New Ice Fishing Adventure Burbot: Fun to catch, great to eat

Dutch John -- If you'd like to add another notch to your "fish species caught" list, head to Flaming Gorge Reservoir this winter.

Burbot were illegally introduced into the Green River drainage in Wyoming. These fish have made their way into the Gorge.

Burbot compete with other fish, so it's unfortunate that they're in the reservoir, but they also provide great ice fishing. Burbot look somewhat like a cod, and they get active under the ice during the winter.

Right now is the best time of the year to catch them.

Where to Fish

Most of the burbot in Flaming Gorge are in the upper end of the reservoir, in both the Blacks Fork and Green River arms. If you have a Utah fishing license and a $10 reciprocal stamp (the stamp is good for all of 2007), you can fish the Wyoming end of the reservoir, in addition to the Utah side.

The best areas to start fishing are near the Firehole boat ramp, the Lost Dog area, any rocky points in the Blacks Fork River arm, and points in the Confluence area.

Techniques

Burbot feed in low light conditions, so fishing from sundown until a few hours after dark is the most productive time to target them. Try fishing between 20 and 25 feet deep over rocks and near deeper water. Crayfish seem to be the burbots' main feed this time of year, so fish over the rocks.

If you have a portable fish house, bring it, since nighttime temperatures tend to drop quite a bit on the ice. If you don't have a fish house, bring a portable heater, which will help keep you warm. And don't forget to bring a headlamp or a lantern, so you can see what you're doing.

If you can only fish during the day, try fishing deeper (50 to 60 feet down) in the old river channel. A depth finder will help you locate areas to fish, but since burbot tend to hug the bottom, you probably won't see them on your graph.

Lures

When choosing lures, look for spoons and jigs that have some type of glow on them. A glowing lure seems to attract burbot so they'll get close enough to smell the sucker meat or shiner meat that you should tip your lure with.

The jigging spoon or jig should be big enough to get to the bottom fairly quickly, but not so big that the fish can't get their mouths over it. Try 2- or 3-inch tube jigs, or jigging spoons that are one to two inches long.

Fish within a few inches of the bottom, and watch your rod tip carefully as most of the bites are pretty light. Charge up the glow on your lure, with a flashlight or a headlamp, every five to 10 minutes.

If you catch a burbot, don't be afraid of its appearance. Burbot have teeth that are similar to a catfish or bass, so they won't bite, but they're quite slimy, so you may want to handle them with waterproof gloves.

How to Cook 'Em

Burbot have white, flaky flesh, and they're great to eat.

One way to cook them is to bread and fry them. You can also boil them lightly for four minutes, and then dip them in butter, which gives them a taste that's similar to lobster.

It's fairly easy to clean burbot. Just cut the skin behind the head and peel it off with pliers. Then fillet the meat off around the rib cage and down the tail, and you'll be left with boneless fillets.

You'll Be Helping the Fishery

The burbot limit at Flaming Gorge is 25 burbot. Biologists want to reduce the population of these illegally introduced fish, so you must keep all the burbot you catch, up to your 25 fish limit.

If you're looking for a different type of ice fishing adventure this winter, head to Flaming Gorge. In addition to harvesting a bunch of tasty burbot, you'll be helping the fishery.

For more information, call the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Flaming Gorge Field Office at (435) 885-3164.

Banquet scheduled by Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry

The Utah Chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry will be holding it's first banquet on Saturday March 10th, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Outback Steakhouse in Layton.

We will be holding silent auctions and drawings for a Fillmore Cow Elk Tag, Fort Knox Safe, Hoyt Bow, Whispercreek Archery Bow, Log Bed and night stand from the Good Timber Company, Brent Todd prints and a print from Leslie Prince Perkins among many other great items. We will also be giving away door prizes.

Tickets for the banquet are only $25.00 each or $45.00 per couple. This includes a ticket stub that will be used to giveaway door prizes at no extra cost. Dinner will include steak, chicken, rice, salad, beverage and dessert.

For tickets or more info please contact Kelly Bingham (Utah Chapter Coordinator) at kmbingham92@netscape.com or by phone at 801-389-0879. Tickets will go fast and we only have room for 180 people to attend.

