WOLF MOUNTAIN CELEBRATES FIRST SEASON WITH A GRAND FINALE - THE POPULAR SOAPBOX DERBY
Families, Businesses and Individuals invited to participate & celebrate
(Eden, UT) Jeff Summers, Mountain Operations Manager for Wolf Mountain Ski Area has announced the return of the popular Soapbox Derby scheduled for Saturday, April 1, one day prior to the resort's planned closing date of April 2.
"We have just been overwhelmed by the support from the community during our inaugural season. All of our special programs have been enormously popular and we wanted to end our first season with a really fun event for our supporters" commented Bill Cox, General Manager"
"If you've ever seen a Warren Miller movie, then you know what a soapbox derby is. It's basically an 'anything goes' type of race, primarily for fun. People can ski or ride on any device that's hill worthy. It's not uncommon to see sofas, Lazy Boy chairs and bathtubs, and because the event also falls on April Fools Day its anyone's guess what other surprises we might see" Commented Summers.
Jeff added "The event will start at noon with lots of great music to entertain the crowds. The competition will be held on Oh my Heck hill off the Wolfdeedo Chair. It will be a timed event, with gates to maneuver. Folks needing help towing their contraption up the mountain need to be at the base by 11 p.m." The race and competition will begin at high noon. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before participating. "Even though this event is really just for fun, we are always concerned about safety here at Wolf Mountain. The resort will reserve the right to reject entrants if their rig is deemed unsafe." noted Summers. "Because we expect some expert tailgating going on" summers added "we will also offer a prize for the best tailgate spread."
Great prizes will be offered for the following categories:
Ø Wildest/Most Creative Contraption
Ø Best Costume
Ø First place - Family, Business and individual categories
Ø Second Place - Family, Business and individual categories
Ø Best Tailgate Spread
The awards will be given out immediately following the races at approximately 2 p.m.
Entry fees are $25 per family or business entry and $15 for an individual entry. And, if participants want to ski or ride before or after the Derby, they can buy an all day pass for just $5!
Wolf Mountain is located at 3567 Nordic Valley Way in Eden, UT in the Upper Ogden Valley. With approximately 1000 feet of vertical, the resort features the Wolfdeedo beginner chair servicing what many consider to be the best beginner hill in the state, and the Howling Wolf double chair, which serves 1000 skiers per hour on mile long lit runs for intermediate and advanced skiers. The ski resort features a small terrain park with rails and jumps, ideal for those practicing up for the big hills. The Wolf Mountain Lodge features a snack bar, learning center, and ticket office and equipment rentals by Diamond Peak Mountain Sports.
For more information, please call (801) 745-3511 or http://www.wolfmountaineden.com
Sensitive Species Biologist Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
To All Interested:
The 2006 legislative session that just ended provided substantial levels of funding from the state general fund for the
management of wildlife in Utah . It was stated several times during the session that wildlife is valuable to
all of the citizens of Utah and the use of general funds is an appropriate way to finance wildlife programs. Despite this
financial support, for which we are very grateful, the DWR will continue to have long-term budget challenges,
especially with funding of non-game programs.
A Certified Public Manager (CPM) group is currently researching ways to secure long-term stable funding for the
conservation of non-game species in Utah. They are also looking for innovative ideas for the DWR to accomplish
this task. Would you please take a few minutes to complete a brief survey that will help this CPM group in this effort.
Click on the link below to be directed to the survey web site. All responses will be confidential and are greatly
appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and response.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=63791810138
BRC SPRING 2006 MOAB UPDATE:
Moab BLM set to release their Draft Management Plan for public review and comment
The Moab Field Office (MFO) of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is in the process of revising their Resource
Management Plan (RMP). An RMP is a basic document that guides how natural resources, activities, and use on the
public lands will be managed during the next 15 years. BLM began the process about two years ago and is about to issue
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement along with a Draft Management Plan (as well as a range of other
management alternatives). According to BLM, the document will be released for public review sometime before fall of
2006.
