A specific Grammy award for "Western" music has been long overdue. There is a petition you can sign on-line to help us make this a reality. Click on the link in the forwarded message below and follow the instructions. A "Grammy" is just one step in preserving western music but it's a big step...

If you'd like to sign it, go to http://www.petitiononline.com/western1

This is a petition being circulated requesting that western music has its own category for Grammy consideration. It is easy and quick. Just click on the link - it will take you all of one minute to do this. It would be nice to see this happen.

Wild Bird Center scheduled Nature/Bird Walks in April and May:

The Wild Bird Center leads free nature/bird walks. The cost of the walk, as we like to say is "enthusiasm." We provide the rest. The walks are designed for birders at all levels, especially families. Dress for the weather and brings binoculars.

April 1st Antelope Island (leave store at 10 a.m.)

April 8th East Canyon Sage Grouse Lek. Leave from the store at 5 a.m.

April 15^th Backyard Pond/Waterfall field trip with Eclipse Landscape Specialist

April 22^nd Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the new Visitor's Center

May 6^th Weber River at Mountain Green (leave the store at 8 a.m.)

May 20th Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, Davis County Fairgrounds, Farmington

May 27^th Owl Prowl at Snow Basin & Powder Mountain (this trip leaves at 8:30 p.m.)

THE 9^TH ANNUAL POND SKIMMING AND REGGAE FEST AT THE CANYONS!

Get ready for another wild and crazy Pond Skimming & Reggae Fest at The Canyons Resort!

PARK CITY, UT - It's time to dress up and prepare for the biggest splashes of the year at The Canyons Resort. The 9^th Annual Pond Skimming and Reggae Fest begins tomorrow at noon near Red Pine Lodge at The Canyons. What is Pond Skimming? It's an event where participants are required to wear costumes as they ski or snowboard down a snowy slope, using their momentum to cross a 100-foot pond.

"The crowds for this event get bigger each year," said Dave March, Events Manager at The Canyons. "The costumes of the participants become more elaborate each time too," he added. Contestants are judged in several categories including "Best Splash and Crash," "Best Costume" and "Best Overall Score" for both men and women.

The pond will be filled with water the morning of the event, while registration is underway. Pond Skimming will be followed by a free reggae concert by the band Rising Lion in the Village Forum at The Canyons. The registration fee for Pond Skimming is $20 plus a lift ticket. Participation is limited to the first 85 registrants. Contestants are encouraged to register early to ensure entry into the contest.

Event Schedule:

8:00am - 10:00am Registration at the Smokie's Smokehouse

11:45am Riders' meeting at top of course (mandatory)

12:00pm Contest start

12:00pm - 3:00pm Live Reggae with DJ Knuckles

3:00pm Awards Ceremony in The Canyons Resort Village
3:15pm - 5:00pm "Rising Lion" performs live in The Canyons Resort Village

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.

LOCAL HOPEFULS ADVANCE TO NEXT ROUND OF "UTAH'S NEXT"

Highway Records, ABC 4's "Good Things Utah," and the Scera Center for the Arts, are pleased to announce the 10 semi-finalists in "Utah's Next," the 3rd annual talent search for the local music industry's next big performing act.

The names of the semi-finalists are (semi-finalists listed alphabetically)

Salt Lake County

Charley Jenkins Band (Salt Lake City)

Daniel Hamblin (Murray, UT)

Jessica Sarangay (Sandy, UT)

Utah County

Greg Knell (Provo, UT)

Ryan Innes (Provo, UT)

Dana Gibbons (Orem, UT)

Kathryn Warner (Spanish Fork, UT)

Summit County

Mark Granger (Park City, UT)

Cache County

Greg Downs (Smithfield, UT)

Valerie Harris (Logan, UT)

Semi-finalists were chosen based on a 10-minute live audition for industry executives and celebrity judges. The semi-finalists will perform in a public concert at the Scera Center for the Arts, Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and can also be reserved by emailing jmorris@shadowmountain.com with a name, telephone number, and requested number of tickets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Will-call tickets will be held until 6:45 p.m.

Judges ratings combined with audience votes will determine the three finalists who will advance to perform live on ABC 4's "Good Things Utah" the week of April 10-14. Viewers will then vote online for who "Utah's Next" should be. The winner will be announced live on Good Thing's Utah Friday, April 14 and then head to Counterpoint Studios, Utah's state of the art recording studio, to record a 4-song demo produced by Highway Records.

For more information please visit http://www.utahsnext.com .

Snowbasin Resort's Count Down to Spring

John Paul's Lodge regular menu be open through April 10^th. ( Pre-made sandwiches and beverages will be available.)

Needles Lodge will be open through the 16^th with pre-made sandwiches and drinks will be available.

Earl's Lodge will be open with full menus and services until April 23^rd.

Strawberry and Mount Allen Tram will cease operations on April 10

John Paul Chair Lift will cease operations on April 16^th.

Needles Express Gondola, Little Cat and Middle Bowl Triple Chair will stay open until April 23^rd.

The Finish Line Tubing Hill will cease operations after Sunday, April 2^nd.

The Super pipe will stay open until April 23rd.

Krazy Kat Terrain Park will stay open until the 23^rd. Coyote Terrain Park will be closed on April 10^th and Apex Terrain Park will close on the 16^th.