Please come out and support our organization so we can continue to feed high protein venison to the hungry among us.

If you cannot make the banquet but would still like to donate to the Utah Chapter please contact Kelly or go to http://www.fhfh.org . Please specify that the funds go to the Utah Chapter. You can also find a coupon in the 2007 Utah Big Game Proclamation that you can fill out and send in with a donation.

Thank you for your support and your dollars,

Kelly Bingham

Program Coordinator

Utah Chapter FHFH

HELMETS, SAFETY, AND EDUCATION ARE TOPICS OF SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK

Salt Lake -- Utah snowmobilers are anxiously awaiting new snow, but will are observing National Snowmobile Safety Week January 13 through 20, 2007. For this eight-day observance, and throughout Utah's snowmobile season, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Specialist Ann Evans is stressing helmets, safety, and education.

"We want everyone to ride safely and know the laws and rules before they go. Be educated and be prepared," said Evans. She encourages riders to check avalanche, trail and weather conditions, and share itineraries with family and friends.

Utah law requires children ages eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks and Recreation Know Before You Go! OHV education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Those 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver's license or a safety certificate to operate snowmobiles on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land.

All youth under age 18 are required by law to wear helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation while riding. Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and Utah State Parks strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, especially parents who set the example for children and other riders.

In addition to helmets and education, Evans offers the following safety tips:

- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.

- Watch your fuel supply carefully.

- Check the weather report and check avalanche advisories.

- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.

- Never drink and drive.

- Always wear an approved helmet designed for motorized use. It's the law for anyone under 18 to wear their helmet at all times. Utah State Parks encourages everyone to wear a helmet.

- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, tool kit and a survival kit, which contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.

For registration materials, grooming reports, and avalanche conditions, call the OHV Information Center at 1-800-OHV-RIDE or 1-800-648-7433 from outside the Salt Lake area or 538-RIDE / 538-7433.

Get Extra Deer Hunting Opportunities - Join Dedicated Hunter Program

You can hunt all three general deer hunting seasons in your favorite region in Utah by joining the state's Dedicated Hunter program.

"Hunters who join the program are guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice. After what happened in 2006, that's a big incentive to join," says Jill West, coordinator of volunteers for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

In 2006, all of the permits for the Central, Northeastern, Southeastern and Southern regions were taken in the big game draw.

"Based on what happened last year, we anticipate that permits for all four of those regions will go again in the draw this year," West says. "Dedicated hunters don't have to worry that they won't get a permit, though, because they're guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice."

In addition to receiving a guaranteed permit, those who join the program get a chance to help Utah's wildlife by volunteering on wildlife conservation projects.
Must Join by Feb. 16

To join the three-year program, hunters must complete an online Wildlife Conservation course and submit an application no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 16.

After paying their program registration fees and completing some additional requirements, hunters will receive a deer hunting permit for the region of their choice and a chance to hunt all three general seasons in that region.

The Wildlife Conservation course is available online at the Dedicated Hunter Web site ( http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/dh/ ). The course takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Hunters who don't have access to the Internet should contact their nearest DWR regional office to make arrangements to take the course.
Additional Requirements

After completing the Wildlife Conservation course, hunters must pay their program fee ($195 for most residents and $1,032 for most nonresidents) by Feb. 16. The fee includes a participant's deer hunting permits, for the region of their choice, during the three years they're in the program.

More information about the program is available on page 26 of the 2007 Utah Big Game Proclamation and at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/dh/ on the Web. Those with questions may also call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

"The program provides hunters extra deer hunting opportunities in the region they want to hunt and helps them give back to Utah's wildlife by working on wildlife conservation projects," West said. "Hunters who have been in the program have really enjoyed it."

Volunteers Needed to Teach Kids How to Fish

You can help a group of kids have one of the best experiences they'll have all summer by helping out in one of Utah's youth fishing clubs.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for adult volunteers to teach six to 13 year olds about fishing and the places where fish live. Volunteers are needed in communities stretching from Logan to Salem.

