SANDY CONCERT AND VIP TICKET GIVEAWAY
I'm so excited to play Renaissance Hymn at my Sandy Amphitheater concert on July 7th (see below for details). Opening this show will be comedian/impersonator, Jason Hewlett, who is hilarious and puts on a great act for all ages.

Once again, as is customary with all of my large concerts, I give a pair of VIP tickets to two of you on my email list. We'll take the first two people to respond and give them tickets to the Sandy show on July 7th (see below for details). To participate, email us at vip@jonschmidt.com . The first two people to respond will each win two free tickets. When responding by email please provide: 1) your first and last name and 2) a phone number in which you may be reached. Please do not respond after June 13, 2006 (we'll have more than enough respondents by then). The winners will be announced on the front page of my site under "Free Music".

UPCOMING CONCERTS

CLARK PLANETARIUM PRESENTS THE SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURE FAIR FOR KIDS

Jun. 16, 2006 Clark Planetarium

WHAT: This Friday, Jun. 16, the Clark Planetarium will host a free kid-focused Adventure Fair to kick off the planetarium's Summer Film Series (featuring a different adventure-themed IMAX® film every two weeks, Jun. 16 - Sept. 7).

At this free one-day event, kids will get a taste of what's to come in the Summer Film Series. Some of the Wasatch Front's great adventurers will come to the Clark Planetarium to share their stories, their gear and even...their birds. Each interactive, half-hour presentation will relate to one of the six films that will be showing during the film series: TO FLY!, The Living Sea, Journey Into Amazing Caves, Amazon, Everest and Space Station 3D.

The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a different presentation starting at the top of each hour. Children of all ages are welcome.

WHERE: The Clark Planetarium

110 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

WHEN: Jun. 16, 2006: 11 - 4:30 p.m.

SCHEDULE:
11 a.m. - U.S. Air Force representatives will speak to the kids about flying airplanes in the past v. flying airplanes now. To Fly!

12 p.m. - Rob Weseman from SCUBA Utah will share his passion for diving while letting kids touch and try on his wetsuits, dry suits, masks, buoys and other gear. The Living Sea.

1 p.m. - Cami Pulham from Timpanogos Cave National Monument will talk to the kids about exploring Utah's own natural, splendid cave. She'll tell the history of the cave by sharing natural formations and comparing old-time and modern caving gear. Journey into Amazing Caves.

2 p.m. - Tracy Aviary's education department will bring a live Amazonian bird to show the children and will talk about surviving and thriving in the Amazon. Amazon.

2:45 p.m. - The honorable Jake Garn will introduce the film To Fly! in the IMAX® theatre for those who have purchased tickets to the show.

3 p.m. - Salt Lake mountaineer, Dan Smith, will tell the harrowing story of his team's attempt on Everest. Everest.
4 p.m. - The Clark Planetarium education team will share the extreme conditions of working in space. They will ignite rocket fuel to illustrate the power of this intense chemical reaction. Space Station 3D.

CAPTIVATING VISUALS OF CHILDREN LEARNING IN A FUN, HANDS-ON ENVIRONMENT, WHILE INTERACTING WITH REAL-LIFE ADVENTURERS AND ROLE MODELS

OTHER INFORMATION: Passport ticket packages for Clark's Summer Film Series are available at the Clark Planetarium and will be available during the Adventure Fair. The passports, which include tickets to all six IMAX films in the series, are $25 (less then half of what it would cost to go to six IMAX® films independently).

World of the Wild showing at Ogden Nature Center this summer

The World of the Wild is the annual art show sponsored by the Utah Hogle Zoo featuring artworks of animals and the wild. This traveling exhibit, on loan from the Utah Arts Council, will be on display June 22 through July 28, 2006
in the L.S. Peery Education Center at the Ogden Nature Center.

Viewing the exhibit is free, while general admission to the Nature Center is $3 for adults and $1.25 for children.

The goal of this exhibition is to bring together the works of serious artists who are interested in displaying their view of wild animals, plants and places with which we share our world.

The art of depicting animals is an ancient one. Prehistoric men depicted animals on cave walls in an attempt to gain power over their hunt. These paintings can still be seen in Lascaux, France; Altamira, Spain; Africa and Australia. Fremont and Anasazi Indians of Utah also drew animal images as a form of spiritual empowerment. The ancient Egyptians drew and modeled animals with great care based upon the observation of nature. Today, art classes are often seen at the Zoo painting and drawing from life.

Wildlife artists such as James Audubon have been instrumental in raising public awareness of endangered species. It is hoped that by focusing more attention on the wilder side of nature that the public will gain a greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife.

The Ogden Nature Center is located at 966 W. 12th Street in Ogden. For more information: 621-7595 or http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org

LADIES BEGINNER SHOTGUN CLINIC

-Heber City Ladies! Grab your guns… or come and borrow one on Saturday, July 8, 2006 when the Heber Valley Gun Club will host its 6^th annual Ladies Only Shotgun Clinic sponsored by the National Rifle Association's 'Women on Target' Program. The clinic is co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' Program and features long-time women's shotgun instructors, Gene Ekenstam and Louise Bradshaw. This father-daughter duo have been instructing women in the shotgun sports for over fifteen years and guarantee results.

"We can get the ladies hitting the targets their first day out," brags Ekenstam.

"Women are built different than men," explains Bradshaw. "So, we teach them to how to hold the gun and how to stand so that the gun won't kick them. This makes for a much more enjoyable first experience and then they can focus on hitting targets instead of worrying about the gun kicking them."

Classes that teach women how to handle firearms and how to shoot are becoming more popular every year. If fact, nationally women are the fastest growing segment in the shooting sports. And in Utah, many gun club operators agree that they are seeing more women coming out to shoot than ever before.