The BLM has been considering nominations for potential Areas of Critical Concern (ACEC) and nominations of rivers for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
More information is available on BLM's website at: http://www.blm.gov/rmp/ut/moab
BRC recommends you take this opportunity to get on the BLM's mailing list so when the Draft Management Plan is
released you can have a copy sent to you. Simply send a card, letter or email and ask to be put on their mailing list for
the RMP revision. Send your info to: Brent Northrup, Project Manager, BLM MFO, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532,
(435) 259-2100 or via email to: Brent_Northrup@blm.gov
As always, BRC will notify you of key comment periods as well as analysis and review via our email Action Alert system. Tell all your friends to subscribe today: http://www.sharetrails.org/alertlist/subscribeform.cfm
BLM implementing "one-way" and restricted use provisions on EJS trails for Safari Week
Breaking News: BRC just received word that the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) has appealed the Moab Easter Jeep Safari permit. SUWA has not requested an immediate stay, so it will not affect this year's Safari. We will keep you updated as we know more.
As a result of increasingly crowded travel conditions during the Easter period, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Jeep Club has petitioned for a provision allowing exclusive use and "one-way only" on selected Jeep Safari routes for the week of April 8 - 16, 2006. In recognition of the historical importance of the Jeep Safari and the club's long term route maintenance efforts, and in cooperation with Grand County, the BLM has granted this request.
Three routes will be one-way for the entire week of Jeep Safari. They are:
Steelbender: this route will be one way going north to south (i.e., from the golf course entrance to Flat Pass)
Kane Creek: this route will be one way going north to south (i.e. from the Hurrah Pass turnoff to the end of the road at
U.S. Highway 191)
Hell's Revenge: this route will be one way going east to west (i.e. from past the Sand Flats booth to the exit west of
Lion's Back)
Seven routes will be restricted to Jeep Safari participants for a portion of the days when the club has a scheduled group running the route. (This does not apply to non-motorized travel.) The Red Rock 4-Wheelers feel that this will provide a better experience for their guests, as well as prevent potential resource damage caused by overcrowding.
In general, the route will be restricted during the morning hours, although in-and-out routes may stay restricted into the early afternoon. The Club will have a monitor posted at the entrance to each exclusive use route (on days it is "run"), explaining other options for motorized recreation; the monitor will reopen the route when the Red Rock 4-Wheelers group has cleared the area.
Below is a chart showing which routes will be available exclusively for Jeep Safari participants for portions of a given date. No other routes in the Moab Field Office are affected. The Red Rock 4-Wheelers are asking for help in providing a quality event by choosing another route during that time.
BLM announces additional camping limitations on BLM land near Moab
I must speak frankly to all our members and supporters. The manner in which BLM has limited camping in the MFO has the motorized recreation extremely concerned. Without going into unnecessary detail, we believe the BLM is exceeding its authority by limiting camping to designated campsites outside of the lawful planning process. Since 2001, many popular campsites have been closed without any opportunity for public comment or for the public to suggest alternatives that would keep the campsites open.
Years ago, the Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL) challenged the campsite closures as well as BLM's authority to make landscape level planning decisions outside of the public process. That case is currently being reviewed by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. To learn more and support USA-ALL's efforts please visit their website: http://usaall.org
Until the case is finally decided, BRC strongly encourages our members and supporters to abide by the camping restrictions.
This year, BLM MFO announced new limitations on dispersed camping in six areas. Dispersed camping will be limited to marked and designated sites in the area north of Highway 313, south of the Blue Hills Road, west of U.S. Highway 191 and east of the Dubinky Well Road.
In addition, dispersed camping will be limited to designated sites in the area where the Hurrah Pass Road crosses Kane Creek, around Dripping Springs in Ten Mile Wash, on the west side of Spanish Valley, within one mile of developed recreation sites in the Canyon Rims Recreation Area and along the Pack Creek and Black Ridge Roads.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Again, in the "frankly speaking department"...
Concerns about impacts from dispersed camping are entirely legitimate. We just think the BLM ought to propose changes to current management such as where camping is allowed with full public involvement!
The level of camping occurring in the MFO is significant, and we all need to do our part to keep it open. So PLEASE:
Pack out all trash
Carry out all solid human body waste
Camp in existing campsites and use existing campfire rings
DO NOT CUT LIVE TREES FOR FIREWOOD
For more information on the camping restrictions please contact Russ von Koch, Moab BLM, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532 at 435-259-2100 or visit their website at http://www.blm.gov/utah/moab .
BLM marks routes in Kane Creek
The BLM has clearly marked the route in Kane Creek. We applaud the agency for marking this popular route and especially want to thank members of the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Jeep Club for volunteering to help BLM in this effort.