Youth fishing clubs have been established in the following communities, and each club needs volunteers to help:

Logan (two clubs)
Brigham City (one club)
Ogden (one club)
Roy (one club)
Clinton (two clubs)
Syracuse (one club)
Clearfield (one club)
Farmington (one club)
Bountiful (two clubs)
Murray (two clubs)
Riverton (one club)
South Jordan (one club)
Herriman (one club)
Orem (one club)
Spanish Fork (two clubs)
Salem (one club)
Saratoga Springs (one club)

"In Syracuse, Riverton and Herriman, we're starting from scratch," says Drew Cushing, community fisheries biologist for the DWR. "These clubs are brand new, and we need lots of volunteers to help."

Volunteer training will be held in each of the communities in February. The training takes one evening to complete. The clubs of about 40 to 80 children each will be formed by April.

To volunteer, or for more information, call Cushing at (801) 538-4774 before Feb. 1. You can also send an e-mail to him at andrewcushing@utah.gov .

Anyone Can Help

While volunteers need to be patient and have good communication and teaching skills, they don't need a lot of fishing experience to help. "After they've completed the training, I'm sure they'll feel completely comfortable getting together with their youth fishing club, even if they don't have a lot of fishing experience," Cushing says.

After the training, groups of volunteers spend about two hours once a week, from April through June or July, teaching children about fish and fishing by fishing with them at a local water.

Cushing says a number of rewards await those who volunteer. "When they see the look on a kid's face, the first time they catch a fish, it'll probably make their whole summer," he says.

Youth Fishing Clubs Growing in Popularity

"2006 was our most successful year yet," Cushing says. "About 2,500 kids and 250 volunteers participated in the six-week program. Many of the volunteers were folks who had volunteered the year before. They saw the positive influence they had had on these kids, and they wanted to help in the program again."

Cushing says city recreation departments have started offering fishing as a sport, and that's one of biggest reasons for the program's success. "For the first time, fishing has found its way into mainstream sports, right along with soccer, baseball and football," he says.

As the number of children and communities involved in the program continues to grow, so does the need for volunteers. "The number of kids who can participate is determined largely by the number of adults who volunteer to help," Cushing says.

More Black Bear Hunting Permits

Salt Lake City -- A few more hunters will be hunting black bears in Utah this fall.

At its Jan. 10 meeting, the Utah Wildlife Board approved 248 black bear permits for Utah's spring and fall hunts. A total of 229 permits were available to public hunters in 2006.

"Utah's black bear populations are stable, and I think the populations may have even increased a bit," said Kevin Bunnell, mammals program coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

"Good precipitation over the past two years has provided more vegetation for the bears to eat," Bunnell said. "Because of the improved vegetation, more black bear cubs have been born over the past two years, and fewer bears have been coming into campgrounds and towns, looking for food."

Applications for 2007 black bear hunting permits will be available at the DWR's Web site (http://www.wildlife.utah.gov ) by Feb. 1.

Applications must be received through the Web site no later than Feb. 28 to be included in the draw for permits. Paper applications will not be accepted for black bear permits this year.

Draw results will be available by April 1.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Big Business as Usual at SHOT Show

Another Record-Setter for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Industry's Largest Trade Show

ORLANDO, Fla. If the past four days of business at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show are any indicator, the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry is poised for a big year, industry officials say.

The 2007 SHOT Show, held Jan. 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, was the largest in the colossal trade show's 29-year history.

"SHOT Show is the Super Bowl of trade shows for our industry," said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, owner and sponsor of the show. "Orlando proved to be a winning venue for us. The show was well attended and vibrant, featuring thousands of innovative and quality products that consumers can expect to see on retailers' shelves later this year."

"SHOT has always been the bellwether for the firearms industry, and early indicators show that business should be as robust in 2007 as the banner year the industry enjoyed in 2006," Painter said.

This year's SHOT Show encompassed 656,000 net square feet of exhibit space, a gain of 40,000 over last year, with 1,870 exhibiting companies, up from last year's 1,846.

According to preliminary figures, the show attracted 20,390 buyers, 1,342 members of the press, 19,990 exhibiting personnel and 494 guests for a record total attendance of 42,216.

Next year's show in Las Vegas will be even larger, Painter said. Exhibitors have already booked 654,000 net square feet of space for the 2008 show, he said.

Big Business

Business at this year's show was brisk, according to exhibiting companies and retailers.

