EDGE OF THE CEDARS HOSTS TRADITIONAL NAVAJO BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP
Blanding -- Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum hosts a traditional Navajo coiled basket-weaving workshop Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28. Cost of the workshop is $350 and includes all materials. Students will complete baskets approximately six inches in diameter.

Christopher Black of Mexican Hat, Utah, teaches the course. Black, who taught himself to weave by watching his aunt and others, has been weaving traditional baskets for more than seven years. Besides the ceremonial baskets, Black also crafts piñon pitch water jugs and more contemporary story baskets. Traditionally, the completed baskets are reserved for use in special songs and ceremonies. To register or for more information, please call (435) 678-2238.

OGDEN CITY HOSTS 2006 UTAH TRAILS AND PATHWAYS CONFERENCE
Salt Lake - Ogden City, Weber Pathways, the Ogden Trails Network, and the Weber-Morgan Health Department host the 2006 Utah Trails and Pathways Conference September 7, 8 and 9 at the Eccles Conference Center in Ogden. This year's conference theme is Utah Trails: The Heartbeat of a Community.

The conference begins with a keynote address from Dr. John Librett, current principal of The Active Survivor's Network and former head of Trails for Health Initiative at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The lecture series will commence with a variety of topics and a number of fantastic presenters. Topics of discussion will include pathways for active people, walkable communities, trail safety, promoting trails, trail building and maintenance, ski trail grooming, and preparing successful grant applications. A hands-on session will be held on a local mountain trail.

The closing session is held at the Earl Lodge located at Snowbasin Ski Resort, and includes lunch and a gondola ride to the top of the mountain. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time taking a nature walk, or may choose to walk, bike, or ride a horse down the mountain.

For more information, visit http://www.utahtrailsconference.com or call (801) 629-8558.

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS

July - August 12 Iron Mission State Park Museum - Cedar City
Art Exhibit: Local artist Tina Davis displays her watercolor paintings. For more information, please call (435) 586-9290.

July 14 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Campfire Program: Mount Timpanogos - A Black and White Historical View of the Annual Timp Hike Between 1912 and 1970. More than 50,000 individuals have reached the summit of Mount Timpanogos during a series of scheduled "pilgrimages." Discover the hikes made to this majestic location. Program begins at 8:45 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

July 15 Rock Cliff Nature Center/ Jordanelle State Park Francis
Junior Ranger Program: Eco-Explorer. Children age six to 10 are invited to the Junior Ranger program from 11 a.m. to noon at the Nature Center to learn about plants and animals, and how they live together. Children earn a badge and certificate. For more information, please call (435) 782 3030.

July 15 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Junior Ranger Program: The Un-huggables: Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards. If you are between the ages of six and 12, you can become a Junior Ranger by joining the naturalist in this one-hour program designed to get kids excited about nature! Program begins at 1 p.m. at the Huber Grove. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

July 15 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Campfire Program: Whodunit? "A Scatological Mystery"- Join the park naturalist to uncover some of the mysteries of wildlife. Learn to identify some common animals by what they leave behind through this fun, interactive program. Meet at the campground amphitheater at 7 p.m. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

SUNDANCE TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY
Tickets for the Peter Breinholt CD release concerts at Sundance on September 8 & 9 go on sale this Friday (July 7) and 10 am. To purchase tickets, call 1.800.429.9920, visit www.peterbreinholt.com, or click here. Grass seating $12, bench seats $14. All seats General Admission.

ALBUM UPDATE
People who have been given sneak previews of the new album are raving. The title of the album is "All The Color Green", and the work in the studio will be complete in three weeks. You can hear a few song samples, see photos, and get updates now in the "Weekly News" column at www.peterbreinholt.com. The CD will be released at the Sundance shows in September.

BIG SUMMER CONCERT
Come hear the premiere of some of the new tunes at the Sandy Outdoor Amphitheater on July 29. This is Peter's big summer show. And it comes with a sunset. Tickets are available at Smith's Tix (1-800-888-TIXX) or SmithsTix.com. Show time is 8pm.