BRC wants to remind all visitors to Moab to stay on the trail!
SPECIAL NOTE ON 10-MILE WASH:
Representatives of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) have been in the 10-Mile Wash lately taking
pictures of routes in and out of the wash. BLM has posted all legal travelways in and out of 10-Mile Wash with
carsonite trail markers and posted all unauthorized routes with closure signs.
As always, BRC wants to impress the importance of staying on the trail.
There are two legally closed canyons that we would like to especially ask the OHV community to keep an eye on. One is Cow Canyon and the other is Trough Canyon, both on the "east" side of 10-Mile Wash. Both canyons are being watched by BLM and SUWA and any violations will likely be used in efforts to close the entire area.
BRC is working with USA-ALL to keep the roads and trails open and I'd like to ask for your assistance. Please respect all closed signs. If there is a question about the correct placement of any closed sign please contact BLM or BRC. Stay on the trail. Again, if you have any questions about where it is legal to ride: ASK FIRST!
For more information on travel rules please contact Katie Stephens, Moab BLM, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532 at 435-259-2100 or visit their website at: http://www.blm.gov/utah/moab .
PS: This is precisely why it is so very important that you get on BLM's contact list so you can view and comment on BLM's future travel planning.
2006 CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE - UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL TO HOST SPEEDSKATINGS BEST
The Utah Olympic Oval will host the 2006 Champions Challenge following the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.
Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12 will be a weekend of laying it on the line at the Utah Olympic Oval as the world's best long track speedskaters will attempt to win prize money by setting World, National or Personal Records. The Oval expects a large number of Olympic participants with cash on the line.
"To see many of the world's best long track speedskaters compete for prize money at the Fastest Ice on Earth will be a great experience, especially following the 2006 Olympic Winter Games" said Marc Norman, Utah Olympic Oval director.
Race Schedule:
Friday, March 10 - 10:00 a.m. start time
500m Men (1st Race)
500m Women (1st Race)
1500m Women
5000m Men
Saturday, March 11 - 10:00 a.m. start time
500m Men (2nd Race)
500m Women (2nd Race)
1000m Men
3000m Women
3000m Men
Sunday, March 12 - 10:00 a.m. start time
1000m Women
1500m Men
5000m Women
10000m Men
B Division races to follow each competition day
Come see the 2006 Olympic speedskating medalists at the Utah Olympic Oval March 10 through 12. Admission is free to the public.
The Utah Olympic Oval is located at 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West) in Kearns.
For more information on this event or other activities at the Utah Olympic Oval please call (801) 968-OVAL or visit our website at http://www.olyparks.com .
LEARN TO CURL CLASSES AT THE UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL
The Utah Olympic Oval is now offering Learn To Curl classes run by the Wasatch Curling Club. Curling combines fitness and finesse for all age levels and physical abilities.
March and April 4-week sessions are listed below with additional sessions coming this summer and fall.
March Curling:
Wednesdays (March 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th)
8:30 -10:30PM
$40 per person
April Curling:
Wednesdays (March 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th)
8:30 -10:30 p.m.
$40 per person
Payment is required on the first class of the session and should be made out to the Wasatch Curling Club. For additional information please contact Dale Sandusky via e-mail at forsyth@xmission.com .
For groups or companies interested in private curling sessions please contact Kari Holt Larson at the Utah Olympic Oval at 801-963-7133. The Utah Olympic Oval is located at 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West) in Kearns. You may call (801) 968-OVAL or visit our website at http://www.olyparks.com .
MARCH 2006 UPCOMING EVENTS AT OLYMPIC PARKS
Mar. 8-11, Ski Jumping Nor Am Jr. Championships, Utah Olympic Park
Mar. 10-12, Champions Challenge, Utah Olympic Oval
Mar. 11, Freestyle Big Air/Aerials Competition, Utah Olympic Park
Mar. 11-18, Freestyle Junior Olympics, Utah Olympic Park
Mar. Junior Olympics, Soldier Hollow
Utah Rivers Council Activities
A taste of warm weather has made us all anxious to get outdoors… start your spring excursions with the Council on March 18 when we hike Antelope Island. Erinn Neyrey, River Defense Coordinator, will discuss how the Bear River affects the Great Salt Lake and what proposed dams and diversions on the Bear would do to the Lake. Space is limited! To RSVP, call 801-486-4776. For a complete listing of the Spring 2006 Explore Series outings, visit http://www.utahrivers.org .