"Trapshooting is a very social sport. You get to sit around and chit chat with other shooters in between rounds," says Wendy Mair. "I also think a lot of women are drawn to it because they realize this is a sport that the whole family can participate in together. At the Heber Valley Gun Club we have several families - moms, dads and kids - who come out almost every week."

In addition to the fun comradeship of a bunch of ladies learning to smash targets together, the ladies only clinic features a delicious catered lunch and great door prizes from Sportsman's Warehouse and other local merchants. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://www.hebervalleygunclub.org or email hebervalleygunclub@earthlink.net . For more information, please call 801-377-3350 or 435-657-1307.

Movies for Youngsters scheduled at Ogden Peery Theater

When: July 24, 2006 (and continuing this fall)

Where: Peery=s Egyptian Theater (2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden)

Time: After the Pioneer Days Parade. (Around Noon)

Cost: Kids 16 & Under FREE with Milk Top, Adults $2

MOVIES, "The Way They Used to Be!"

To honor the memory of one of Ogden's great citizens, Peery's Egyptian Theater announces the Len Allen Film Series. The series will consist of a family oriented feature film as well as cartoon shorts and contests for prizes and fun. To remain true to how children's films were shown in a time when the late great Len Allen worked at our theater, admission for children under the age of 16 will be FREE when they bring any milk container top to the box office. Adult admissions will be only $2. The first show of the series will début July 24^th following the pioneer days parade. The series will then resume this fall with Saturday matinees.

PEOPLE OF THE WEST CELEBRATION AND SUMMER SOLSTICE EVENT

CEDAR CITY, UTAH - On June 24, 2006, everyone is invited to celebrate the people who lived and settled this area in the "People of the West" celebration in beautiful Parowan, Utah, and experience the phenomenon of the Summer Solstice sunset that evening at the Parowan Gap. Although the first day of summer is really June 21, this celebration and summer solstice event will be held on Saturday, June 24th.

The celebration of the "People of the West," the Native Americans, pioneers and mountain men includes traditional food, crafts and live entertainment at the Parowan Town Square Park from 1:00-6:00 p.m. There will be demonstrations by the Paiute Tribe, and the Old Rock Church museum will be open during that time for visitors to view remnants of the past.

Then travel 10.5 miles west of Parowan to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs National Historic Site for the summer solstice sunset observation at 7:30, which will be held near the petroglyphs at the west end of the gap. Listen to interpretations regarding an ancient American solar calendar and the "zipper glyph," from a scientist's point of view, plus hear viewpoints from a representative of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.

The observation of the sun setting in the middle of Parowan Gap begins at 8:30 p.m.

These events are sponsored by the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Parowan Heritage Foundation, Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism and Convention Bureau, and the Bureau of Land Management and are part of the National Antiquities
Act Celebration.

For more information please call the Parowan Visitor Center at (435) 477-8190.

Jewelry Making Workshops scheduled
Beginning classes in Art Clay Silver (metal clay) have been scheduled for the following dates:

Jun 17, 3:00 p.m.
Jul 18, 6:00 p.m.
Aug 11, 3:00 p.m.

The instructor will be adding a metal clay with glass class for sure, stay tuned for the date and has been adding runes to her ceramic collection and I should have pictures of rings and pendants posted under the "Art Clay" section early
next week. You can see the ceramic rune cabochons and the new ceramic sets on the "Ceramic" section right now. If you want one specially made contact her with the details.

Kerry
CeltCraft Beads & Jewelry
http://www.celtcraftdesigns.com
http://www.thebeadcoop.com

CASTING TOURNAMENTS AND $250,000 IN PRIZE MONEY FEATURED IN IRISH ANGLING CELEBRATION

What is being billed as the world's largest casting tournament will take place in Ireland from September 2 to 8, 2006. Casters from approximately 40 countries could be eligible to compete in two casting championships that will run consecutively: (1) The Emerald World Masters (EWM) Championship, September 2 - 4; and, (2) the International Casting Sport Federation (ICSF) World Championship -September 5 to 8. Furthermore, the World Angling Trade Show will complement these two events.

It is the first time Ireland has been awarded the honor of hosting the ICSF World Championships, which is held every two years at various countries. But the big buzz centers on the fact that the 1^st Emerald World Masters tournament will feature cash prizes of more than $250,000 (200,000 Euros)!

This three-part angling festival will take place at Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare (just twenty kilometers west of Dublin), one of the most impressive stately homes in Ireland.

The 2006 ICSF World Championships consist of nine casting events testing distance, speed, accuracy and precision. These events are cast on ground.

The Emerald World Masters, which will precede the ICSF, consists of five events cast on water and include Spey, Salmon Fly and Trout Fly Distance events.

The events encompass fly, spinning and plug casting.

OTHER COMPETITIONS

This angling celebration will also feature the EWM Spey Team Championships, EWM Open International Coarse Angling Championships, EWM Open International Fly-Tying Championships and the EWM Open International Youth Trout Fly Fishing Competitions.

The EWM levels the playing field by offering competitive divisions for men, ladies, boys and girls.

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG?

Many feel that the cash prizes of more than $250,000 may be just what the casting sport needs to become popular, and who knows, but one day casting may be included in the Olympics. After all, fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities: It's estimated that more than 100 million people engage in fishing in the world.

The EMW is the brainchild of Ireland's Brendan Begley - renowned world-class caster and sportsman, angling coach to the rich and famous and also president of the Irish National Casting Association. For this event, Brendan has teamed up with another well-known Irish country sports personality and public figure, David Wilkinson.

