Board and as youth assistants for its Skills Safari, Humanitarian Safari and Youth Hunter Safari public events. They are also members of SCI's Phoenix Chapter. Sara and Elizabeth are seniors at Olympus High School and will graduate in Jan. 2006, each holding 3.9 GPA's. They both plan to attend college and major in wildlife biology.

Daniel Freed was introduced to hunting at age six by his father, who also taught him the importance of conservation and the natural cycle of life. Besides maintaining a 3.9-plus GPA, he will graduate from West High School in June 2006 with his Honors High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma and his Associates Degree. He has lettered on the debate team, served as Geography Club's president and founder, and achieved the rank of AP Scholar. Since completing two medical internships at Salt Lake City's LDS Hospital, he now plans on majoring in environmental biology and continuing onto medical school.

Zachary Garrett was named Youth Hunter of the Year by SCI's Houston Gulf Coast Chapter earlier this year and earned SCI Houston Gulf Coast's Youth Hunting Achievement Award in 2001. A junior at Houston's Humble High School, he is a member of the National Honor Society, and in middle school earned the American Legion Award. He is active in several school programs, including the theater department, the swim team, choir, PTSA and Latin Club. In addition to earning recognition for outstanding student filmmaking, he holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do (earned at age 12) and enjoys playing a variety of musical instruments.

Taking place Jan. 18-21, 2006 in Reno, Nevada, SCI's 2006 Hunters' Convention is expected to fill the Reno-Sparks Convention Center's more than 600,000 square feet of floor space, with some 1,100 exhibitors from the top companies in the outdoor and shooting sports industries and some 22,000 attendees, the most ever in SCI Convention history. To preview the over 1,100 sought-after auctions items including unique firearms, once-in-a-lifetime hunting trips, professional taxidermy, beautiful artwork, fine furniture and intricate jewelry to be sold during the four-day event, visit http://www.showsci.com/auction/auction.asp .

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's 173 Chapters represent all 50 United States as well as 13 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit http://www.safariclub.org or call 520-620-1220 for more information. To register to attend SCI's 34th Annual Hunters' Convention, call 888-746-9724 toll-free or visit http://www.showsci.com .

AAA Offers Free Tow for Drinking Drivers on New Year's Eve

SALT LAKE CITY, December 21, 2005 - On a typical day, a AAA tow truck can come to the rescue when you need help. On New Year's Eve, one might just save your life.

This year, AAA Utah is launching a new program called "Tipsy Tow." The concept is simple: If you have too much to drink, just call AAA and you and your car will be towed home for free. The program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA will offer the service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year's Day in Utah, Nevada and Northern California. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Just tell the AAA operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," and a truck will be on its way.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

Despite the decline in alcohol-related crashes in the last 10 years, alcohol is still a factor in more than 16,000 vehicle crash deaths each year in the United States. Drunk-driving crashes also account for about 60 percent of highway deaths of young people age 16 to 24 each year. It takes only one or two drinks to impair vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time.

AAA estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses. You can't put a price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.

"Start 2006 off right," said Mike Bregante, AAA senior vice president of automotive product management. "If you've been drinking, don't get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we'll make sure you get home safely."

AAA Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 135,000 members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR EXHIBITS ARTIFACTS

Fairfield: A new exhibit featuring Johnston's Army artifacts is on display at Camp Floyd State Park during the month of January 2006. The artifacts are on loan from the private collection of Duane Byland of Eagle Mountain. All items were located on private land.

Duane searches for any relic that gives an insight to the history and events of Cedar Valley. It takes a great deal of patience and research. He claims looking for artifacts has given him a deep appreciation for history. His collection includes bullets, buttons, coins and other military artifacts. The exhibit will give visitors the opportunity of viewing Johnston's Army artifacts not previously viewed by the public.

Although there are laws protecting artifacts on public lands, most artifacts located on private lands end up in a shoe box or someone's closet. They are an important part of our history that needs to be shared with the public. Duane hopes to do just that by sharing his discoveries through this exhibit.

