41^st Annual Utah Boat Show and Fishing Exposition February 8 - 12, 2006

SALT LAKE CITY - January 23, 2006 - Utahns like to get outdoors and participate in outdoor activities. In fact, according the Utah Department of Travel and Tourism, "Utah is ranked sixth in the U.S. for the amount of boatable water per capita." The 41^st Annual Utah Boat Show and Fishing Exposition will jump start the 2006 boating season with the arrival of the new 2006 boats, recreational equipment, freshwater and ocean accessories and fishing tackle February 8 - 12 at the South Towne Expo Center.

New to the show is an indoor "Wake Park" with the best pro wake riders in the country. The wake pool is fully equipped to watch the wake skaters ride the rails and jump the gap at boat speeds all inside the expo center. Come see the only indoor "Wake Park" in the country with a great seat to watch the best pros show-off their latest tricks.

Professional riders include: Shane Bonifay, Russ Wilde, Melissa Marquardt, Brandon Thomas, Danny Harf, Jim Leatherman, Dave Bagley, Keith Lidberg, Trevor Hanson, Aaron Reid, Ryan Doyle, Parks Bonifay and Patrick Panakos.

Show times are: Feb. 8^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 9^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 10^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 11^th at Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 12^th at Noon and 2 p.m.

"We're looking for a great show and the dealers are confident that the increased interest in boating is going to continue," said Jon Greenband, show producer. "We'll be showing more than 25 million dollars worth of boats, motors, 75-foot houseboats, personal watercrafts, trailers, accessories and fishing equipment inside the South Towne Expo Center. The exhibit will cover more than 243,000 square feet."

If fishing is your passion, then don't miss all of the fishing clinics and demonstrations. Mini-clinics will be held at the fly-tying theater, the "Live Action Utah Trout Stream" and the casting ponds. Show attendees can learn about fly fishing and casting techniques from professional anglers at the 1,500 square foot trout stream that is stocked with fresh Utah trout.

An animated fly-tying presentation will also be held at the fly-tying theater. Nationally recognized anglers will reveal the tricks on getting the fish to bite. Be sure to practice all of your new techniques in one of two large casting ponds.

Top local anglers will offer expert fishing instruction atop the World's Largest Bass Aquarium, which holds 4,000 gallons. Kids will have the chance to try their hand at fishing in the Kids Catch and Release Fishing Pond.

Representatives will be on hand from the State Forest Division of Wildlife Resources and State Parks to provide information on park openings and closing dates, boating rules and hunting and fishing guidelines.

Tour guides from Alaska, Canada, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho will be available to answer questions about vacation information and will also provide ideas on fishing camps, adventure travel destinations, resorts and world travel.

Show attendees can enter to win a "Fishing Trip of a Lifetime." The trip includes three days of salmon fishing and one day of halibut fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. Transportation and lodging for two are included. The trip is courtesy of R.W.'s Fishing Lodge.

The 41st Annual Utah Boat Show and Fishing Exposition will take place at the South Towne Expo Center Wednesday, February 8, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday, February 9, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, February 10, Noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, February 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, February 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for juniors (7-12) and children 6 and under are free. Parking is free. Discount tickets are available at 7-Eleven stores. For more information call 801.485.7399 or visit the event's website at: http://www.greenband.com .

Great Basin Chapter News

Please join us for the February Utah Friends of Paleontology, Great Basin Chapter Meeting on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 pm in the Department of Natural Resources Auditorium, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Our speaker will be Mike Getty, from the Utah Museum of Natural History and he will be talking about Recent dinosaur collections from the Kaiparowits Plateau, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In addition to Mike Getty's presentation, other representatives from UMNH will be at the meeting to give us an update on the new museum.

2006 Monolithic Conference

Don't fret! You didn't miss it and it's not too late to register for Monolithic's Twelfth Annual Conference: Feb. 17 and 18 at the Ft. Worth Plaza Hotel. This two-day event will include dome-related presentations by the pros, networking with current and future dome owners and builders, a visit to Monolithic's headquarters in Italy, TX, and a banquet dinner with guest speaker David B. South. More information: http://www.monolithic.com/conference/index.html

Fun Way to Spend Valentine's Day

Hyrum -- If you're looking for a fun way to spend Valentine's Day evening with your sweetheart, you might want to consider a trip to the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area east of Hyrum.