"This has been the best SHOT Show for business that we've ever had. The best in our 20-year history," said Toxey Haas, founder and CEO of camouflage giant Mossy Oak. "Our business is way up. No doubt about it, a great year."

Paul Pluff of Smith & Wesson, the well-known handgun maker which generated perhaps the biggest buzz at the show by introducing a line of shotguns, said, "Our booth was absolutely, completely packed . . . the traffic was overwhelming at times. The buzz on our new shotguns has been more than we could hope for. We were particularly pleased with the media. We had positive interviews with CNBC and many members of the outdoor media."

Retailers were also impressed.

"If you can't find it here, you're not going to find it anyplace," said Robert Hills, owner of Avon Gun, a retail store in Avon, N.Y. "That's why we come every year. New products bring people in, the old ones don't. There are a lot of great new products out there this year."

The show also featured many new products for women hunters and shooters, a fast-growing segment of the industry.

"This was our first show and it's been tremendous," said Brian Zaitz of SHE Safari, a company based in Conroe, Texas. "We've had an excellent reception four solid days of attention from media and buyers who are excited to see a new full line of hunting apparel for women. We expect to grow our product line by 50 percent next year, and we purchased twice the amount of exhibit space for the 2008 SHOT Show."

Other first-time exhibitors also reported great success.

Bob Breiland of Pine Harbor Holding Co. introduced a new product, the ShadowShield, at the show. The product caught the eye of the local TV news media, which provided positive coverage.

"We had a fabulous show, Breiland said. "We had a small booth, and at one time, had 23 buyers in there at once."

Miles Hall, of H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City, said he was excited to see new blood getting into the retail and range side of the business.

"I spent lots of time talking to people who own other types of retail and service businesses and who want to get involved in our industry. They don't even have stores yet, but they're doing their research here at SHOT and that bodes well for our future," Hall said.

Other News

The annual SHOT Show Gun and Knife Auction, which included five firearms from Smith & Wesson and a custom Ross Tyser knife raised $42,391 for Wonders of Wildlife, the Springfield, Mo.-based National Fish & Wildlife Museum and home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

A crowd of 1,850 attended the show's annual State of the Industry Dinner & Concert Gala. The night included positive words from Painter and others in the industry and performances by country music stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert.

SHOT Show University a series of seminars for firearms retailers experienced a record year, attracting more than 120 attendees.

NSSF presented its annual Achievement Award to The Outdoor Channel in recognition of the channel's longstanding efforts to promote hunting and shooting through its award-winning television programming.

NSSF and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) honored J. Wayne Fears with the POMA/NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator of the Year Award. The annual award was developed in 2005 in honor of legendary outdoor communicator Grits Gresham. It recognizes communicators within the firearms/shooting sports/Second Amendment arena who grasp the ideals, foster the commitment and display the talent Gresham has shown during his storied career.

SHOT Show, owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is the world's largest showcase of firearms, hunting and outdoor products. It provides a forum like no other for the industry to show off its newest products that will adorn the shelves of gun and sporting goods shops in the coming year.

2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CAMP FLOYD / STAGECOACH INN STATE PARK

Fairfield, Utah

January 20, 2007 - PHOTO WORKSHOP

Workshop and discussion of the 19^th century photographic styles and techniques, including: Daugerian, wet-plate, tin-type, ambrotype and glass negative reproduction. Participants will have access to the parks 19^th century replica "box-in-box" Daugerian camera. Reproductions of photos taken with this type of camera at Camp Floyd in 1859 will be on display.

February, 10, 2007 - CAMP FLOYD ARTIFACT DISPLAY

Come see artifacts from Camp Floyd that have never been viewed by the public. Recently donated from Brigham Young University, the artifacts were recovered during a 1980's excavation on part of the original Camp Floyd site. After this one-day display, the artifacts will again return to museum storage until a proper display area can be established.

March 17, 2007 - Historical Figures of Camp Floyd Come Alive

Meet and hear the stories of famous and well known people of Camp Floyd and the Stagecoach Inn; General Johnston, John Carson, Porter Rockwell and more. The characters will relate their stories within the historic structures where they worked and stayed. Experience a ride in a stagecoach as well.