Established in 1858 by Johnston's Army, Camp Floyd was established to quell a so-called Mormon rebellion, which never took place. Soldiers were stationed there until recalled for the Civil War in 1861. Today, the park and museum tell the story of this historic event.

Camp Floyd State Park and Museum is located in the town of Fairfield, 22 miles southwest of Lehi on Highway 73. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission fees to the museum are $2 per person or $6 per family. For more information contact the park at: 801-768-8932

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY ENCOURAGED OVER HOLIDAYS
Salt Lake - Officials at Utah State Parks and Recreation encourage all off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators to prepare early for a safe and enjoyable winter season. Utah State Parks OHV Education Specialist Ann Evans reminds all riders the key to a safe riding season is proper preparation.

Of particular concern to Evans is the number of young riders who may venture out without proper training. She urges parents to enroll their children in a Know Before You Go! snowmobile and/or OHV education class. Classes are available now and continue each week throughout the riding season. Know Before You Go! education classes teach fundamentals of safe and responsible riding. Utah law requires young drivers eight through 15 to possess an OHV Education Certificate while operating an OHV on any public land. Drivers 16 and older must have a valid driver's license or OHV education certificate. Please remember, children under age eight cannot operate a snowmobile, ATV or off-highway motorbike (OHM) on public land.

"Preparation for OHV riding is not only important for the machine, but also for the rider," said Evans. "All riders should make sure their equipment and their bodies are ready."

She recommends making sure the machine is functioning properly, and that everyone has a properly fitting helmet, good goggles, and proper winter clothing. Also, riders should be physically conditioned to handle the rigors of riding.

Evans also reminds riders to check avalanche conditions and information before venturing outdoors. All snowmobilers should carry a beacon, shovel and probe. This is a perfect time of year to check beacon batteries and purchase equipment. The Utah Avalanche Forecast Center and Utah State Parks post avalanche updates for the Western Uintas, Northern Utah and Manti-Skyline areas. Free avalanche training is also available.

Ride your OHV only in areas designated for their use. The best way to protect your riding privilege is to stay on the trail. Do not carry passengers on single-person machines. However, never ride alone and always let someone know your itinerary. Respect closed areas and private property. Remember, areas signed as wilderness are closed to all motorized vehicles.

For avalanche information, training and the Know Before You Go! program, please contact the Utah State Parks and Recreation OHV Education office at 1-800-OHV-RIDE.

SEASON GOLF PASSES AVAILABLE FOR WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Midway - Season golf passes are now available for Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses. The pass is $1,000 and covers green fees, but cart rental is not included. Passes are currently available for purchase at the Wasatch Mountain State Park Visitor Center seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Utah State Parks Salt Lake Office at 1594 West North Temple Suite 116. In spring, passes will be available at both Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses.

The pass is valid at Wasatch Mountain Golf Course Monday through Friday, and at Soldier Hollow Golf Course seven days a week. The pass expires one year from the month issued.

Green fees for the 2006-2007 season are $12.50 weekdays for nine holes and $13.50 weekends; $11 weekdays for juniors and seniors; and $6 cart fee for nine holes. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT
Below are current grooming conditions as of Tuesday, December 20. Utah State Parks staff encourages all riders to carry appropriate avalanche gear and get an avalanche advisory at 1-800-OHV-RIDE or http://www.avalanche.org .