The ranch is offering a moonlight wagon ride through a herd of wild elk, a prime rib and chicken paprika dinner with Dutch-oven potatoes, and entertainment by a cowboy poet and the musical group the "Root Beer Reunion."

"The 'Root Beer Reunion' is a band of two young boys who play all sorts of instruments, yodel, fiddle and tell a few cute jokes," says Marni Lee, assistant manager at Hardware Ranch. "Everyone has loved them and the cowboy poet."

After being entertained by the poet, visitors will be taken on a moonlight wagon ride through the meadow at the ranch, where more than 500 wild elk will be spending the night. A prime rib and chicken dinner follow in the visitor center, followed by entertainment by the "Root Beer Reunion."

"Rides are still available at 7:30 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, but they're filling up fast," Lee said. "People who are interested should call for reservations soon." Cost for the moonlight sleigh ride and dinner is $26.50 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (435) 753-6206 or (435) 753-6168.

Wagon Rides Also Offered on Saturday Nights

If you can't make the Valentine's Day ride, the same moonlight wagon ride and dinner is offered every Saturday night. The last moonlight ride of the season will be offered on Feb. 25. Reservations are required for the Saturday night events and can be made by calling (435) 753-6206 or (435) 753-6168.

Directions to Hardware

The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area is located at Mile Marker 22 on east State Road 101 in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. The ranch is about 115 miles north (about a 2-hour drive) from Salt Lake City. It's about 17 miles east of Hyrum and 22 miles southeast of Logan

The roads up Blacksmith Fork Canyon are usually plowed and sanded by noon each day.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SOUGHT FOR GREAT SALT LAKE STATE MARINA PLAN

Salt Lake -- Utah State Parks and Recreation is seeking participants interested in helping to develop a resource management plan (RMP) for Great Salt Lake State Marina. The first planning meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 16 in Room 1050 at the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 West North Temple in Salt Lake. Marina users and concerned citizens are encouraged to assist in development of the plan.

When completed, the RMP will identify issues relating to public use, resource management, future development, and serve as a guide for park managers for the next 10 years.

Utah state parks planners present the state park planning process and lead an exercise to identify and prioritize issues relating to the park. For more information, please contact Rock Smith at (801) 538-7207.

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS

February 8 Iron Mission State Park Museum - Cedar City
Presentation on the Spanish Trail at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (435) 586-9290.

February 11 Antelope Island State Park-Syracuse
Jr. Ranger Program: Meet at the visitor center at noon and join the naturalist on this tracking adventure. This activity is intended for children ages six to 12, however all ages are welcome. Later, meet at White Rock Bay Backcountry Trailhead at 2 p.m. for a hike or snowshoe adventure with a naturalist. During the long winter months, animals must learn to adapt to harsh conditions to survive. Join the park naturalist and learn more about these adaptations. For both events, participants should dress for the weather conditions, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. For more information, please call (801) 773-2941.

February 11 Great Salt Lake State Marina - Salt Lake
SLC Track Club 10K Race: To register, visit http://www.slctrackclub.org .

February 11 - March 12 Iron Mission State Park Museum - Cedar City
Gone But Not Forgotten: Images of Cedar City - Exhibit of historic Cedar City photographs. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, please call (435) 586-9290.

February 11 Rock Cliff Nature Center/ Jordanelle State Park Francis
Track Me If You Can! Join the park naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon and 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 Park pass holders. For more information call (435) 782 3030 or (435) 649 9540.

February 11 Sand Hollow State Park - Hurricane
Dam 2 Dam run: This 4.6-mile run starts promptly at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $25. For more information or to register, call (435) 691-0020 or (435) 635-9777.