Happenings at the Council:
S Hike Antelope Island: It's time to think Spring - and to start getting out and exploring Utah's rivers! The 2006 Explore series kicks off with a hike on Antelope Island on Saturday, March 18. Space is limited to 12 people! Contact Lisa at 801-486-4776 or lisa@utahrivers.org to RSVP and receive meeting times and locations. Visit http://www.utahrivers.org for a complete listing of the Spring 2006 events.
S City Creek Cleanup: Join the Council and Judge Memorial High School on Saturday, March 25 for a cleanup along the banks and trail of City Creek. A dedicated Judge student volunteer organized the cleanup in partnership with the Council. All ages welcome - space is not limited, but please RSVP so we can accommodate all participants! Contact Lisa at 801-486-4776 or lisa@utahrivers.org for details and to RSVP.
News/Events:
S Take a survey to help secure long-term wildlife conservation funding: The 2006 legislative session provided substantial levels of funding from the state general fund for the management of wildlife in Utah. Despite this financial support, the Division of Wildlife Resources will continue to have long-term budget challenges, especially with funding of non-game programs. Wildlife is valuable to all of the citizens of Utah. Take a few minutes to complete a brief survey that will help the DWR secure long-term stable funding for the conservation of non-game species in Utah. Click on the link below to be directed to the survey web site. All responses will be confidential and are greatly appreciated. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=63791810138
S Wetlands protection under the Clean Water Act threatened: Two Michigan cases from more than a decade are being debated once more in the U.S. Supreme Court. Both cases dealt with developers who were denied permits to fill in wetlands - an illegal action under the Clean Water Act. The challenge now in front of the Supreme Court is to decide where the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act ends - should it apply to all water bodies, or stop at larger navigable waterways? All waterways are intimately connected, and any attempt to limit the protections that are now set forth by the Clean Water Act compromises the water quality and quantity of any larger body of water.
S Reclaimed groundwater to become drinking water for the western valley: By the middle of May, the cities of West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, and Herriman will have a new drinking water supply. Kennecott Utah Copper has finished one of two water treatment plants that will take groundwater contaminated by mining operations and treat it for culinary use.
S Seasons and Salinity: Adventures in a Kayak on the Great Salt Lake. Join Scott Baxter, avid paddler and birder, on March 21st for a presentation about kayaking and birding on the Great Salt Lake and surrounding areas. He will talk about the various habitats from the red extreme saline waters surrounding the Spiral Jetty to the fresh water in the Bear River drainage, and the conservation concerns in these areas. Learn about the changing seasons and the birds that accompany each season - and see images of the wintering grounds in Utah many birds call home each spring and fall. Tuesday, March 21, from 7 - 8:30 pm, at the Sugarhouse Garden Center (located at the NE corner of Sugarhouse Park). This free program is presented by the Great Salt Lake Audubon chapter.
This message is a service of Utah Rivers Council, generously hosted by Aros.Net. Information included on the Friends of Utah Rivers Council list is strictly monitored by the list administrator. We post a compilation of news and events two times per month; if you would like to submit information or an event to be considered for posting on this list, please send it by the first and third Monday of the month to urc@aros.net . This list is restricted from outside postings.
PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT FOR DEAD HORSE POINT PLANNING PROCESS
Salt Lake -- Utah State Parks and Recreation invites the public to help develop a resource management plan (RMP) for
Dead Horse Point State Park. A planning meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m., at the Moab Information
Center located on the corner of Center and Main Street in Moab, Utah.
The RMP identifies issues relating to public use, resource management, future development at the park, and makes
recommendations to guide park managers for the next 10 years.
Utah State Parks planners will give a presentation on the state park planning process and lead an exercise to identify
and prioritize issues relating to the park. Park users and concerned citizens are encouraged to assist in the development
of the plan.
For more information, please contact Rock Smith at (801) 538-7207 or rocksmith@utah.gov .
MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR UTAH BOATING ADVISORY COUNCIL
Salt Lake -- Utah State Parks and Recreation is looking for two new members to fill vacancies on the Utah Boating
Advisory Council to represent the interests of personal watercraft users and youth boaters.