Logan Canyon
Amazon - December 14
Beaver Creek - December 14
Cottonwood - Not groomed yet
Franklin Basin - December 14
Garden City - December 15
Temple Canyon - Not groomed yet
Tony Grove - December 14
Sinks Trail - December 15
Swan Flat - December 10
Hardware Ranch, Strawberry, Cottonwood Canyon to Round Valley Trailhead, back to Hardware Ranch Trailhead - December 15
Monte Cristo 29 inches of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 38 inches at Monte Cristo
Highway 39, Arbs Basin, Ant Flat to Sheep Creek - December 17
Highway 39, Arbs Basin - December 16
Highway 39, Wasatch Ridge, Ant Flat to Scare Canyon - December 15
Highway 39, Red Spur - December 14
Highway 39 to Dry Bread, Ant Flat to Scare Canyon - December 12
Highway 39 - December 11
Wasatch Mountain- Snow conditions vary from 18 inches to three feet. Soldier Hollow has not been groomed due to lack of snow.
Snake Creek Canyon, American Fork Canyon to the narrows, Cummings Parkway - December 15
Alpine Loop to Aspen Grove - December 14
Mutual Dell - December 18
Mirror Lake / Mill Hollow- All initial runs have been made and trails are in decent shape. Stay safe and remember to check avalanche conditions. There was a fairly large avalanche at the top of Wolf Creek and luckily no one was caught.
Bear River Service to Whitney- More snow needed before grooming can begin.
Uintah Basin- More snow needed before grooming can begin.
Scofield/ Joe's Valley/ Skyline Drive- More snow needed before grooming can begin. As of December 16:
North Skyline has 17 inches of snow at the trailhead at Fairview top- Fish Creek Ridge - 17 inches
Tucker/Starvation/Pondtown has four to six inches of snow at the trailheads and 17 inches on top
White River has six inches at the trailhead and 17 inches on top
Miller's Flat - 17 inches
Joe's Valley has zero to four inches at the lower trailhead and 16 inches at Middle Mountain
Mt. Nebo- Nephi gate to Payson Canyon gate - December 16
Ephraim/ Manti/ Twelve Mile- Ephriam and Manti trails - December 16
Twelve Mile Canyon to Deep Lake turn off - December 12
Fish Lake- Most trailheads currently have less then a foot of snow:
Fishlake Trailhead - six inches
City Creek Campground (above Junction) - four inches
Sandledges - four inches
Koosharem Townsite - one inch
Gooseberry Drainage - two to 12 inches
Monrovian Park - eight inches
Puffer Lake has - eight inches
Cedar Mountain/ East Fork-

As of December 19:
Duck Creek reports about four inches. There is about eight to ten inches in the Midway area. More snow needed before grooming can begin

Strawberry Valley
As of December 15:
11 inches of snow at the DOT Snow Cat Shed off Highway 40, 56 inches at Lake Creek Summit, and 48 inches at the Clyde Creek Ridge Line
Snow conditions are getting packed and hard. High wind drifts are forming on the north to southeast facing slopes.

Please be aware snowmobile hazards may exist. Forest Service Road 131, around Strawberry Reservoir from the marina turn off to the transfer tunnel, was plowed for emergency repairs. Grooming and trail repair attempts will be made to Indian Creek and Trail Hollow

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS
December 23 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Almost Christmas Hike: Join us for a 2.5-mile round-trip hike at 9 a.m., and enjoy some time outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the season. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

December 24 and 31 Rock Cliff Nature Center/ Jordanelle State Park Francis
Track Me If You Can! Join the park naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon for the fascinating game of animal tracking. Learn basic tracking skills necessary to understanding local wildlife. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Pre registration is required. Day use fee is $7 per vehicle with up to eight people or free to Utah State Parks pass holders. For more information call (435) 782 3030 or (435) 649 9540.

December 29 Camp Floyd/ Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Junior Pony Express Rider Program: Meet the soldiers at Camp Floyd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete a workbook containing fun, interactive activities and earn an official Pony Express wooden nickel. Taste hardtack, a common food eaten by soldiers at Camp Floyd. The workbook, nickel and hardtack are included with paid admission of $2 per person, or $6 per family. For more information, please call (801) 768-8932.

Desperately Needed Wildlife Officers to be Sworn In

Salt Lake City, Utah -- Four men will graduate from POST (Police Officers Standards and Training) Academy during a ceremony at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. Later the same day, the four men will be sworn in as wildlife officers at 2:00 p.m., at the Lee Kay Center.

Two other wildlife officers who were recently sworn have been invited to the ceremony.

"There is a sense of urgency," said Sid Groll, Director of Law Enforcement for the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "We are down 30 percent in the number of officers in the Division of Wildlife Resources."