February 11 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Snowshoe with a Naturalist: Winter is a great time to explore the environment, and snowshoes are a great way to do it. Join the naturalist for a two-hour snowshoe hike along Donkey Ridge in Dutch Hollow to get moving and get connected to your winter surroundings. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. Snowshoe rentals available. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

February 11 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Friends of Wasatch Moonlight Snowshoe Hike: Join park staff for the annual adventure of snowshoeing under a beautiful full moon. With varying levels of difficulty, this is a great activity for beginner and experienced snowshoers alike. Meet at the visitor center at 7 p.m. Registration is required, please call Lucille Tuttle at (435) 654-5150. Snowshoe rentals available.

Big Game Applications Due by Feb. 17

Time is running out to get your application in for a 2006 Utah big game hunting permit, especially if you're applying through the mail.

To be entered in the 2006 Utah big game draw, mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 17. Applications submitted through the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site ( http://www.wildlife.utah.gov ) must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Feb. 17.

With time running out, the Internet or an overnight mail service might be the best way to make sure your application meets the deadline.

Hunters are reminded that applications postmarked before or on Feb. 17, but that aren't received by 5 p.m. that day, will not be entered in the draw. Applications are not accepted in-person.

Apply on the Internet

If you have a major credit card that's valid through at least May 2006, you can get your application in within a matter of minutes by logging onto the DWR's Web site ( http://www.wildlife.utah.gov ). Once on the site, you can apply for a permit by clicking on the 'Apply online for available hunt drawings' choice under the 'Purchase a license or permit' heading on the right side of the home page.

Mail Your Application Early

Hunters who don't apply on the Internet are reminded that it will take a few days for their application to arrive through the mail at the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office. Because of this, an overnight mail delivery service is probably the best way to help ensure their application is received by the 5 p.m., Feb. 17 due date, says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR.

In addition to arriving on time, applications must be completed correctly. Tutorow encourages hunters to take their time when completing their application and to call the nearest DWR office, or the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office at 1-800-221-0659, if they have questions or need assistance.

The Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. DWR offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

The following were the most common mistakes made by hunters applying last year:

* Late Application - mail-in applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 17. Use the Internet or consider using an overnight mail service.

* Credit Card Not Processed - credit cards must be valid through at least May 2006 to be accepted as payment. Credit card numbers are long. Take your time and make sure you write your credit card number correctly on your application.

* Multiple Applications - you may send in only one application for general buck deer, and one application for premium limited entry, limited entry, CWMU and once-in-a-lifetime hunts.

* Multiple Species - when applying for a limited entry hunt, you may apply for only one species. For example, if you apply for a limited entry deer permit, you may not apply for a limited entry elk or pronghorn permit.

* Money Short - look closely at the fees on the application and make sure you include enough money for the hunt you're applying for.

Creativity Used to Medicate Bighorn Sheep

Some small pellets, and creativity by Division of Wildlife Resources biologists, are helping keep Utah's bighorn sheep populations healthy and strong.

DWR biologists have been medicating bighorn sheep against parasites by placing small pellets consisting of alfalfa and a de-worming medicine into treats that are tempting to bighorn sheep, such as apples and hay.

The medication program happens in the winter, when natural food is scarce and bighorn sheep are willing to feed on unnatural foods. Biologists watch where the sheep have been congregating and then place several small feed piles in those areas.

The de-worming pellets do not harm sheep that might eat more than the rest of the herd, and the pellets are even beneficial to other types of wildlife that eat them, including deer.

The small pellets are about the size of the pellets that are fed to domestic animals, such as rabbits.

Parasites

Bighorn sheep are susceptible to contracting several types of parasites, including a deadly bacterial pneumonia. This pneumonia can be transmitted among sheep and from a ewe (a female sheep) to her lamb shortly after the lamb is born. Through stress, environmental or climatic conditions, this bacteria is able to migrate into the lungs of the sheep, where it causes lesions that lead to pneumonia. Once infected with high bacteria levels, bighorn sheep tend to get very sick, and they often die by late summer.