Fee Changes Proposed by DWR

If Approved, Fees Would Not Change Until July 1, 2007

The Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending changes to its licenses and fees that would change the way hunters apply for a permit in the state's big game drawings. The changes would also provide the agency with some much-needed funding.

The DWR will present its recommendations at a series of public meetings that begin at the end of July.

Those who attend the meetings can learn more about the DWR's recommendations and can provide their input and suggestions. Citizens representing Utah's five Regional Advisory Councils will take the public input received to the Utah Wildlife Board when it meets Aug. 17 in Salt Lake City.

Any fee changes the board approves must also be approved by the Utah legislature and would not go into effect until July 1, 2007.

A proposal to establish a separate goose-hunting zone in northern Utah, and recommendations that would probably result in hunters taking about the same number of cougars in Utah this season as they took last season, also will be presented.

Meeting dates, times and locations are as follows:

Southern Region
July 25
7 p.m.
Delta High School
50 W. 300 N.
Delta

Southeastern Region
July 26
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
July 27
6:30 p.m.
Western Park, # 2
302 E. 200 S.
Vernal

Central Region
Aug. 1
6:30 p.m.
Springville High School
1205 E. 900 S.
Springville

Northern Region
Aug. 2
Brigham City Community Center
24 N. 300 W.
Brigham City

Fee Changes

A change in how the state's big game drawing is conducted would probably result in fewer people applying for a Utah limited entry or once-in-a-lifetime big game permit.

Reducing the number of applicants would provide the remaining applicants with a better chance at drawing a permit. The proposal would also provide the DWR with some much-needed funding.

"Right now, it costs $5 to apply for a big game permit in Utah," said Greg Sheehan, Administrative Services Section chief for the DWR. "That's among the lowest fees in the western states, and we believe it's one of the main reasons the number of people applying for big game permits in Utah has been climbing for years."

While the number of applicants continues to climb, the number of permits for which to apply hasn't changed much. For example, in 1998, more than 50,000 people applied for about 4,000 permits. In 2006, more than 144,000 people applied for about 4,400 permits.

In 1998, an average of about 13 applications were submitted for every permit that was available. By 2006, that number had climbed to an average of 32 applications per permit.

"Limited entry and once-in-a-lifetime permits are very difficult to draw in Utah. We want to make the few permits that we do have available to people who are willing to partner with us to manage the state's wildlife," said Jim Karpowitz, director of the DWR. "It costs a lot of money to manage the state's big game animals. The opportunity to hunt those animals should go to the people who are willing to pay for their management."

The DWR is recommending three options and is asking the public to choose ONE of them (each of these options would raise about the same amount of revenue):

Option 1 (the DWR's preferred option):

Before applying in any draw or buying any hunting permit over-the-counter, all hunters, including big game hunters, would be required to buy a hunting license. In addition to allowing the holder to apply for a permit or buy a permit over-the-counter, a hunting license would also allow the holder to hunt small game. The license would cost $17.

Option 2:

In addition to paying the $5 application fee, big game applicants who wanted a bonus point would be required to purchase one for $24. Hunters would not have to pay for points that they had accrued in past years.

Option 3:

Hunters could apply in all five of the once-in-a-lifetime draws, and purchase one bonus point for each of the once-in-a-lifetime draws and one bonus point for the limited entry draw. The cost for each bonus point would be $12 per bonus point.

Hunters would not have to pay for points that they had accrued in past years. The application fee on all applications would remain at $5 per species.

In addition to the big game changes, the DWR is recommending some additional fee changes. One of those changes would require that those who don't have a hunting or fishing license pay a fee to visit the state's wildlife and waterfowl management areas (WMAs).

A Watchable Wildlife pass would be available for $10 and would allow the purchaser access to the state's WMAs for 365 days from the day the pass was purchased. The pass would also provide the holder access to all of the Watchable Wildlife events and festivals held throughout Utah.

Karpwoitz says the DWR needs to raise more revenue. The agency is currently funded almost entirely from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses. Unless additional revenue is found, within the next five years the DWR is projecting that it will spend $11 million more than it takes in.