The World Angling Trade Show, a manufacturers' showcase and a retail fair of broad appeal encompassing angling, holidays, boats and country life, will complement the two world casting events. This festival constitutes a unique opportunity to promote Ireland and its angling tourism to a worldwide audience. The combined elements of this event make it an exhibition vehicle for Ireland itself and promise to make the first week in September an exciting and memorable one. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend and Sky Sports will televise the tournament in Europe.

THE RIVER RYE RUNS THROUGH IT

The majestic Carton House provides the perfect showcase for this angling celebration: It offers immaculate lawns (ideal for the ICSF events), that lead to its private natural lake. The River Rye runs through its many acres of wooded and park areas. It has easy access to the local canal for the Coarse Angling Championships. The "Carton House Experience" includes its acclaimed championship golf courses (The Montgomerie and The O'Meara) and, upon opening in June, a lavish new hotel and state of the art health spa.

Click on website http://www.2006worldcastingchampionships .ie for complete pictorial, information.

CHUB REMOVAL AT JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR

PRICE, UTAH--Over the past two weeks, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) personnel have been netting Utah chubs at Joes Valley Reservoir. Chubs have been problematic at the reservoir, occupying the habitat and competing with food resources intended for trout.

Fishing regulations have been in place for a number of years, which are designed to help splake get large enough to eat chubs. Although the regulations have resulted in trophy splake, the population of chubs hasn't been significantly impacted. The trap-netting of chubs by the DWR will hopefully give the splake a helping hand in reducing chub numbers.

Almost every day for the past two weeks, DWR personnel have set trap nets along the shorelines, trapping chubs which school in shallow water as they prepare to spawn. Biologists set and collect nets daily. Yields approach a ton of chubs every day, which are taken to the Emery County landfill for disposal.

Chubs were probably introduced to the reservoir by anglers using live minnows as bait. Live minnows sometimes get off the hook, find mates and reproduce, creating a horrible problem for the sport fishery. It is illegal to fish with live bait and to carry live fish from one water to the next. This law was implemented in an attempt to end a practice which has had dire consequences on Utah's fisheries.

Anglers who want to keep waters free from nuisance fish species need to stop using live minnows as bait and urge others to do likewise. If you see others using live fish as bait or transporting live fish, please notify the Help Stop Poaching hotline at: 1-800-662-DEER or your local public safety dispatcher by calling 911. The thousands of dollars spent every year on control of unwanted fish species could have been used for better purposes

Striped Bass Hot Spot Update. June 14, 2006

Dam-- Fish the ledge on west side which coincides with barricade 3-4 and 5. If those spots are taken go uplake.

Corner as lake turns left (north) at Buoy 3. Fish the shade line in the morning.

Power Plant Intake * (Construction boom on rim) Fish early before boat traffic starts.

Buoy 9 * Gently sloping outcropping near shore is the best place.

Small canyon just upstream from Buoy 9 before the lake turns left heading for Navajo.

Mouth of Navajo on the main channel side. Either side of the entrance along main channel.

First corner of Navajo Canyon * Fish shade line in the morning. Look for a yellow rope on the right side to tie up to a good spot.

Double islands in Navajo Cyn * Go beyond islands and fish the first and second points on the left hand side of the channel.

Mouth of Warm Creek and main channel.

Padre Butte between Buoy 21A and 22B * Fish the channel beyond Padre Butte to the south.

Jacks Arch * mouth of San Juan.

San Juan - Too muddy stay in main channel

Buoy 65 -East channel wall 200-500 yards down lake of Cottonwood Canyon

Buoy 74 - Mouth of Bowns and Long Canyons, 50-100 yards from main channel inside of Bowns Canyon's NE wall.

Buoy 92/93 - West wall of main channel 50-150 yards down lake from mouth of Lost Eden Canyon.

Halls Ramp * Cliff wall downstream from ramp.

Buoy 99 A at Hansen Creek.

More Than 60,000 Trout Stocked in Panguitch Lake

Panguitch -- More than 60,000 trout have been stocked into Panguitch Lake since right before the Memorial Day weekend. And some of the recent additions weigh close to three pounds each!

Panguitch Lake is 14 miles southwest of Panguitch, in the Dixie National Forest.

The Division of Wildlife Resources has been restocking the lake to restore fishing after completing a rotenone treatment on May 2 to remove the lake's Utah chubs. The lake was declared nontoxic just before the Memorial Day weekend, and restocking began immediately thereafter.

Since that time, almost 60,000 10-inch rainbow trout have been released into the lake. Then, during the week of June 5, more than 2,000 larger trout were also stocked.

"These larger fish average just less than two pounds each, but some of them weigh close to three pounds and are more than 16 inches long," says Richard Jensen, DWR aquatics biologist. "They should be a lot of fun for anyone who is lucky enough to get one on their hook."

The DWR has also scheduled 315,000 fingerling trout for stocking into Panguitch Lake this year. These fish are three, six and seven inches in length.

"These smaller fingerlings represent the future of Panguitch Lake," says Mike Ottenbacher, DWR regional aquatics manager. "They may be small now, but they will grow rapidly. By next year they will be big enough to catch and will provide some great fishing, which will continue for the foreseeable future."

All of the fish stocked into Panguitch Lake are raised in DWR hatcheries. Stocking at the lake will continue through the summer and should be completed by late fall.

Panguitch Lake has a reputation as an angler's paradise, producing big fish in a short period of time. Fishing should be great there this summer, and it will only get better as time goes on.

View Nesting Bald Eagles June 22 and 24

Salt Lake City -- Two adult bald eagles and their three baby eaglets will be the center of attention during two free Watchable Wildlife field trips hosted by the Division of Wildlife Resources near the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake.