Biologists Seeing Good Results

"I have been treating [with pellets] bighorn sheep around the Sheep Creek area near Flaming Gorge for about 10 years now and have seen a significant improvement in the survival rate of lambs," says DWR Wildlife Biologist Charlie Greenwood.

Greenwood and other DWR biologists are encouraged by the success of the program and will continue it with sheep herds in Utah that have lower lamb survival rates or lower population levels.

'Pellet Program' Moves to Utah County

DWR Biologist Craig Clyde coordinated a similar project in January with the bighorn sheep herd near American Fork Canyon.

Clyde recruited volunteers from the DWR's Dedicated Hunter program to cut apples into slices and then to hike up to the area where the sheep had been visiting. They placed about 20 small piles of hay and apples sprinkled with medicated pellets. Within a day, the sheep returned to the area and ate all of the piles of medicated treats.

Clyde plans to medicate as many bighorn sheep along the Wasatch Front as possible.

Bighorn Sheep Doing Well in Utah

Bighorn sheep are native to Utah. Several sheep have been transplanted to various areas in the state from many locations, including Montana, Canada and from southern Utah.

These proactive efforts will help ensure that Utah's bighorn sheep herds stay healthy and continue to flourish.

Hunter Safety Instructors Needed in Central and Southwestern Utah

Training scheduled for Fillmore and Cedar City

You can teach young hunters to be safe, responsible and ethical by becoming a volunteer Hunter Education instructor.

New instructors are needed in central and southwestern Utah. In February, the Division of Wildlife Resources will hold training sessions in Fillmore and Cedar City to train new instructors.

Instructor training runs two nights a week, for three weeks. Seminars will be held at the following locations:

CEDAR CITY
* starts Feb. 20
Mondays and Tuesdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Division of Wildlife Resources
1470 N. Airport Rd., Suite 1

FILLMORE
* starts Feb. 22
Wednesdays and Thursdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Millard County Sheriff's Office
765 S. HWY 99

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 the instructors typically teach."

After being certified new instructors must teach at least one student course each year, or assist another instructor in teaching a course. 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," he said. "It's something these young people will carry with them forever."

SIA.06 WRAPS UP FOUR DAYS OF WHITE HOT FASHION AND CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Las Vegas, NV. (January 27, 2006) - Earlier this week, representatives from the snowsports industry gathered at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas for the 35th Annual SIA (SnowSports Industries America) Trade Show (Jan 23-26, 2006). The trade show drew an estimated 18,000 attendees including manufacturers, retailers, reps, resorts, elite athletes and media personalities.

One of the hottest topics that circulated through the conventional hall was how far the industry had come in terms of style and fashion. Be it snowboard, skiing, hardgoods or softgoods - bold fashion statements, colors, embellishments and patterns were seen down every aisle.

"Huge changes are going on in snowboard and freeride with fabrics, patterns, designs - if I hadn't been able to see it all collectively, I wouldn't have understood the changes in design," said Karen Nestor of Nestor's Sporting Goods, located in Quakertown, PA.

Certainly one of the leaders of the pack, in terms of fashion, is Burton Snowboards and for the 06/07 season they're serving up plenty of style.

"For next year, we're offering more prints than ever: a bold paisley in two colors, an equestrian plaid in two colors, a fairisle sweater pattern that looks just like a real sweater texture, and our Moroccan Tile Gore-Tex print. The best is our limited-edition western jacquard, which features a unique tonal woven western scene," says Karly Dodson, women's design director at Burton.

While fashion-forward outerwear was creating a buzz around the aisles of the show, there was also plenty to ogle in terms of equipment and new technology at SIA.06. The options available in women-specific gear continues to grow, while "systems" are becoming more and more prominent for both snowboarding and skiing, as well.

"The 06-07 season marks the first collection completely inspired and designed by K2 Snowboarding Women's Alliance. It's 100-percent tailored to personalities and individual style, offering every girl that 'perfect fit' beyond just performance," said Danielle Hambleton, K2 Snowboarding Marketing Manager.