"To manage Utah's wildlife effectively, we have to raise more revenue," Karpowitz said. "If we don't, Utah's wildlife will suffer and so will everyone who enjoys wildlife in the state."

In addition to input about the increased and new fees, the DWR is also seeking input about some additional items:

Cougar Hunting Recommendations

Cougar hunting proposals the DWR is recommending would probably result in about 325 cougars being taken in Utah during the state's 2006 - 2007 season. That's similar to the 332 cougars taken during the 2005 - 2006 season and the 321 taken during the 2004 - 2005 season.

"An effort has been underway in Utah for years to reduce the number of cougars in the state, and it appears those efforts have worked," says Kevin Bunnell, mammals program coordinator for the DWR. "Now we're shifting the emphasis from trying to reduce the number of cougars to maintaining a balance between cougars and the deer, bighorn sheep and other animals cougars prey on."

Goose Hunting Zone in Northern Utah

A separate Canada goose hunting zone in northern Utah is the major waterfowl hunting change the DWR is proposing for the upcoming season.

The zone would include all of Cache and Rich counties, and the northeast portion of Box Elder County. The goose hunt in the zone would begin at the start of the waterfowl season in October and would run until mid-January.

The goose-hunting season in the remainder of the state would be a split season, but it would be a bit different from last year. The season would begin in early October, and then it would close during the last week in October. The season would then reopen and run until the end of January.

"Federal law only allows the goose hunting season to be a certain number of days," said Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR. "Last year we wanted to allow hunters to hunt geese in late January. That's the time of year when geese begin leaving urban areas along the Wasatch Front and start visiting the marshes again to begin the breeding and nesting season."

The season had to be closed for two weeks last year to allow hunters to hunt geese at the beginning of the season and still have some days available to hunt in late January. Because the general waterfowl season will open one week later this year (on Oct. 7) closing the goose season for only one week will still leave hunters with enough days to hunt into late January.

Aldrich says some of the hunters in northern Utah, and some of the state and federal agency waterfowl managers in the area, have indicated they'd like to go back to a straight season. "That's why we're recommending a zone with an early, straight season for that area this year," he said.

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

USA. Prospec celebrates 20 years; premiers radios with black box technology & remote controls

Prospec Electronics took its first step into the boating industry with the introduction of SeaWorthy marine audio products in 1986. Twenty years later, the company continues to provide the latest audio technology in a dedicated marine product line under a number of well-known brands.

Owner David Sykes combined a lifetime of boating with decades of automotive and marine audio equipment experience to form Prospec Electronics. He started with partner Don Hammond, president of retailer Hammond Electronics of Columbus, Ohio. Early on, Prospec recognized the potential for marine-specific audio equipment, and quickly made inroads into the marine market.

Product development is a passion with Sykes. This resulted in many marine industry innovations, including the first one-piece marine speaker in 1986; Seatop, the first protective shield for radios in 1996; and the patented Seashroud installation system and protective cover in 2004. "All these ideas came from years of solving mounting problems in the automotive markets, along with knowing what it takes to make a product survive in the marine environment," explained Sykes.

In May 1993, David and Mary Sykes purchased Hammond's interest in the company. They relocated Prospec to Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, and started in a rented 2,500 square foot facility with 6 employees. Today,Prospec occupies more than 15,000 square feet of office, warehouse and service department space and has an experienced staff of 35 employees.

In addition to its Seaworthy brand, Prospec helped launch JVC into the market and was responsible for encouraging Infinity and JBL to develop a dedicated marine line. These successful introductions were due to its direct involvement in each company's product design, as well as the marketing and promotion to the industry.

The latest technologies and components are built into Prospec's products. Electronic Shock Protection prevents CDs from skipping while a boat is underway. Many of its stereo systems include auxiliary inputs for MP3, satellite radio or DVD.

Prospec ensures product integrity through its quality control department. Circuit boards are encapsulated in a unique PUC polymer moisture coating, which can be seen under UV light. It indicates whether any areas of the circuit board are unprotected.