The graduates went through the same training as police and highway patrol officers. However, the DNR officers are also required to have a bachelor's degree in a biological field or in criminal justice with additional biology training. They will have to fulfill up to 18 months of additional supervised in-house and field training. Several of the wildlife officer candidates are at the top of their class and are expected to pick up additional honors at the graduation ceremony.

"The primary goal of our officers is resource protection. However, our wildlife officers are faced with situations ranging from a cougar in a garage to drug runners," said Jim Karpowitz, Director of the Division of Wildlife Resources.

"Our officers often work in tandem with game managers and biologists," said Captain John Pratt with DWR. "They also assist other agencies, like State Parks and Recreation and county sheriffs, on accidents and searches and rescues."

The six officers that will be at the Lee Kay Center ceremony include:

· ROBERT JOHNSON. Graduated May 2002 from Binghamton University, New York with a Bachelors of Science degree. He was on the Dean's list in the spring of 2002. Graduated from POST October 21, 2005

· KEITH FULLENKAMP. Graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelors degree in Wildlife Management. Keith has experience as an officer in Ohio and Idaho. Received his certificate from POST September 19, 2005

· GABE PATTERSON. Graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Management. Will graduate from POST December 14, 2005.

· MICAH EVANS. Graduated from Northern Arizona University in May 2005 with a Bachelors degree in Biology with an emphasis in Wildlife Management. Will graduate from POST December 14, 2005

· PAUL WASHBURN. Graduated from BYU with a Bachelors degree in Wildlife and Range Resources. Will graduate from POST December 14, 2005.
· JONATHAN MOSER. Graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Portuguese. Will graduate from POST December 14, 2005.

"Our hope is that the general public understands how well trained all of our officers are and will appreciate the job that they do," said Karpowitz. "We are proud to say that our officers are professional and committed to providing good service."

Over Half a Million Utahns to Travel Despite Record High Costs, Says AAA

SALT LAKE CITY, December 19, 2005 - If you are planning to travel during this holiday season, you'll be joining over half a million Utahns expected to take on the challenge of crowded roads and frenzied airports, according to a new survey from AAA Utah.

"Even with double-digit increases from last year's hotel, air and gas prices, high travel costs don't seem to be deterring travelers this upcoming holiday," said Rolayne Fairclough, spokesperson for AAA Utah.

According to AAA, more than 448,000 Utahns (80 percent) are expected to travel by car during the Christmas through New Year's holiday period. Airports will stay busy with more than 87,000 (15 percent) expected to fly to reach their holiday destinations, a 3.6 percent increase from 2004. Over 28,000 (5 percent) are expected to travel by bus, train or boat cruises. Overall travel by Utahns is up 2.2 percent over last year's holiday season. Nationally, AAA estimates 63.5 million people will travel 50 miles or more.

"The holiday travel season has always been a peak travel period and this year is no exception," said Fairclough. "December offers a chance for people to take time off and plan a vacation. Unlike the obligatory trips to visit relatives at Thanksgiving, December offers a chance for people to take real vacations."

In addition to gas prices that are about 14 cents more per gallon than this time last year, travelers will also face much higher rates for hotels and airfares, according to AAA. Holiday hotel rates are up 14 percent for AAA-rated Three Diamond hotels and airfares are up 11 percent from last year.

Most travelers (37 percent) are expected to head towards small towns or rural areas for end of the year celebrations, followed closely by cities (35 percent). Ocean and beach destinations should expect approximately 11 percent of travelers, followed by mountain areas at 8 percent. Lake areas and national parks (2 percent) are expected to be the sixth most popular travel destination.

· When flying, check all luggage through to your destination. Overhead bins are often filled by the first passengers to board the plane.

· Beware: The most dangerous seat on the plane can be the aisle seat. An estimated 1,500 travelers are injured a year by heavy carry-on bags that fall from the overhead bins.

· Ship all your holiday gifts in advance instead of carrying them with you.

· Give yourself extra time for every travel segment of your trip.
· Leave early for the airport. On peak travel days it can take an extra thirty minutes just to approach the terminal.