"A line with just soft flexes and foofy graphics won't cut it with the female consumer. They are less driven by hype or image than men," says Eric Hutchinson, national sales manager for Rossignol Snowboards. "Women arrive at the shop educated on what products are best suited for their individual style and what will give them the most for their money."

Retailers are definitely seeing their female customers respond to this new trend of gender-specific gear and demanding products that cater to their particular needs and skill level.

"More and more women are buying technical hardgoods, and they want to know: what performance, features and enhancements will advance my skiing potential? Ninety-nine percent of women want women's skis and boards," said Dennis Lovick, general manager at the Viking Ski Shop in Mount Prospect, IL.

Nordic skiing companies are also expanding their lines with new products for both women and a younger demographic. Atomic, Salomon, Fischer and Rossignol all offer women-specific Nordic technology, while Fischer is heading into unchartered territory with a new cross-country category of twin-tips - with its new "Jibskate" -- designed for riders to play on backyard terrain features or Nordic Center terrain parks.

After several years of refinement, new "systems", or combined ski and binding packages, are hitting the market from a variety of ski manufacturers. The new systems promise lighter weights, improved response, stability and safe/predictable releases and retailers are finding the systems very consumer-friendly.

"It's so much easier to sell ski systems, much more convenient. All of our price point packages are systems," said Joe Rauchser of Joe's Ski Shop in St. Paul, MN.

Systems are catching on with snowboard manufacturers as well -- Atomic Snowboards introduced the rock 'n roll inspired Axum board, matched up with the Black Russian binding and the bright yellow Tremor BOA boot. "I call it the posse tracker," says Jim Rocket of Atomic USA. "There's no way your friends can't find you on the hill with this package."

And for those techie-geeks - wearable technology continues to expand into accessories for the 06/07 season. Just one example is Reusch's new Sonic Control glove, developed for Apple's ubiquitous Ipod -- integrating a wireless control panel for use in the latest generation of Ipods. The glove has rubber buttons to let you control volume, pause, play and more back and forth between tracks.

Davis Wins Day Six of International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, Moves to Third Overall

February 2, 2006--Wendy Davis from Lander,Wyoming came in first on Day Six of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 5:40:53. Jacques Philip from Nenana, Alaska, was second in today's race in 5:51:52. Doug Swingley from Lincoln, Montana, placed third in 5:52:50.

Overall Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Montana still leads with a time of 19:39:52. Philip remains in second place with a time of 20:19:37. Davis moves into third with a time of 20:39:09.

Teams left on the 63-mile stage in Kemmerer/Diamondville at 9:00 a.m. in heavy snow conditions. The Evanston/Mountain View stage takes place on February 3 at 10:00 a.m.; followed by the race conclusion in Park City, Utah, on February 4.

With its unique "stage stop" racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a different community each night, allowing Wyoming's host towns to show their hospitality: Festivities on offer for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball

Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the dogs make to society.

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For complete times from today's race, visit the race Website at http://www.wyomingstagestop.org , contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com , or telephone at (307) 734-1163.

FEBRUARY DISCOUNTS AT HOGLE ZOO

Utah's Hogle Zoo continues its yearlong 75^th anniversary celebration. Each month the Zoo will host a special event honoring the 75 years at the mouth of Emigration Canyon.

In February, it's all about twosomes! Bring your sweetie (or other special someone) to the Zoo for Valentine's Day Weekend where, from February 10^th to 14^th any two people will receive admission for just $7.50. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

You and your sweetie can take a winter stroll and look for the Zoo's own twosomes: Mooki and Tino, western lowland gorillas; Poco and Puddles, golden lion tamarins; Hank and Maggie, meerkats; Denzel and Delilah, bat-eared foxes; or Bob and Marti, mandrills, as well as the Siamese crocodiles and Aldabra tortoise.

The Zoo is also extending free admission, any day of the year, to anyone born in 1931. Those people born in 1931 need to present a valid ID at the Zoo's admission gates to receive the free admission.

In addition to these specials, the Zoo will also honor our visitors with special 75^th anniversary memberships. The 75,000 visitor and the 750,000 visitor will receive a Family Plus and Zoo Booster membership, respectively. The 7,500^th visitor was awarded a family membership on January 14.