Council members are appointed to the Boating Advisory Council for four years. Members must be willing to serve in an
advisory position and further the mission of Utah's Boating Program. Applications will be accepted through Friday,
March 31.
"Representatives are active participants and be able to effectively communicate with other member users on matters
brought before the council in the area of boating they are applying to represent," said Dave Harris, boating coordinator
with Utah State Parks and Recreation.
Council duties include periodically reviewing the Division's boating program and making suggestions for changes to
maximize the effectiveness of Utah boating programs and laws. Council members also prioritize statewide boating
facilities projects and advise the Board of Utah State Parks and Recreation on boating matters.
For more information or to apply for a Boating Advisory Council position, contact Dave Harris, boating coordinator at
(801) 538-7341.
UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS
March 13 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Snow Canyon Family Adventure Night Series (F.A.N.S.) - Wildlife Detectives: From 5 to 7 p.m., discover which
animals live in the park and how to decipher clues they leave behind. During this program, take a short hike in the
desert, then make your own wildlife track t-shirt. This program is free with payment of the $5 park entrance fee.
Participants interested in making a wildlife track t-shirt must supply their own clean t-shirt. Space is limited and
registration is required. This program is recommended for families with children between the ages of six and 12; please
call to discuss program suitability for younger children. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.
March 18 Antelope Island State Park-Syracuse
New Volunteer Orientation: Do you have some spare time on your hands and would like to give back to your
community? Join Antelope Island State Park staff for an orientation of the various volunteer programs offered at the
park. Participants should meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. For more information, please contact (801) 721-9569.
March 18 Antelope Island State Park-Syracuse
Buffalo Run: Antelope Island State Park staff host 250 participants in the first annual Buffalo Ultra-marathon.
Participants run 35 miles of backcountry trails beginning at 8 a.m. For race information and registration, please contact
Jim Skaggs at (801) 732-9242.
March 18 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Lava Tubes Tour: Join Ranger Tim Weimer at 5 p.m. for a two-mile roundtrip hike and the chance to explore the
unique formations of a lava tube. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call (435)
628-2255.
March 18 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
A Celebration of Green: Join park staff to celebrate the meanings of green and the coming of spring. From 9 to 11 a.m.
learn to make homemade recycled paper. At 11:30 a.m. join the naturalist on a one-hour Finding Green hike along the
Nature Trail. From 1 to 3 p.m. learn to make nature coasters. And from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., local fourth and fifth graders
display entries to the What is Green writing contest. For more information or to register for an activity, please call (435)
654-1791.
Women Can Learn Archery Basics at March 18 Clinic
Salt Lake City -- Women can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow at a March 18 clinic in Salt Lake City.
Sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources' Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the archery clinic will be
held at the Salt Lake Archery Center, 1130 E. Wilmington Ave. (2200 South) The clinic runs from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The cost to participate is only $3.
"The clinic will give women a chance to learn how to shoot a recurved bow in a safe and fun environment," says Jill
West, coordinator of volunteers for the DWR. "The shooting range is indoors, and staff from Salt Lake Archery will
teach the course. It should be a lot of fun."
All of the equipment needed for the clinic will be provided. Women who have their own archery equipment are also
welcome to bring it with them.
Women can sign up in advance or just show up the day of the class. To sign up, or for more information, contact
Antonia De LaGuerra at (801) 466-8843 or dlguerra@aol.com
Elk Viewing Season at Hardware Ranch Closes March 13
Hyrum - Warm weather and a lack of snow will force the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area to end its wagon
rides and close its visitor center for the season on Monday, March 13.
"As of March 9, we still have 400 elk at the ranch, however, so there's still a chance for people to see elk," says Marni
Lee, Hardware Ranch WMA assistant manager. "Before coming to the ranch, people can call us at (435) 753-6206, and
we'll let them know how many elk are here on the day they call."
The Hardware Ranch WMA is 14 miles east of Hyrum. For more information call the WMA or visit its Web site at
http://www.hardwareranch.com
Hunter Safety Instructors Needed in Southern Utah
Training scheduled for Moab and Bicknell
You can teach young hunters to be safe, responsible and ethical by becoming a volunteer Hunter Education instructor.
New instructors are needed in southern Utah. Beginning in March, the Division of Wildlife Resources will hold training
sessions in Moab and Bicknell to train new instructors.