The field trips will be offered Thursday, June 22 and Saturday, June 24.

The trips will leave at 6 p.m. each evening from the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City. There is no cost to participate, but reservations are required. To reserve a spot call Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife program coordinator for the DWR, at (801) 538-4771.

Participants will follow Walters in their vehicles, traveling on mostly paved roads to the viewing site. He'll have some spotting scopes and binoculars available, but participants who have their own are encouraged to bring them. "It'll be warm, so dress accordingly, and bring some mosquito spray," he advises.

Participants are free to leave the viewing site anytime during the evening.

Nesting Bald Eagles in Utah

Those who participate in the field trips will be able to view the first nesting pair of bald eagles documented in northern Utah since 1928.

Bald eagles have used the present nest site yearly since 1996. Two eaglets have been successfully raised each year during five of the past 11 years. Three eaglets have been successfully raised each of the remaining six years, including the three eaglets that are being raised this year.

"That's a total of 28 eaglets over an 11-year period," Walters said. "This Great Salt Lake eagle pair is extremely productive."

Walters says bald eagle pairs often nest at the same site each year, and the adult eagles that people will view June 22 and 24 are probably the same pair nature enthusiasts have viewed at the site since 1996.

The eagles are utilizing a manmade nest built as a replacement for their original nest snag, which was blown to the ground during a windstorm on June 13, 2001.

Eaglets Just Learning to Fly

Walters said the eaglets should be learning to fly in early June, so there's a good chance those attending the field trips will watch as the eaglets make some of their first flights from their nest and back.

The eaglets will be about 11 to 12 weeks old by late June. They and their parents should remain at the nest site until early July, and then they'll leave the state for other areas, Walters said.

Walters says the success the eagles have found raising young through the years illustrates the quality and importance of the streamside and lake habitat within the greater Great Salt Lake area. "We should take a small bow in honor of the accomplishments of these eagles and pledge to continue to exercise the restraint necessary to ensure habitat is protected and preserved for wildlife across the state," he said.

In addition to the northern Utah site, Utah has nine other active bald eagle nest sites. These sites are scattered throughout the state.

Sandhill Crane Applications Available by June 27

Applications will be available by June 27 to hunt sandhill cranes in three northern Utah counties and Uintah County this fall.

Hunters who applied for a sandhill crane permit during any of the past six years should receive an application in the mail by June 27.
Beginning June 27, applications also will be available from hunting and fishing license agents statewide, the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site (wildlife.utah.gov) and DWR offices and hunter education centers.

Mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on July 11 to be entered in the draw for permits. Applications submitted through the DWR's Web site must be received no later than 11 p.m. on July 11.

Hunters who have a major credit card are encouraged to apply for a permit at the Web site. Hunters who don't have a major credit card must mail their application in. It will take a few days for their application to arrive in the mail, and they're encouraged to mail it as far in advance of the July 11 deadline as possible, said Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR.

"To ensure their application is received on time, those who wait until a few days before the deadline should consider using an overnight mailing service," Tutorow said.

Draw results will be posted by Aug. 2.

Hunts will be held in Uintah County, Cache County, Rich County and the eastern portion of Box Elder County. A total of 34 permits will be available for the Cache County hunt, 12 for Rich County, 22 for eastern Box Elder County and 69 for Uintah County.

The hunts in Cache, Rich and eastern Box Elder counties will run Sept. 2 - 10. The hunt in Uintah County will run Sept. 23 - Oct. 1.

Those with questions may call the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office at 1-800-221-0659, the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Groups Take Stand on Alternative Energy Issue

Coalition Raises Concerns Regarding Use of CRP for Biofuels Production

WASHINGTON - Organizations representing millions of hunters and anglers and fish, wildlife and conservation interests in all 50 states today sent a letter to Congress asking for a seat at the table as members consider biomass production proposals.

In their letter, 22 organizations pointed specifically to the unprecedented habitat, wildlife and conservation successes attributed to the 36 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the program's first 20 years. The groups expressed serious concern that similar accomplishments would become impossible in the future if biofuels production was to become a main goal of the program.

The letter cited the following:

· Altering the existing CRP guidelines without adequate research to determine "best management practices" may inadvertently sacrifice many of the CRP's documented natural resource conservation victories.

· Crafting a successful alternative energy policy will ensure that we sustain our current economical food supply, positive balance of agricultural trade, gains in quality habitat and wildlife numbers, and water and soil quality.

· Impacts of increased stubble removal and diminished vegetative cover as they relate to wildlife, soil, water quality and quantity must be determined before land enrolled in conservation programs, such as the CRP, are considered as a source of biomass production.

· Most at risk are the wildlife benefits of CRP, which to a great extent are simply not compatible with frequent harvesting.

The organizations signing the letter offered their collective wildlife-, habitat-, and conservation-based technical expertise and research-based data and requested that Congress consult with them in future biofuels discussions and policy decisions.

The groups also pointed out that risking wildlife benefits jeopardizes the $67.5 billion and 575,000 jobs that hunting and related activities annually add to the U.S. economy.

Many of the groups signing the letter take part in the TRCP's Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group (AWWG), which is focusing on identifying ways to improve the conservation programs included in the Farm Bill. Bart James of Ducks Unlimited, an AWWG co-chair, commented, "More than two million ducklings hatched each year on land enrolled in the CRP means the program -- with its current parameters -- is working.

CRP is a success story not only for ducks, there's also proof that nearly every species of upland gamebird and native songbirds are flourishing on land enrolled in the CRP.

Any changes to the existing CRP must be carefully considered to ensure we don't take a step backwards."