For more information on upcoming 75^th anniversary events, or for more information about Hogle Zoo's history, visit http://www.hoglezoo.org .

Cement Shortage Could Raise Interest in Utah's Limestone Industry

Salt Lake City, Utah -- Utah's limestone is like money in the ground. That's according to Bryce Tripp, senior scientist with the Utah Geological Survey in the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Tripp is the author of "High-Calcium Limestone Resources of Utah", which includes maps, research data and information on limestone uses, pits, chemical analyses and other publications.

High-calcium limestone (HI-CAL) is mined for many industrial uses and contributes greatly to the economies of Utah and the United States. Utah has sizable deposits of good quality HI-CAL. "More than $15 billion worth of construction materials (crushed stone, cement, and lime) made from limestone are sold in the U.S. every year, so it's important to know where the best limestone resources are," said Tripp. Tripp's report identified 84 HI-CAL workings in Utah, ranging from small pits to large quarries.

Limestone is very important to growing states such as Utah; one reason is that it is the primary ingredient in concrete. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently ended a 16-year moratorium on cement trade with Mexico, which is expected to help, but not fully meet, local demand. "The amount of HI-CAL mined in Utah should steadily increase at a rate comparable to the state's population growth, because of HI-CAL's importance to residential and commercial construction," notes Tripp. In 2003, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget projected that Utah's population would increase about 60% between 2003 and 2030.

Tripp is encouraged by the increasing interest in Utah's HI-CAL deposits by commercial mining operations. The prospect of more HI-CAL mining is expected to lead to more local cement production to help meet that local demand.

For more information about cement at the national level, log onto:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/cement/index.html#mcs or, call Hendrik van Oss at the USGS at (703) 648-7712.

Bryce Tripp's book, "High-Calcium Limestone Resources of Utah", is available in the bookstore at the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 West North Temple, for $15.95.

Fire rehabilitation beginning on BLM lands in southwest Utah

Cedar City, Utah - Last week, the Bureau of Land Management began aerial seeding on 80,000 acres of public land in southwestern Utah that burned as a result of the 2005 fire season. Two aerial seeding contracts have been awarded. Operations will be based out of the St. George,
Central, and Hurricane airports, as well as the DI airstrip above Motoqua, Utah.

The seed will be loaded at the airports and flown to the sites of the Sunrise Complex, Dammeron, Diamond, West Side, Duzac, Smith Mesa and Blue Spring fires. Residents can expect increased noise in the surrounding areas as a result of the seeding activity.

Aerial seeding is weather dependent and requires dry conditions with winds less than 15 MPH. BLM personnel will be on site to monitor seed application.

Native and non-native seed have been tested and mixed by contractors especially for each fire location. Each of the fires will receive a different seed mixture based upon site conditions.

By re-establishing desirable vegetation in the burned areas as quickly as possible, the BLM hopes to decrease soil erosion and to find off invading weeds such as cheat grass, while retaining the natural function of the area following wildfire. Other rehabilitation efforts that will follow the aerial seeding include chaining to cover and enhance seeding success, and fence construction to protect the new seedings from grazing.

Five Juveniles Make admissions in rock art vandalism case near St. George

St. George, Utah - Five juveniles charged with third degree felonies by the Washington County Attorney's Office for vandalizing a popular petroglyph site near St. George have admitted to the charges.

Two boys, ages 16 and 17, and three 15-year-old girls were charged with third degree felonies under the State of Utah's Cultural Sites Protection Act for scratching names and obscenities into the Land Hill petroglyph site in May, 2005. Two of the five admitted to the charges in December 2005 while the remaining three admitted to them on January 18, 2006. Four of the individuals received 188 hours of community service and 30 days detention. The fifth individual received a fine of $750 and 30 days detention.

The Washington County Attorney's Office in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management will also be seeking $7,500 in restitution costs. The restitution hearing is scheduled for February, 2006.