Instructor training runs two nights a week, for three weeks. Seminars will be held at the following locations:
MOAB
* starts March 20
Mondays and Tuesdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Division of Wildlife Resources
165 S. HWY 191
BICKNELL
* starts March 22
Wednesdays and Thursdays
7 - 10 p.m.
Wayne High School
265 N. 400 W.
Qualifications
The instructor training is free. To be an instructor, a person must be at least 21 years old and must be cleared through a
background check. Prior experience in teaching is not required.
"In addition to getting people familiar with what the course teaches, we also teach people how to be good teachers,"
says Mark Bearnson, assistant hunter education coordinator for the DWR. "We focus a lot on teaching techniques and
how to relate to the young audience the instructors typically teach."
After being certified new instructors must teach at least one student course each year, or assist another instructor in
teaching a course. Instructors also must attend a four-hour training seminar each year. Seminars are held throughout Utah.
Those interested in attending the instructor training are encouraged to preregister by calling 1-800-397-6999. They also
may register the first night of class.
Rewards
Instructors aren't paid for teaching, but they do receive a lot of rewards.
"I think the biggest reward a hunter education instructor receives is the knowledge that they've had a positive impact on
the life of a young hunter," Bearnson said. "The information in the course is very positive and ethics and safety
oriented. The knowledge that the instructor has played a role in teaching a young hunter those things, you can't put a
price tag on that."
Bearnson also said that instructors are doing much to further the sport of hunting. "Responsibility and ethics are taught
throughout the course, and being able to tie everything that's taught in the course back to one's ethical conduct is very,
very important," he said. "It's something these young people will carry with them forever."
Hunting Bill Awaits Governor's Signature
Young people under the age of 12 could hunt small game in Utah this fall if Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. approves a bill
passed during the recent legislative session.
House Bill 328 removes the minimum age to hunt small game and wild turkey in Utah. If the governor signs the bill,
those under the age of 12, who have passed a Utah Hunter Education course, could buy a license beginning Aug. 1, 2006.
"This new rule would give young people a chance to get outdoors with their parents and experience the joy and thrill of
hunting at an earlier age," says Lenny Rees, hunter education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Young Hunters Are Safe
Before the bill was introduced, Rees surveyed the 11 Western states. He learned that Utah and Montana had the most
restrictive regulations regarding when people can begin hunting.
"Eight of the states do not have a minimum age requirement, and Idaho allows young people to start hunting small
game at the age of 10," he said. "Only Utah and Montana require hunters to wait until they're 12 years old."
In seven of the states that do not have a minimum age requirement (data was not available for Washington) Rees found
only one documented accident involving a hunter under the age of 12 in the past five years.
"Other states have found that younger hunters are safe hunters," Rees said.
Young Hunters Must Pass a Hunter Education Course
If the governor signs the bill, hunters under the age of 12 would have to complete all of the state's Hunter Education
course, including the shooting range portion of the course, before they could obtain a license.
After they obtained a license, they could not hunt unless they were accompanied by their parent or a person 21 years of
age or older who had been approved by their parent to take them hunting.
"Accompanied means the adult would have to be close enough to the young hunter that they could talk with them
without the use of electronic means," Rees said. "For example, the young hunter could not be so far away that the adult
would need a walkie-talkie to communicate with him or her.
"The hunter education requirements have not changed and the standards have not been lowered," Rees said. "These
young hunters would be required to pass all of the same requirements that hunters older than them must also pass. The
responsibility to determine if their son or daughter was physically and mentally mature enough to hunt would be given
to the parents of each child."
Age Not Lowered for Big Game Hunting
House Bill 328 was sponsored by Rep. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield) in the Utah House of Representatives and Sen. Tom
Hatch (R-Panguitch) in the Utah Senate.
"We appreciate Rep. Oda and Sen. Hatch sponsoring this bill," said Jim Karpowitz, director of the DWR. "Both of
these legislators are doing a lot to help Utah's wildlife and the DWR. We also appreciate the help of many of the
sportsmen groups in the state, who got behind the bill and supported it."
Rep. Oda and Sen. Hatch also sponsored House Bill 329, which would have lowered the minimum age to hunt big
game in Utah from 14 years old to 12 years old.
H.B. 329 passed the House of Representatives, but the legislative session ended before the Senate could vote on it.