Dave Nomsen of Pheasants Forever, also an AWWG co-chair, added, "CRP is the most successful conservation program in history and is credited with conserving more of our nation's soil, water and wildlife than any other program. I'm looking forward to working with production agriculture interests and Members of Congress to ensure the biofuels and alternative energy outcome is a 'win-win' scenario for everyone."

American Sportfishing Association… Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies… BASS/ESPN… Bear Trust… Berkley Conservation Institute… Campfire Club of America… Ducks Unlimited… Izaak Walton League of America… National Wild Turkey Federation… National Wildlife Federation… The Nature Conservancy… North American Bear Foundation… North American Grouse Partnership… Pheasants Forever… Quality Deer Management Association… Quail Forever… Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation… Safari Club International… Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership… Trout Unlimited… Wildlife Management Institute… The Wildlife Society

June 14, 2006

Dear Member of Congress:

As organizations representing wildlife and conservation interests in all 50 states, we are writing to express our concern about proposals that have surfaced recently which call for using lands enrolled in USDA conservation programs, especially the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), for the production of biofuels. Our organizations represent millions of hunters, anglers and other conservationists who care deeply about our Nation's energy supplies and our fish and wildlife resources. We share your concerns and those of nearly every American that the thirst for the world's shrinking supply of fossil fuels is pushing the United States dangerously close to economic harm and dependency on often volatile foreign sources of energy.

The organizations listed above believe in and support the use of biofuels in diminishing the Nation's dependency on fossil fuels. America has nearly 400 million acres of cropland and some of the world's most productive farms. Furthermore, we are confident America's farmers are ready and willing to produce biofuels crops to meet the needs of this emerging market. But, we are concerned that in the rush to produce biofuels crops, we may inadvertently sacrifice many of the natural resource conservation victories achieved over the past two decades.

The certainty of rapidly expanding biofuels development and increased biofuels crop production means that potentially millions of acres of privately owned land may be utilized for biomass production. Options for biomass production are as diverse as the American landscape, ranging from native grasses, corn stover, wheat straw, forestry products, and other materials. Careful selection of appropriate lands for biomass production is critical if you are to craft a successful alternative energy policy that ensures we sustain our current economical food supply, positive balance of agricultural trade, gains in quality habitat and wildlife numbers, and improving water and soil quality. Accordingly, as you seek ways to promote biofuels and biofuels production, we urge you to carefully consider the impacts of increased stubble removal and diminished vegetative cover as they relate to wildlife, soil, water, and air quality; and investigate all proposals and facts regarding the use of land enrolled in conservation programs as a source of crops grown for biofuels production. We look forward to being included as a part of the "energy solution" and respectfully request that you utilize our wildlife-, habitat-, and conservation-based technical expertise and research-based data; and consult with us in future biofuels discussions and policy decisions.

Of significant concern to us is the future of the highly successful 20-year-old CRP because of the numerous proposals that are surfacing that suggest CRP-enrolled land be used for biofuels production.

The purpose of the CRP is clearly specified by Congress in the 2002 Farm Bill, (P.L. 107-424) according to Sec. 1231 (a) which provides:

"…the Secretary shall formulate and carry out a conservation reserve program under which land is enrolled through the use of contracts to assist owners and operators of land specified… to conserve and improve the soil, water, and wildlife resources of such land."

CRP is the most successful conservation program in history; and is credited with conserving more of our nation's soil, water, and wildlife than any other program. Since its inception in 1986, CRP has helped reduce soil erosion by more than 40 percent and restored 1.8 million acres of critical wetlands. Since enactment of the 2002 Farm Bill, CRP has increased enrollment by 2.6 million acres, conserving a total of more than 36 million acres of environmentally sensitive land for wildlife habitat, riparian buffers, and soil protection. Altering the existing CRP priorities on millions of acres of enrolled land could dramatically reverse many of the gains realized to date in protecting our environment, improving water quality, and enhancing wildlife. Most at risk, are the wildlife benefits of CRP, which to a great extent, are simply not compatible with frequent harvesting. Risking wildlife benefits also jeopardizes the 67.5 billion dollars and 575,000 jobs that hunting and related activities annually add to the U.S. economy. Furthermore, the amount of water required for biofuels production should be carefully considered to ensure that our citizens, agricultural industry, fish, and wildlife have the aquatic resources necessary in perpetuity.

Although we believe that biofuels production will provide a viable alternative income source and an additional revenue stream for American agriculture, accurate research-based determinations of where and how the most beneficial and cost-effective methods of biofuels production can be achieved are not complete. Accordingly, we concur that it is premature at this point in the biofuels discussion to conclude that land enrolled in CRP should be considered as a source of land for biofuels production.

We look forward to engaging in a joint effort with production agriculture interests, especially as we develop policy for the 2007 Farm Bill, to constructively craft a balanced and effective "agricultural energy policy" that lessens U.S. dependence on foreign oil, enhances rural economies, and provides sound environmental and wildlife benefits.

In summary, the organizations listed above strongly support the position that utilization of CRP enrolled land for the purpose of biofuels production is premature at this stage of the alternative energy/biofuels debate - simply because adequate research does not exist that proves utilization of CRP for biofuels production is the best available option. We also believe that altering the CRP without careful study would unravel the documented benefits CRP currently provides.

Thank you for your consideration.

NEW EAST CANYON CAMPGROUND OPEN
Morgan -- Phase one construction at East Canyon State Park is now complete and camping reservations are available online or by calling (800) 322-3770. Improvements include a new boat ramp, restrooms with showers, and renovated 33-site campground with shelters and full hookups at 14 sites. Also, a park concession service will provide watercraft rentals, a general store, and grill by mid-June.

A second phase of improvement projects is underway and will continue over the next few years. For more information, and current park conditions please call (801) 829-6866.