In the water test chamber, a continuous spray runs over stereo faces at 2 gallons per minute. The heat chamber duplicates a wet, covered boat, with high humidity and temperatures reaching 150º. A shock chamber vibrates products at high rates to ensure CD mechanisms will stay in place. Prospec's torture tank tests for durability in its pool and spa applications, using high doses of chemicals such as chlorine and bromide.

The company continues its tradition of innovation by constantly transforming cutting edge automotive technology into quality marine products. This summer, Prospec is premiering 3 radios, including models with black box technology, and a wireless remote control unit.

Gerber Legendary Blades signs agreement to purchase Brunton
Portland, OR July 6, 2006--FISKARS, the parent company of Gerber Legendary Blades, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the Sweden based Silva Group including its US subsidiary, The Brunton Company. Brunton is recognized as a leading manufacturer of navigation equipment, personal lighting, sports optics, portable power and camping accessories.

"This acquisition is consistent with previous steps we've taken to provide the outdoor enthusiasts with the essential gear they need to fend for themselves as they pursue their activities." said Jason Landmark, President of Gerber. "We've been impressed for some time by their quality and wide array of outdoor products and see it as a natural extension of the Gerber line" added Landmark.

Gerber Legendary Blades is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-grade innovative and branded essential outdoor gear including knives, tools, lights, accessories, packs and hydration. For more information, visit Gerber online at
http://www.gerbergear.com or contact Customer Service at 800.950.6161.

MACDADDY'S $1,000,000 LURE TO BE SHOWN AT ICAST

(July 5, 2006)-- To the sounds of countless "ooohs and aaahs" MacDaddy's Fishing Lures unveiled to leading members of the outdoor media, their $1,000,000 Fishing Lure at the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) annual conference in Lake Charles, LA.

"We were delighted with the Outdoor Press response to our design efforts," says Mac McBurney of MacDaddy's Fishing Lures. "At the OWAA conference, we had a few photos of MILLION DOLLAR LURE. Now at the upcoming ICAST 2006 show in Las Vegas… the $1,000,000 Lure is going to be on open display!"

MacDaddy's Fishing Lures, Inc will be displaying the $1,000,000 Fishing Lure while at ICAST--Booth # 648. The MILLION DOLLAR LURE will be transported daily to the show using "armed security escorts."

Technology is used in Firefighting Effort

Today, firefighters will continue to secure firelines on the Bull Complex fires, including securing firelines around unburned islands within the fire. A warming and drying weather trend continues today and through the week, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms bringing strong gusty winds and lightning. Fire conditions are expected to increase similar to when the fires burned active last week. The combination of hot, dry weather and dry vegetation increases the chance for new fire starts to grow. There is a 20-30% chance of dry lightning this week mostly in the higher terrain.

Today, using thermal imaging, a helicopter will fly the fire perimeter in search of heat sources. Thermal imaging can pin point any source of heat increasing firefighter safety by reducing the time searching for hot spots. Instead of firefighters working side by side around the entire perimeter in search of any smoldering fires in the ground, this technology allows firefighters to go directly to the heat source. Flying each day, the camera can detect and map spots that are heating up or cooling down compared to previous flights, making it easier for firefighters to suppress any remaining heat sources and prioritize areas of greater threat to the fireline.

The fires are 70% contained as the Bull fire remains at 24,746 acres and the Cove Mountain fire at 18,825 acres for a total of 43,571 acres. The perimeter of the fires is 68 miles with 47 miles of completed fireline. Predicted full containment of the fires is tomorrow evening July 7. Currently there are no communities or structures directly threatened.

Nine handcrews (4 Type 1, 5 Type 2), 16 engines, 4 helicopters (1 Type 2, 3 Type 3), and air reconnaissance planes, and airtankers if needed, are fighting the fire. 423 personnel are managing the Bull Complex and cost to date is $3,200,000.

The Gunlock State Park remains closed, though North Gunlock Road by the park remains open.

Safety: Please be aware that fire danger remains high. Dispose of all fireworks and put out all campfires with water.