WORLD'S TOP SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS RETURN TO COMPETE IN THE EAGLE SUPERPIPE
WHAT: Park City Mountain Resort welcomes the top skiers and snowboarders back to compete for the 2006 World Superpipe Championships. Kelly Clark, Ross Powers and X-Games Champion Tanner Hall are scheduled to return to the Eagle Superpipe, home of the 2002 Winter Games. In addition, halfpipe gold medalist Shaun White will be at Park City Mountain Resort to meet with his fans and make an appearance at the World Superpipe Championships.
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2006:
The snowboarders will kick off the World Superpipe Championships. The schedule for the day is as follows:
· 10:30 - 11:30 am: Women's Snowboard Competition
· 12:30 - 2:00 pm: Men's Snowboard Competition
· 2:15 - 2:30 pm: Awards
Sunday, March 12, 2006:
· 12:00 - 2:00 pm: Men's Ski Competition
· 2:15 - 2:30 pm: Awards
COST: Admission and bleacher seating to the World Superpipe Championships is free.
WHERE: The Eagle Superpipe is located at the base of Park City Mountain Resort. Spectators can walk up to the pipe to watch the action. For more information visit http://www.worldsuperpipe.com .
THE CANYONS RESORT SURPASSES 300-INCH SNOWFALL MARK
Nine inches of snow has fallen at The Canyons Resort in the past 24 hours and nearly 3 feet in the past four days, bringing the mid-mountain snow depth to over 100 inches.
Park City, UT- The spring ski season at The Canyons Resort is off to a stellar start with a series of snow storms that have brought the resort's mid-mountain base depth to over 100 inches! The resort's snow depth is measured at approximately 8,700 feet in elevation.
"This is the spring weather we all hope for in Utah," said Scott Pierpont, President of The Canyons Resort.
"Skiing in thigh-deep powder on March 10th pretty much says it all. I may have had my best powder day of the year this week," he added.
The Canyons has surpassed snow totals for this time last year, and there are more snow cycles in the forecast for March. The National Weather Service is predicting snow each day through Monday.
The 2005/2006 Season at The Canyons Resort has been a record-breaking year on several fronts in addition to snowfall. In late December, Utah's largest resort had its busiest day on record, and season pass sales also hit new highs.
Recent snow conditions and photos are available online at http://www.thecanyons.com . On the main page of the website is also a link to The Canyons Video Podcasts - highlighting events, conditions and comments from skier and snowboarders at the resort.
The Canyons 2005/2006 Season runs through April 16th. Upcoming events include the Spring Concert Series, and The Canyons most popular event, Pond Skimming & Reggae Fest, scheduled for Saturday, April 1st.
The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah is the largest single ski and snowboard resort in Utah and one of the five largest in the United States. Located just four miles from Park City's historic Main Street, The Canyons offers 3,500 acres of diverse terrain over eight separate mountains, accessing 146 trails.
Deluxe HT™ Auto Hydrostatic PFD Increases Reliability and is Maintenance Free for Five Years
Bellingham, WA. March 2006 - Mustang Deluxe HT™ series of high-performance Inflatable PFD's feature an automatic hydrostatic inflator that is designed for use in extreme weather conditions. The PFD's inflator is triggered by hydrostatic pressure when submerged four inches below the water surface and is not sensitive to rain, water spray or humidity. It also is maintenance free for five years (unless fired). The Coast Guard approved MD3183 is designed for comfort and ease of use, and include innovative features like a neoprene Comfort Collar™ and the patented SecureZip™ bi-directional zipper that withstands rigorous activity and is easy to repack. For added security, the vest has a safety inspection window providing an easy view of the inflator's replacement date and ready status. The PFD has a durable red or carbon exterior and when activated, inflates to bright yellow increasing the user's visibility. Other features include a strobe light holder and safety whistle to alert rescuers.
HIGHWAY RECORDS LOOKING FOR UTAH'S NEXT:
Regional Music Powerhouse Announces Third Annual State-Wide Talent Search
Highway Records, in conjunction with ABC 4's, Good Things Utah, announces the launch of its third-annual statewide talent search: Utah's Next. The performer left standing after a month of performing and competing will receive a 3-song demo album produced by Highway Records.
"We are looking for someone, or some band, that has appeal both on stage and on screen," said Jon Dayton, General Manager of Highway Records. "We invite musicians of all styles and genres to enter. Our goal is simply to encourage and cultivate local talent while raising the standard within the industry."