BOAT SAFE, BOAT SMART, BOAT NOW - REGISTER FOR UTAH'S PERSONAL WATERCRAFT COURSE
Salt Lake City -- As you plan your summer boating trips to Utah's lakes and reservoirs, Utah's boating officials remind you to include plans for Utah's Personal Watercraft Education Course.

Utah law provides the opportunity for youths 12 through 17 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC, i.e. Sea Doo, Jet Ski, and Wave Runner) if they meet the following conditions:

1. Persons 12 through 17 must successfully complete Utah's PWC Education Course and carry their certificate with them whenever they operate.

2. Youths, ages 12 through 15, must also operate under the direct supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older.

3. PWC operators who are less than 18 years of age, who have not met the above requirements, may not operate a PWC unless a person who is at least 18 years old accompanies them on board the PWC.

"Many people call with less than one week before their trip, hoping to get their child into one of Utah's PWC education classes," said Richard Droesbeke, boating education coordinator for Utah State Parks. "By planning ahead, they can avoid the disappointment of not finding an available class."

The course is designed to have the students study the materials at home, then come to a central location for the classroom portions of the course. The 1.5-hour classroom portion of the course includes instruction and review of important Utah boating laws and rules, viewing a PWC safety video, addressing common boating courtesies, identifying buoys and hazards, and passing a written test. Upon completion, PWC operators are better prepared to safely enjoy Utah's waters.

To register and enroll in Utah's PWC Education Course, contact the Utah State Parks and Recreation Boating Hotline at (801) 538-BOAT (2628) from within the Salt Lake calling area or 1-800-RIDE-PWC (743-3792) from areas outside Salt Lake, or visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov .

FREMONT INDIAN STATE PARK HOSTS PRIMITIVE POTTERY WORKSHOP
Sevier- Fremont Indian State Park and Museum hosts its annual pottery workshop June 23 through 25. Participants learn to make pottery using ancient techniques with individual guidance from experienced potters. Student creations are fired in a rock-lined kiln.

Workshop instructors are potters Ruth Ann Bradfield of Leamington and Scott Turner of Richfield. Workshop registration fees are $60, which includes clay. Tools and clay are also available in the park gift shop. A second pottery workshop is scheduled September 22 through 24.

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum is located 21 miles south of Richfield on I-70. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to register, please call (435) 527-4631.

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS
June 16 Huntington State Park - Huntington
State park staff hosts a bass fishing tournament at the park. This event is sponsored by Castle Country Bass Masters Association. For more information, please call (435) 687-2491).

June 16 Otter Creek State Park - Antimony
Ryan Paul, museum curator at Iron Mission State Park Museum, presents Traveling the Painted Canyons at 9 p.m. This program is provided with funding from the Utah Humanities Council. The Utah Humanities Council promotes history and heritage, literature and literacy, and public discussion of issues important to our communities. For more information, please call (435) 624-3268.

June 16 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Campfire Program: Our Wild (life) Neighbors. Division of Wildlife Education Coordinator Scott Root shares fun and interesting facts about Utah's wildlife. Learn about animal adaptations and how to do some birdcalls. Program begins at 7 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

June 17 Antelope Island State Park - Syracuse
Volunteer Day: Join park staff in an effort to improve and enhance the park through weed removal, fence repairs, building corrals, rock removal, and trash pickup. Participants are encouraged to bring water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, gloves, and are welcome to bring rakes, shovels, hammers, and saws. Meet at park headquarters at 9 a.m. For more information and to register for this event, please call (801) 209-4678.

June 17 Antelope Island State Park - Syracuse
Machinery of the Past, Old Time Engine Lecture: Join park staff at 2 p.m. for an informative lecture given by Ray Ferrin, historian and restorer of historic engines. For more information, please call (801) 649-5742.

June 17 Rock Cliff Nature Center/ Jordanelle State Park Francis
Junior Ranger Program: Made of Water. Children six to 10 are invited to the Jr. Ranger program from 11 a.m. to noon at the Nature Center to learn about the importance of water. Children will earn a badge and certificate. For more information, please call (435) 782 3030.

June 17 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Junior Ranger Program: The Amazing Water Cycle - Children between six and 12 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.

June 17 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Campfire Program: Harry Potter Owls - Join the Tracy Aviary and live owls in this fun, interactive program based on the characters of Harry Potter. Maybe you'll be the one to receive the "Howler." The program begins at 7 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

June 17 Rock Cliff Nature Center/ Jordanelle State Park Francis
Junior Ranger Program: Children six to 10 are invited to earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate at a program from 11 a.m. to noon at the Nature Center. For more information, please call (435) 782-3030.

New State Record Tiger Muskie Caught at Pineview Reservoir

Huntsville -- Angler Marc Anderson of Pleasant Grove caught a new Utah record tiger muskie at Pineview Reservoir over the Memorial Day weekend.

The fish weighed in at 31 pounds, 11 ounces. The huge muskie was 49 inches long and had a girth of 23 inches.

Marc caught the fish on May 27 with a jig near Cemetery Point.

Utah fishing rules require that witnesses be listed on the Record Fish Certification. The rule also requires that fish be weighed on certified scales. In the case of Marc's record catch, the witnesses were two very surprised and shocked employees of FEDEX/Kinkos in Ogden who were the only ones that Marc could find with a scale big enough to weigh the fish!

The previous record was a 31-pound, 4-ounce muskie caught by Roger S. Klug at Pineview in 2001.

DWR fisheries biologist Ben Nadolski measured the fish and was impressed that Marc was more interested in releasing the fish than getting the record. "He said that he tried for a half hour to revive the fish to release it, but was not able to," Nadolski said.