The damage to this rock art site cannot be permanently repaired. A professional rock art conservator will be hired to "inpaint" the scratched areas, which will make the vandalism less apparent. Since it will be exposed to sunlight, wind, and rain, the inpainting will only last about
five years. It will then have to be retouched.

Land Hill is part of the Santa Clara River Reserve - a 6,500-acre area of public land collaboratively managed by the Bureau of Land Management, City of Santa Clara and City of Ivins in part to protect archaeological resources of Land Hill. The area contains a high concentration of rock art, some of which is more than 5,000 years old.

BLM law enforcement officers investigating the vandalism received several valuable tips from the public after information about the vandalism ran in local and statewide media.

Professional Wake Boarders Perform in the Only Indoor "Wake Park" in the Country

SALT LAKE CITY - January 23, 2006 - New to the show is an indoor "Wake Park" with the best pro wake riders in the country. The 5,000 gallon pool is fully equipped to watch the wake skaters ride the rails and jump the gap at boat speeds all inside the expo center. Come see the only indoor "Wake Park" in the country with a great seat to watch the best pros show-off their latest tricks.

The "Wake Park" is 9 feet wide and 140 feet long and consists of two ponds that have 30 foot long rails. A Pulldozer winch lifts the rider out of the water and onto the rail, where he performs different tricks and acrobatics.

Professional wake board and wake skate champions Shane Bonifay, Russ Wilde, Melissa Marquardt, Brandon Thomas, Danny Harf, Jim Leatherman, Dave Bagley, Keith Lidberg, Trevor Hanson, Aaron Reid, Ryan Doyle, Parks Bonifay and Patrick Panakos. All of these pros will be featured throughout the five-day event at the Marine Products event arena and the "Wake Park."

Show times are: Feb. 8^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 9^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 10^th at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 11^th at Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Feb. 12^th at Noon and 2 p.m.

Dave Bagley: Pro Wake Boarder

Meet local wake boarding sensation Dave Bagley. He has been a professional wake boarder for eight years and says his favorite place to ride is Lake Powell.

Trevor Hansen: Pro Wake Boarder

Trevor Hansen started on the pro circuit when he was just 14. In his 6^th year on the pro tour he placed 6^th overall for 2003.

Shane Bonifay: Pro Wake Boarder

In his 9^th year on the pro tour, Shane Bonifay has recently competed in the Gravity Games and ESPN's X Games.

Melissa Marquardt: Pro Wake Boarder

She has competed on the pro tour for three years and has placed in both the X Games and the Gravity Games.

Parks Bonifay: Pro Wake Boarder

A veteran rider, Parks Bonifay has been a pro for ten years and won every major competition. He is a legend in the sport of wake boarding.

Russ Wilde: Pro Wake Boarder

For more than 10 years Russ Wilde has torn up the water on the pro tour. Currently he rides on promotional tours for Supra Boats and O'Brien Boards.

Patrick Panakos: Owner of Operation Projects Wake Boards Camp

He developed rail riding and taught several of today's pro riders how to ride the rail and perform the latest tricks.

Danny Harf: Pro Wake Boarder

Two-time world champion and four times X Games champion, Danny Harf has been a pro for seven years.

Keith Lidberg: Pro Wake Skater

Keith has been a pro for three years and recently won the 2005 Pan American Games and is the current Wake Skate Rail Jam Champion.

Aaron Reid, Jim Leatherman and Ryan Doyle: Pro Wake Skaters

These three riders have been pro riders for five years and have perfected many of the wake skating techniques.

"The latest trend in wake boarding and skating is competing in a 'Wake Park.' The Utah Boat Show will feature the first indoor 'Wake Park' equipped with two ponds that are separated by a 30 foot gap. Riders will board or skate onto a 30 foot rail and jump 30 feet into the next pond," said Randy Casper, owner of Marine Products and sponsor of the "Wake Park." "These riders are the best in the industry and will perform incredible techniques and tricks."

Marine Products is a local pro shop that specializes in all types of accessories for wake boarding, water skiing, boating and the latest trends in wake skating. See the newest wetsuits and clothing to make your boating experience even more enjoyable.