Apr.15 - Oct. 15, 2007 - School Group Field Trips

Hear a first-hand account of life in Johnston's Army, view cannon and musket fire, experience the life of a soldier by marching, drilling, making candles and adobe bricks; play Pony Express games, experience class in a 19^th century schoolhouse, view the Stagecoach Inn and Camp Floyd Commissary. Reservations required, minimum group size, 75.

April 20, 21 / 27, 28 2007 JOHNSTON'S ARMY ADVENTURE CAMP

May 4, 5 / 18, 19, 2007 Boy Scouts travel back in time to 1861 and enter the world

June 1, 2 / 15, 16, 2007 of a soldier at Camp Floyd, Utah Territory. As a newly

July 6, 7 / 20, 21, 2007 enlisted private, scouts don a uniform and shoulder muskets

August 3, 4 / 17, 18, 2007 The Adventure Camp experience offers an authentic and

Sept. 7, 8 / 21, 22, 2007 unique hands-on opportunity. This is an overnight

Oct. 5, 6 / 12, 13, 2007 experience in period tents. The camp will also meet the

requirements for the American Heritage Merit badge,

and the National Historic Trails Award. Reservations and a $20 fee per boy are required.

May 26, 28, 2007 - CIVIL WAR DAYS

Walk through a Civil War encampment of 1861; visit with re-enactors on issues of Camp Floyd and the Civil War; hear period music, play 19^th century games; march and drill with re-enactors; watch a battle and shoot period firearms. A flag retirement will take place on the evening of the 26^th.

June 7-9 / 21-23, 2007 - CAMP FLOYD HISTORY CAMP FOR KIDS

A fun-filled educational experience about how soldiers lived at 1861Camp Floyd, and how the Utah War served pre-Civil War objectives. Campers will play 19^th Century games, drill, march and set up a soldier's camp; make and take home soldier craft activities, conduct a full-scale military exercise; see muskets and a cannon fired. Camp is for both boys and girls, 8 - 11 years of age. Limited to 24 participants; reservations and $65 camp fee required.

July 12-14, 26-28, 2007 - CAMP FLOYD HISTORY CAMP FOR KIDS

*See description above.

August 9-11, 2007 - CAMP FLOYD HISTORY CAMP FOR KIDS

*See description above

September 29, 2007 - CAMP FLOYD DAY

Coinciding with Free State Parks Day, Camp Floyd Day offers visitors the experience of stagecoach rides, museum tours, play period games, march and drill with re-enactors; watch a battle and shoot period firearms; Civil War encampment, food, music and entertainment.

Oct. 27, 2007 - GHOSTS OF CAMP FLOYD

Is Camp Floyd haunted? Members of the Camp Floyd staff present a program on paranormal investigations of Camp Floyd; hear stories of paranormal experiences, view "ghost" hunting equipment, see photo's and hear recordings. Hot chocolate and donuts provided. Treats and a candy cannon provided for the kids.

Nov. 10, 2007 - PHOTO WORKSHOP

Workshop and discussion of the 19^th century photographic styles and techniques, including: Daugerian, Wet-plate, tin-type ambrotype and glass negative reproduction. Participants will have access to the parks 19^th century replica "box-in-box" Daugerian camera. Reproductions of photos taken with this type of camera at Camp Floyd in 1859 will be on display. Registration and $25 fee required.

Dec. 8, 2007 - CIVIL WAR ORNAMENT WORKSHOP

Decorate your Christmas tree with a Civil War theme. This workshop includes a kit to paint and decorate 4 wooden ornaments with a Civil War imprint. The kits include: 4 ornaments, 4 cords, 1 paint brush, 8 vials of paint, an instruction sheet and an interesting Civil War facts sheet. Workshop limited to 20 kits. Kits may be shared with family members. Registration and a $14.00 fee required.

Dec. 29, 2007 - Junior Pony Express Program

Designed for kids, this program includes a workbook that discovers the history of the Pony Express and Camp Floyd. It includes artifact searches, fill-in-the blanks, crossword puzzles and more. Upon completion kids receive an official Pony Express wooden nickel as their pay from the soldiers of Camp Floyd.