Nadolski noted that stunted yellow perch populations had a small effect on the growth and condition of the muskies. However, he said that population surveys of the reservoir last fall indicated that perch were on the rebound.

"With the perch coming back, you can count on great muskie fishing to continue," Nadolski said with an enthusiastic grin.

Marc is in the process of submitting his record fish paperwork to the Division of Wildlife Resources' Salt Lake City office. After his paperwork has been reviewed, he will receive a certificate certifying that he caught a new state record tiger muskie.

For a complete list of Utah's record fish and requirements for the record fish program, visit wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/recfish.html

The Cycle Is Up and So Is the Number and Size of Fish at Piute Reservoir

Junction -- From year to year, the fishing cycle at Piute Reservoir can go up and down like a yo-yo. But when the cycle is up, the fishing is great.

Well there's good news for anglers this year. The cycle is up for 2006, and fish up to 5 pounds have already been caught.

Getting There

Piute is a 2,500 acre (when full) main-stem reservoir on the Sevier River about 35 miles south of Richfield along US-89 in southwestern Utah.

It takes about three hours to drive to Piute from Salt Lake City and four hours from Las Vegas. A Division of State Parks and Recreation boat ramp and parking area are available at the reservoir, and primitive camping is allowed on either state or Bureau of Land Management land around the shoreline. The daily fish limit is four trout and six bass, without any special size restrictions.

Extra Trout Stocked

Because of continually changing conditions at the reservoir, a large quota of hatchery trout is not automatically set aside for this sometimes large body of water. Instead, a modest allotment of about 100,000 7-inch trout is produced for stocking into the reservoir. If conditions aren't good at Piute, these fish are used elsewhere. If conditions are good, the full quota is used and additional fish are also sought for stocking.

In 2005, conditions at Piute were optimal, and it was a good water to place additional trout in that were available because of changes at other waters in the state.

Starting in fall 2004, about 94,000 7-inch rainbow trout were stocked into Piute Reservoir as part of the normal planned quota. A total of about 96,500 extra 3-inch fingerling rainbows were added in June 2005 and 2,000 more 5-inch fingerlings in August.

The normal allotment of about 97,000 7-inch rainbows was stocked again in October 2005, and a final excess allotment of 40,000 5-inch rainbows was planted in early December. Because of this varied stocking, trout ranging up to 5 pounds in size are now available in Piute.

Rainbow trout are normally planted but anglers can also catch browns and cutthroats. The browns and cutthroats are sometimes extra fish that are stocked in the reservoir, or they can also be fish that migrated downstream from the East Fork of the Sevier River where both browns and cutthroat are plentiful.

In addition to the trout, 3,000 smallmouth bass fingerlings and 155 adults were introduced in May 2005 to jump start the reservoir's bass fishery. There's a good chance that the adult bass spawned shortly after they were stocked. Expect the bass to start showing up in another year or two.

Anglers are finding the best bass fishing near the dam at the north end of the reservoir. Look for bass in rocky shorelines that provide cover, and don't pass up the rip-rap on the face of the dam.

Trout Fishing Tips

Trout fishing from boats is a good way to fish this large reservoir, but bait fishing from the bank is also popular. Road access is available along most of the west shoreline. Fly fishing, float tubing and ice fishing in the winter can also be productive. The ice fishing season is generally short, taking place mostly in December and January.

The mornings are the best time to fish from a boat. Summer afternoon winds can make boating uncomfortable, or even dangerous. Mornings are often calm, with the wind not picking up until about 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. The wind often calms down again in the evening.

Overall, mornings and evenings are the best times to fish. It can be a mistake to fight the wind all afternoon, when the fish bite is usually the slowest, and then be too tired to fish in the evening. You'll often catch more fish in the one-hour period before sunset than you'll catch all the rest of the day. A good plan is to get up early, fish during the calm morning period, take a rest during the afternoon when the wind blows, and then fish again late into the evening.

If you're an angler who enjoys great trout fishing, make sure you fish this reservoir in 2006.

Why the Water Level Goes Up and Down

Water users manage Piute Reservoir a lot like a bath tub for the Sevier River basin. Water levels are fluctuated much more than at other reservoirs in the area.

On the average, the reservoir is almost completely drained one out of every six years. Add to this the great abundance of nongame fishes commonly found in the Sevier River, which proliferate in the reservoir, and Piute becomes a great challenge to manage for sport fishing. At one time it was even suggested that no attempt should be made to provide a recreational fishery at this reservoir because of all the challenges.

Even though it might not be possible to produce good fishing every year, a management plan has been put into place that provides good fishing when conditions allow.

The plan takes advantage of low water levels or reservoir draining, when it occurs, as an easy way to remove most of the nongame fish, even if just temporarily. Low water can make rotenone treatments an easy and inexpensive way to temporarily remove the nongame fish. During situations such as the recent drought, the almost total draining of the reservoir removed chubs and suckers without the need for a rotenone treatment.

As the water level in the reservoir rises, conditions are ideal for stocked trout, and good fishing can be produced within a year. This scenario just occurred, and the trout in the reservoir are thriving. Growth rates can exceed one inch per month. With adequate water, great trout fishing at the reservoir can last up to five years.

The second part of the management plan calls for introducing smallmouth bass along with the trout. Although it takes several more years for a bass fishery to develop, the bass can replace the trout as the trout fishery declines. Because of large numbers of chubs and suckers that gradually move back into the reservoir from the river, the decline in trout is inevitable, but the bass provide a secondary and long term opportunity should high water conditions extend beyond five to six years. This cycle can be repeated as conditions allow, and it has been repeated several times over the past 20 years.