· Call the airport parking lot ahead of time to make sure there is parking available.
· Carry emergency rations such as an apple, power bar or bottle of water in case your flight is delayed on the runway or in the air.

· Travel with unwrapped gifts. If a wrapped gift sets off an alarm, TSA security officers will need to unwrap it.
· Put undeveloped film in carry-on bags because equipment used to X-ray checked baggage will damage your film.
· Put I.D. tags on all your pieces of luggage, even carry-on items.
· Use TSA approved luggage locks. These locking systems enable security officers to open and relock the bags.

AAA's holiday travel figures are based on a national telephone survey of 1,300 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA.

Find Wildlife Information at Web Site

A wealth of wildlife-related information is just a few keystrokes away, at the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site.

The DWR's home page address is: http://www.wildlife.utah.gov

"The Web site receives thousands of visitors each day and has become one of the primary ways we interact with the public and keep them informed about Utah's wildlife," says Christy Merrick, outreach coordinator for the DWR.

Among the things visitors can do on the Web site:

* buy hunting and fishing licenses online, or locate agents who are selling them.

* participate in interactive wildlife discussion forums.

Among the information you'll find:

* all of Utah's hunting, fishing and trapping proclamations.

* hunting applications, which are posted as application periods near. Hunters who have a credit card can apply online. Those who don't have a credit card can download and print the applications, and mail them in.

* draw results and drawing odds for various hunts.

* weekly fishing reports, updated throughout the week as information is received.

* Utah Wildlife News, a weekly collection of DWR news releases, archived from 1996 to the present.

* a schedule of upcoming Regional Advisory Council and Utah Wildlife Board public meetings.

* miscellaneous hunting and fishing information.

* general and specific information about wildlife and wildlife habitat in Utah.

* the Utah Conservation Data Center, which contains detailed information about thousands of wildlife species in Utah.

* information about unsolved poaching cases and an opportunity to provide information about them, or other poaching cases, to the DWR.

Ski Utah Offers New Methods to Track the Greatest Snow on Earth

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - Boosting its role as state-wide snow reporter, this winter Ski Utah is enabling ski and snowboard enthusiasts
to choose how they receive snow reports and to customize the information that is sent. Subscribers can sign up to be notified only
when certain resorts receive a specified amount of snow. Snow reports can now be received via mobile phone text messaging, email or
by logging on to http://www.skiutah.com .

"Utilizing popular technologies makes it more convenient for our visitors to track weather and snow conditions at their favorite
resorts. This comprehensive, state-wide snow reporting has further solidified Ski Utah as one-stop shopping for all Utah resort
information," commented Nathan Rafferty, Ski Utah president.

Ski Utah continues to send snow reports to area hotels, ski shops, radio stations, newspapers and television networks to inform
locals and visitors of the latest snow conditions for each resort. There are currently 15,000 subscribers to Ski Utah's snow report.

For the first time this winter, most of the major Salt Lake City television networks have the snow report scrolling across the
bottom of the television screen during their morning news shows.

Ski Utah's dedicated snow reporters are awake each day at 5:30 a.m. to get the latest numbers from Utah's resorts. Reports are sent
out daily at 6 a.m. to enable visitors and locals to best plan their day on the slopes.

Snow Report Distribution Options:
http://www.skiutah.com and Email Alerts

The snow report, updated daily at 6 a.m., can be accessed at http://www.skiutah.com/snow_report/ . Data for each resort includes base
depth, new snow in the last 24 and 48 hours and number of runs and lifts open. Register for SnowMail to have the report sent to your
email address. Customize the report with the resorts you would like included and opt to notify when base depths or new snow reach a
minimum level.

Mobile Phones - SMS Text Messaging

Text message users can log on to www.skiutah.com/snow_report/sms/
Enter the mobile phone number and cellular provider to receive the snow report via text. A maximum of five resorts can be selected
and alerts customized to specific snow levels.

Http://www.Mobile.skiutah.com

Those with internet access on their mobile phone can also get the snow report, along with a mountain weather report and cross
country ski information, when on the go. Log on to http://www.mobile.skiutah.com .