13 Days - 13 Resorts - 13 Offers Lucky for You!

Ski Utah Celebrates Learn to Ski Month with Enticing Deals for Beginners

SALT LAKE CITY - In honor of January being declared Learn to Ski Month, Ski Utah has lined up enticing deals aimed at getting Utah residents to hit the slopes at the state's world class resorts.

This Lucky 13 promotion is intended to highlight our great fortunate to live in Utah, home to The Greatest Snow on Earth. and 13 world-class ski areas that are destinations for people from around the world.

For 13 days, Jan. 19-31, there are 13 special offers to help Utah residents discover or rediscover the healthy and invigorating sports of skiing and snowboarding. Visit http://www.skiutahlocals.com for terrific, locals-only discounts and incentives on lift tickets, lessons, equipment rental and more at each of the state's ski areas and some retail shops as well.

Ski Utah invites our non-skiing, local media friends to hit the slopes during this period and report on their experience learning to ski or snowboard. For assistance coordinating this at one of Utah's 13 resorts please contact Hilary Reiter at Ski Utah, 801.433.2016 or hilary@skiutah.com

Below is a list of Lucky 13 offerings:

Alta

January 4 - February 15. (blackout dates: Jan. 12-15)
Designed for 1st time skiers, all ages. (Children must be 4 years or older) $149
Includes:
Four 2-Hour Class Lessons
Four Beginner Passes
Four Rental Packages
Please call 801 359-1078. Sign up for the four days you want, morning or afternoon lesson.

"Ski Free After 3"

All season! Ski free after 3 pm on Alta's Sunnyside lift. (Blackout dates Jan. 13-15, 2007 and Feb. 16-19.)

The Ski Free After 3 Program is not just for first time skiers. Many of Utah's skiers are not "never-ever skiers." We invite you to get back out on the slopes after missing some of Utah's spectacular winters, and to invite friends and family to join you!
Sunnyside lift provides access to long gentle slopes in the Albion Basin, ideal for beginners and those just learning to ski. Adventurous skiers may find some shorter intermediate trails through the trees.

If you are planning on teaching a child or friend to ski for the first time, start on Alta's rope tows which are free all day long, and when ready, move over to the Sunnyside lift. Sunnyside lift is a detachable triple making it easy to get on and off the chair.

Discounted Rentals are available at two locations for the "Ski Free After 3" program. The Alta Ski Shop, at the Wildcat Base, offers discounted rentals after 2pm; and Alta Sports, at the Albion Base, offers discounted rentals after 3pm.

The most convenient parking for the "Ski Free After 3" program is at the Albion Base.

Beaver Mountain Ski Resort

Jan. 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2007

Buy one adult day pass at regular price and get the second one for $20. Pre-purchased tickets do not apply. Valid on the day the pass is purchased only.

Brianhead Resort

Learn to Ski or Snowboard All-inclusive Package only $79.

Package includes an all-day lift ticket, all-day equipment rental and a 2 = hour lesson…all for just $79.

Contact the Winter Sports School at 435-677-2049 for complete details.

Brighton Resort

$13.00 off of Mom and Dad's lift ticket when they enroll their child in any Brighton ski or snowboard lesson. Mention "Lucky 13" at the ski school ticket office to qualify. Valid January 19-31, 2007.

The Canyons

From Jan. 19 to 28 (excluding Saturdays) Utah residents (age 15+) can save 50% on our Adult Learn to Ski / Ride Clinics. For just $49.95, you'll receive a full-day (5-hour) lesson from one of our world-class instructors, lift ticket for High Meadow lift / surface-lifts and basic equipment rental. This clinic leaves from our adult lesson meeting area at Red Pine lodge at 9:15 a.m. Reservations are required -- Please call The Canyons Ski & Snowboard School Sales Cabin at (435) 615-3449 for more information and reservations. The locals 50% discount will be applied on-site once residency can be conformed with a valid form of identification. Space based on availability.

Deer Valley Resort

Locals Learn to Ski Weekend - Jan. 27 -28. First timers and locals only (local is anyone with a current Utah drivers license or a photo ID accompanied by a current Utah property tax form, Utah utility bill or Utah business paycheck stub.)

Clinic Time: 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Check-in Time: 7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Age: 13 and older

Maximum - Limited to the first 50 registrants

Cost: Free clinic, lift ticket and rentals

What is included in the clinic? Clinic, lift ticket, rentals and locker token.