Record label executives will hold round one auditions in Weber County, Cache County, and Utah County (see details below). They will also be accepting video submissions until March 27 from performers unable to attend live auditions. Videos should be no longer than five minutes and the performer should state their name and phone number at the beginning of their recording. All performers must fill out the application available for download at http://www.utahsnext.com and either bring it to their audition or send it in with their video.
Twenty-five quarter-finalists will be selected from round one to perform in a closed audition March 29. Ten semi-finalists will then perform in a public concert April 6 at the Scera Theater where audience member voting combined with judges' ratings will determine the three finalists.
Finalists will then advance to perform live, in random order, on Good Things Utah April 10, 11, and 12. Viewers will then vote online for who "Utah's Next" should be. The winner will be announced live April 14 on Good Things Utah.
"Utah's Next" is open to all musicians over the age of 16, including singers, bands, and instrumentalists. Performers are encouraged to present original work, though it is not required. Please visit http://www.utahsnext.com for a complete listing of rules and guidelines.
Round One Auditions: Please email jmorris@shadowmountain.com for an audition time. Please specify which city you prefer.
Weber County
Monday, March 20
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Weber State University, Browning Center (room 136)
Utah County
Tuesday, March 21
Noon to 6 p.m.
Tahitian Noni International Auditorium (333 River Park Dr., Provo)
Cache County
Friday, March 24
7 p.m.
Utah State University, TSC Sunburst Lounge
Or send video submissions to:
Highway Records
Attn: Utah's Next
40 E. South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT
84111
Great Skiing at Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort has received 18 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours! Current base depth is 70". Come on up and enjoy the best snow of the season!
For more information, check out our website at www.brianhead.com.
Need a place to stay while you're up here? Don't miss this great deal from the Cedar Breaks Lodge:
"STAY THREE - SKI FREE"
From ONLY $150 per person
This package combines 3 nights of accommodations AND 2 days of skiing on the 'Greatest Snow on Earth' at Brian Head Resort. For reservations or more information, contact: 888-282-3327 or www.cedarbreakslodge.com
Winter Trails Doubles Participation in 2006 Topping 12,000 Children and Adults
McLean, VA. (March 9, 2006) - The 2006 Winter Trails program, now in its 11th year, drew over 12,100 participants - more than double the number of participants in 2005. The international event offered newcomers to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing FREE at locations in 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Winter Trails is organized by SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the American Hiking Society (AHS) and the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA).
The 2006 program met or surpassed every goal set by organizers. The number of locations for Winter Trails Day events grew from 83 last year to 120 in 2006. Traffic on the wintertrails.org website increased 150 percent in page views and 174 percent in unique visits. An extensive national, regional and local public relations campaign organized by CGPR and RDB Marketing generated more than 50 million media impressions with an ad value of $250,000.
Everything clicked with Winter Trails this year, even the weather," said SIA President David Ingemie. "The best part is that we saw strong support from retailers at many of the venues." He added, "We received numerous reports that people came back after Winter Trails Day to continue their newly-learned snow sports and they bought products."
Winter Trails is part of SIA's Winter Feels Good campaign to promote the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports. The December issue of Leisure Trends' Leisure Trak Report pointed out business opportunities that can stem from drawing parallels between health/fitness issues and participation in snow sports. One of the report's "Surprising Facts about Winter" states that "rising interest in mountain sports does not always translate into action. Access and cost are barriers. Nonetheless, more Americans are turning to snowshoeing and cross country and backcountry skiing for variety, new experiences and a means to stay in shape during the winter."
"Lessons for Business" in the report, encourages readers to "view over-eating as a lifestyle segment in search of a solution. Rising health problems and unhappiness with weight represent untapped opportunity for sport and fitness businesses. Segmenting by weight, inactivity and happiness may yield greater sales than segmenting by gender or age."
Sponsors for Winter Trails 2006 are founding companies Atlas Snowshoe-Company, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Redfeather Snowshoes and Tubbs Snowshoes along with official outerwear sponsor W.L. Gore and Associates, Columbia Sportswear Company, Sorel boots, Manzella gloves, Nature Valley granola bars, Alpina, Atomic, Exel, Fischer, Karhu, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix, Whitewoods, Cross Country Skier magazine, Ski Trax magazine, Snowshoe magazine and XCSKIResorts.com