For more information, including road closure information, visit http://www.utahfireinfo.gov



Fire Restrictions Lifted at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz. - Fire conditions within Grand Canyon National Park have moderated with increased precipitation and the onset of monsoons. In the last few weeks, fire danger has gone from extreme down to high.

The improved conditions allow fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park to lift fire restrictions on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon effective today. Fire restrictions had been in place since June 5, 2006.

Restrictions that are being lifted include: Charcoal grills and campfires (that were restricted in Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, the North Rim Campground and residential areas). The restriction on smoking,
which was only permitted within and directly adjacent to buildings that had designated smoking areas and within private vehicles provided an ashtray was used, has also been lifted.

Campfires in Grand Canyon National Park are only permitted in designated grills within established campgrounds on the rim, and along the Colorado River providing fire pans are used.

Historically conditions continue to moderate once the monsoons arrive. However, conditions can again dry out especially in early fall. If this occurs, fire restrictions will again be put in place.

Visitors and residents are reminded that even though fire conditions have improved and restrictions have been lifted it is important to practice fire safety at all times throughout the year.

For additional information, please call the Grand Canyon National Park's Fire Information recorded message at (928) 638-7819 or call Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer at (928) 638-7779. You may also visit the
park's website at http://www.nps.gov/grca .

Travel Management Plan Receives 450 Responses

McCall, ID - The Payette National Forest has received over 450 public comment responses on the proposed Travel Management Plan released in January.

Comments were received by e-mail, conventional mail, fax, and at five public meetings held by the Forest. The comments came during an extended 90-day public comment period on the draft environmental impact statement
(EIS) that ended May 19. This is in addition to the 1,600 comment letters, forms, and postcards received during scoping period on the proposed action in late 2004.

The Forest Service has analyzed each comment letter, identified the substantive comments, and assigned subject codes to each. It has grouped similar comments and assigned them to interdisciplinary (ID) team members to analyze.

Members of the public expressed concern about a wide variety of issues, but most comments fell into several categories. A large number of comments supported Alternative D, the option that emphasizes non-motorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Another large number of comments favored Alternative C, the option that emphasizes motorized opportunities such as trail bike riding, ATV riding, and snowmobiling. Many of these comments said Alternative C failed to go far enough in providing motorized access. Another group of comments favored the No Action alternative, which would have continued the 1995 travel plan.

In addition to alternative preferences, other concerns to the public included the effects of both motorized and non-motorized use on Forest resources, motorized access in two recommended wilderness areas, and the use of partnerships and grants to aid in trail maintenance and enforcement.

Firewood access was an area of concern. However, travel routes for specific activities such as firewood harvest, grazing permits, and access to private land will be addressed through site-specific analyses outside the travel plan.

In light of the comments, the Payette is developing a fifth alternative, Alternative E, to address public comments and to reflect specific Ranger District access needs while also meeting the Forest Plan. That will provide the decision maker five alternatives to select from.

The Travel Management Plan, when finalized, will define the Payette National Forest's transportation system, for both summer and winter travel, for both motorized and non-motorized use. The plan will also incorporate the Forest Service National Rule governing indiscriminate off-road travel, as required by Forest Service policy.

The Forest will prepare a final EIS including responses to public comments. It expects to issue the final EIS and decision on the Travel Management Plan in December 2006.

The draft EIS for the travel plan is posted on the Forest's web site ( http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/payette/ ). A copy is available at each Payette Ranger District Office. More information is available from the Forest's public affairs office at (208) 634-0784.

Letter to BigFishTackle.Com Members



Hello BigFishTackle.Com Members,
WE WANTED TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY!!!

As many of you already know we recently ran a couple of new advertising program tests.

This message is let you know we greatly appreciate your patience, support and feedback during those tests. Although the test were a great success in the results, at this time taking into consideration the feedback we recieved we have opted not to implement these forms of advertising on the message boards.

As you may guess there are many discussions about this on the boards now and we still welcome your comments.
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/

If you are fishing this weekend or are interested in where people are headed for the 4th, drop by the boards!!!!
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/