Must have reservations 888-754-8477 or 435-645-6648 and mention "Locals Learn to Ski Weekend". One lesson only please.

No Show Fee: $25 per person

Check-in Location: Snow Park Lodge lower level basket check area. There will be a Skier Service Rep and a Deer Valley Marketing department rep meeting the group.

Park City Mountain Resort

Night Ski or Ride Park City Mountain Resort for $15 on Tuesday, January 30, 2007. Ticket is valid from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy terrain located off of PayDay lift and First Time lift.

Powder Mountain Winter Resort

Three beginner group lessons for $75. Includes Sundown all day lift pass, group lesson and rentals. Must be purchased between January 19-31, 2007. For Utah residents only. Lessons are held weekdays at 11:00 am and weekends at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Reservations are required. Please call 801-745-3772 ext 128. Lessons are on a space available basis.

Snowbasin

2-hour Ski or Snowboard Lesson and Little Cat Lift Pass - $27.00

By Reservation 801-620-1000

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort

Introductory Ski or Snowboard Lessons on Chickadee

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (rentals good until 8:00 pm)

Cost: $25 (includes lift ticket and beginner rental gear)

Ages: 7 and up

Dates: Friday, Jan. 19, Saturday, Jan. 20, Wednesday, Jan. 24, Friday, Jan. 26, Saturday, Jan. 27, Wednesday, Jan. 31

Schedule:

5 p.m. Registration and rental fitting; Cottonwood Room, Level 2, Snowbird Center

6 p.m. Lessons

7-8 p.m. Ski/ride on own

Advanced registration is required. Call 801-933-2170 for reservations and information

Solitude Mountain Resort

Learn to Ski or Snowboard - $35 ($20 off).

Afternoon Group = day lesson.

1:00 p.m. Check-in at Entry 1, Snowsports Academy Building

Lesson Time: 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Offer Valid January 20-31, 2007 excluding January 25 and 26, 2007

Sundance

Any age, any ability - 2 = lesson including lift ticket - $55 (reg. $85-$95). Valid Jan. 19-31, 2007. Redeemed at the Snowsports School Office at Creekside.

Wolf Mountain

Valid Jan. 19-31, receive a 1 = hour private lesson for only $45.

The following specials are being offered season-long at Wolf Mountain

Monday Night

Family Night - $28 for a family of four, each additional child is $5.

Individuals pay $10. (Exception: Holiday Family Price is $40 on Jan. 15 & Feb.19, 2007)

Tuesday Night

Two Buck Tuesday - Buy a full price adult ticket and the second ticket is only $2.

Wednesday Night

Family Race Night - Parent skis for $5 for those with kids in After School Program.

Wednesday night is also "Has Been" Masters Race night.

Thursday Night

Student Night - $10 tickets for kindergarten through graduate level.

Friday Night

Regular pricing applies, then SUPER SIZE it! For $5, ticket maybe upgraded

to be valid all day Saturday & Sunday ($27.00 Adults and $22.00 Kids for whole weekend).

Sunday Night

Hill Field Deal Night - All Military and Employees - $28 for a family of four, each additional child is $5.

Individuals pay $10. (Exception: Holiday Family Price is $40 on Jan. 14 & Feb. 18, 2007)

Ski & Snowboard Rental Shops

Canyon Sports

Friday - Sunday, Jan. 19-21 & Jan. 26-28

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Live Zebra Mussels Found at Lake Mead; Resource Agencies Initiate Program to Assess Extent and Prevent Spread

LIVE ZEBRA MUSSELS, a nuisance invasive species, were discovered in Lake Mead on Saturday, January 6, by a Las Vegas Boat Harbor marina employee. The alert marina employee found a suspected live zebra mussel on a cable anchoring the breakwater and immediately notified notified NPS zebra mussel monitoring program volunteer, Wen Baldwin. Baldwin then checked the zebra mussel substrate sampler where additional suspect samples were found at Las Vegas Boat Harbor and subsequently at Lake Mead Marina. NPS resource management staff then collected samples that were sent to an independent laboratory for specimen confirmation. We expect to receive the final results within the next week Also, on Tuesday, January 9, NPS divers were in the water beginning to evaluate the extent of the zebra mussel colonization in the Boulder Basin area of Lake Mead. Zebra mussels negatively affect the environment by reproducing quickly and in large numbers. Zebra mussels are biofoulers that obstruct pipes in municipal and industrial raw-water systems.