Some anglers have suggested that a conservation pool be acquired at Piute to prevent the reservoir from being completely drained.

With the current management plan, occasional draining of the reservoir is beneficial and allows nongame fish to be economically removed and sport fish to be reestablished. Smallmouth bass and other coolwater fishes might be maintained over a longer period if a conservation pool was established, but this type of fishery would likely be impacted from continual water fluctuations and large numbers of suckers.

The current plan seems to work reasonably well, and the Division of Wildlife Resources has not considered a conservation pool a high priority need.

For more information about fishing at Piute Reservoir, call the DWR's Southern Region office at (435) 865-6100.

Two Utah County Men Charged for Poaching Thirteen Deer in Diamond Fork Canyon

Provo -- Charges were filed on Utah County residents Cory Brown and Kevin Cloward in Provo's 4th District Court on June 1.

Both men were charged with wanton destruction of protected wildlife, which is a 3rd degree felony, for the killing of 13 deer in Diamond Fork Canyon in Utah County last year.

Both men were also charged with a misdemeanor for discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

The poaching incident occurred on April 9, 2005 when the two suspects allegedly went on a killing spree. Thirteen deer were shot and left to rot.

Information regarding several dead deer in Diamond Fork Canyon was received from a concerned citizen on the Division of Wildlife Resources' Help Stop Poaching Hotline on April 10.

After hearing of the poaching incident, several organizations offered reward money to help solve the case. The organizations included Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the Mule Deer Foundation, the Utah Bowmen's Association, the Division of Wildlife Resources and a local business, Jakes Archery. The organizations contributed $4,500 towards a reward.

After distributing reward posters throughout the community, additional leads from the public assisted DWR conservation officers with the case over the following year. Search warrants were subsequently served on both of the suspects' residences.

The Help Stop Poaching Hotline has been a critical part of solving many wildlife poaching cases throughout Utah. Twenty five to 30 percent of the poaching cases in Utah are generated by calls to the hotline. An average of 525 calls are received on the hotline every year.

The DWR encourages citizens to call the hotline at 1 (800) 662-DEER (3337) to report any information regarding wildlife-related crimes.

West Nile Virus Found in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake City -- West Nile virus has been found in a magpie in Salt Lake County, the Division of Wildlife Resources and the Salt Lake Valley Health Department announced June 2.

This is the first detection of West Nile virus in Utah this year. Wild bird surveillance will continue throughout Utah as needed.

Wild birds continue to be important indicators of West Nile viral activity in local communities. Viral activity in birds is often detected before human illness.

The Division of Wildlife Resources encourages the public to participate in Utah's Wild Bird Surveillance program. If you see an ill or dead bird in your area, the best way to report the bird is through the DWR's Web site. More information regarding wild bird surveillance, including a bird identification page and an online submission form, can be found at the site at wildlife.utah.gov/wnv/

You can also report the bird to the nearest DWR office. Please see the end of this article for a list of offices and contacts.

Target species for testing in the 2006 season include birds of the Corvid family (ravens, crows, jays, etc.), raptors and other species that may be exhibiting neurologic symptoms.

It is important to note that not all birds may be suitable for testing. To determine if a bird is suitable for testing, please follow these guidelines:

· Is the bird a target species? (Is it a raven, crow, jay, bird of prey, or does the bird appear to be ill or dying?)

· Has the bird been dead less than 24 hours? (Birds that have been dead longer than 24 hours appear decayed and are not suitable for testing.)

· Is there no other obvious cause of death, such as a window strike, cat-kill or collision with a vehicle?

Since people may become infected with WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito, personal protection is key. West Nile virus can result in serious disease or death. It is important to follow these recommended guidelines:

· Use mosquito repellents with DEET or Picaridin, especially from dusk to dawn. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active during this time.

· For children under the age of 2 months, do not use DEET.

· Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.

· Make sure window screens and screened door are in good repair. Small holes will allow mosquitoes to enter.

· Change water regularly (every 2-3 days) in birdbaths, outdoor pet dishes, etc.

· Aerate ornamental ponds or contact your local mosquito abatement district regarding treatment options.

· Eliminate standing water around your home in locations such as old tires, cans, poorly kept swimming pools, or any other source where stagnant water accumulates.

For more information on personal protection and minimizing mosquitoes around your home, please visit http://www.health.utah.gov

Division of Wildlife Resources Regional Offices and WNV Contacts

Salt Lake Office
1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110,
P.O. Box 146301
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301
Phone: (801) 538-4700
Contact: Leslie McFarlane lesliemcfarlane@utah.gov

Northern Region (Cache, Rich, Box Elder, Weber, Morgan, Davis and Summit counties)
515 East 5300 South
Ogden, UT 84405
Phone: (801) 476-2740
Contact: Adam Kozlowski adamkozlowski@utah.gov

Northeastern Region (Uintah, Daggett and Duchesne counties)
152 East 100 North
Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: (435) 781-9453
Information Manager: Boyde Blackwell boydeblackwell@utah.gov


Central Region (Utah, Wasatch, Tooele, Juab, Sanpete and Salt Lake counties)
1115 North Main Street
Springville, UT 84663
Phone: (801) 491-5678
Information Manager: Steve Gray stevegray@utah.gov


Southeastern Region (Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. Also, eastern Wayne and Garfield counties)
475 West Price River Drive, Suite C
Price, UT 84501
Phone: (435) 636-0260
Information Manager: Casey Olsen caseyolsen@utah.gov


Southern Region (Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield, Beaver, Piute, Millard, Wayne and Sevier counties)
1470 North Airport Road
Cedar City, UT 84720
Phone: (435) 865-6100
Information Manager: Keith Day keithday@utah.gov