In 2003, Baldwin, a dedicated park volunteer, placed substrate samplers at all marina locations on Lakes Mead and Mohave. All locations are checked monthly by Baldwin. The substrate samplers were checked in November during regularly schedule monitoring at Boulder Basin locations. Neither sampler tested positive for zebra mussels in November. The NPS is evaluating whether zebra mussels are at other locations in Lakes Mead and Mohave.

"We are very concerned about this discovery, and its potential impacts on Lake Mead," said Bill Dickinson, Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent. "We are taking immediate action, in cooperation and consultation with other resource agencies, to assess the extent of the problem, and to develop a management plan."

Since then, the National Park Service has been working with other federal (US Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation), state (Nevada Department of Wildlife, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and California Fish & Game), other regional agencies (100th Meridian Initiative, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority) and local agencies on zebra mussel prevention programs including:

· entrance station monitoring for boats entering with license plates from known infected lakes

·decontamination of boats from suspect states

·working with concessioners on training and identification of suspect specimens

·invasive species information as part of boater education programs

·invasive species prevention information with annual vessel renewals

·educational materials for participants of national fishing tournaments

A new agenda item to address this find at Lake Mead has been added to the annual 100th Meridian Initiative Colorado River Basin Meeting, which was already scheduled January 31, at Nevada Department of Wildlife headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. Experts from federal, state, regional, and local entities will be discussing a plan of action for preventing the spread of zebra mussels at Lake Mead, and into other bodies of water in the region. The 100th Meridian Initiative is a comprehensive partnership made up of federal, state, private industry and user groups dedicated to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels were first intercepted at Lake Mead at Temple Bar in May 2004. A park ranger noticed zebra mussels on a vessel and was able to intercept the boat before it entered Lake Mead. There have been several other successful interceptions by park rangers and marina employees.

Background on Zebra Mussels:
Zebra mussels are freshwater bivalve mollusks that typically have a dark and white (zebra-like) pattern on their shells, but may be any combination of colors from off-white to dark brown. Zebra mussels are usually about an inch or less long, but may be larger. When healthy, they attach to hard substrates.

Until the mid 1980s there were no zebra mussels in North America. That changed when they were inadvertently introduced into waters near the Great Lakes region. It is suspected that zebra mussels hitched a ride in ballast water tanks of commercial ships. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in the United States in Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan in 1988. Since the 1980s, zebra mussels have spread, unchecked by natural predators, throughout much of the eastern United States. They currently infest much of the Great Lakes basin, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and much of the Mississippi River drainage system. The have begun to spread up the Missouri River and Arkansas River.

Zebra mussels negatively affect the environment by reproducing quickly and in large numbers. Zebra Mussel densities have been reported to be over 700,000 individuals per square meter in some facilities in the Great Lakes area. Zebra mussels are biofoulers that obstruct pipes in municipal and industrial raw-water systems, requiring millions of dollars annually to treat. They produce microscopic larvae that float freely in the water column, and thus can pass by screens installed to exclude them. Monitoring and control of Zebra Mussels costs millions of dollars annually. As filter feeders, zebra mussels remove suspended material from the habitat in which they live. This includes the planktonic algae that is the primary base of the food web. Thus, zebra mussels may completely alter the ecology of water bodies in which they invade.

How can boaters help prevent the spread of zebra mussels:
These aquatic nuisance species can hitch a ride on our clothing, boats, and items used in the water. When visitors go to another lake or stream, the nuisance species can be released. And, if the conditions are right, these introduced species can become established and create drastic results. By following a simple procedure each time boaters leave the water, they can help stop aquatic hitchhikers. Knowing which waters contain nuisance hitchhikers is not as important ---- as doing the procedure every time boaters leave any lake, stream or coastal area:

·Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment

·Eliminate water from equipment before transporting

·Clean and dry anything that came in contact with water (Boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.)

·Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

Additional information can be found at the http://www.protectyourwaters.net and http://www.100thMeridian.org .