The week of April 10 tickets will be discounted to $46.00

The Meltdown Race has been postponed until April 15^th due to too much SNOW on the Old Road to the Basin.

2006 Utah Scenic Calendar Wins Top Awards

Salt Lake City *The 2006 Utah Scenic Calendar has been honored with four awards in the National and World Calendar Awards competition, hosted by the Calendar Marketing Association. The Utah Office of Tourism's annual, award-winning calendar has become a fixture in the contest making a name for itself for its stunning photography and sharp graphic design.

"The calendars are always very popular for offices and gifts, and they have sold well this year" says Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, Governor's Office of Economic Development. "It's nice to know that images of Utah are hanging in homes and businesses worldwide."

The calendar's graphic design, headed by Scott Hardy, was awarded the Gold Award in the national category and the Silver Award in the world competition. "Scott has designed over 15 award-winning calendars for the State of Utah and this is continuation of his excellence," says Janice Carpenter, publications coordinator of the Utah Office of Tourism.

The 2006 theme, "What happens to the 'Greatest Snow on Earthä' when it melts," used photographs focusing on the waters of Utah. This photography was honored with a Silver Award in the national competition and a Bronze Award in the worldwide portion. "We are so fortunate to have world-recognized photographers, both locally and nationally participate and offer such stunning photography for the calendar," says Carpenter.

The calendar was also a finalist in the competition's top honor "The Best in Show" award, which it won in 2001. The Utah Scenic Calendar has won more than 30 National and World awards throughout the years.

The calendar is still available at a reduced rate of $5 each at the ZNHA Bookstore located at Council Hall, 300 N. State St., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114. For questions, contact the Utah Office of Tourism at (801) 538-1900.

State Launches First Annual Utah Tourism Advertising and Marketing Contest

Tourism Organizations to Recognize Advertising Excellence

Salt Lake City - The Utah Office of Tourism in conjunction with the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition is now accepting entries for the First Annual Utah Tourism Advertising and Marketing Contest. The contest will celebrate excellence in Utah-related tourism advertising, marketing and promotion. Contest winners will be recognized at a luncheon with special guests during the Utah Tourism Conference that will be held in Ogden from May 17-19, 2006.

"Our partners have creative ways of promoting our state and we want to recognize their excellence," says Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, Governor's Office of Economic Development.

The contest is open to arts/cultural organizations/businesses, attractions, convention services/facilities/entertainment, destination management companies, tour operators, destination marketing companies (convention and visitor bureaus, county travel councils and travel region offices), lodging entities, shopping/specialty stores, ski/mountain resorts, sports and recreation outfitters, and transportation services.

The inaugural contest is being conducted just as the Office of Tourism is launching the new Utah brand, a new cooperative marketing fund cycle, and expanded advertising nationwide. "Life Elevated" the brand's slogan, was revealed in March.

The deadline for entries is May 5, 2006. An application is available online at http://travel.utah.gov and materials should be mailed to Diane Wilson, Utah Office of Tourism, Council Hall, 300 N. State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114. For more information, contact the Utah Office of Tourism at (801) 538-1312 or dianew@utah.gov .

TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN WENDY WAGNER ENDS CAREER WITH SIXTH NATIONAL TITLE

Kris Freeman captures men's 50K crown, adds to pursuit and 15K titles

FORT KENT, Maine (March 26) - Two-time Olympians Kris Feeman (Andover, NH) and Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT) powered their way through soft and slushy conditions Sunday to win the final U.S. cross country ski championships for 2006 at the 10th Mountain Division Center.

Freeman, who won the pursuit and 15K classic titles during the U.S. Cross Country Championships in January at Soldier Hollow, Utah, the 2002 Olympic venue, picked up the fifth national title of his career in winning the 50K classic championship. His winning time of 2:45.37.2 was nearly two minutes ahead of his Olympic teammate and older brother, Justin (2:48.22.7). Bronze medalist was Chad Giese (St. Paul, MN). who was another four seconds off the pace in the mass start championship race.

Wagner, who won the sixth U.S. championship of her career as a sendoff into retirement, finished with a time of 1:47.26.1. The silver medal went to Canadian Dasha Gaiazova (1:47.55.5) with Swede Kristina Strandberg, former University of New Mexico standout, completing the podium in 1:48.33.9.

The races were moved from Presque Isle, where they were to be the final events on the Spring Series schedule as well as the SuperTour calendar, because of fading snow conditions. Temperatures were in the mid-30s.

"It was incredibly difficult," said Freeman, a diabetic who self-injects insulin a half-dozen or more times daily. "We were going through 10 inches of slush for 50 Ks. I sat in the pack for about two-and-a-half laps - the laps were 12.5 Ks long - because it was so sucky [holding skis in the soft underfooting] that you couldn't get a gap [substantial lead]. Going by yourself didn't make sense unless you could get way out front.

"So, on the only sustained uphill section, I picked up the pace a little bit. By the time I got to the top of the hill, I was up by 10 seconds and I went from there," he said.

Freeman battled sickness early in the Olympics last month and then was side-swiped again shortly after the Winter Games in Italy as he raced in Sweden. He cut short is season and returned to New Hampshire to rest before coming to northernmost Maine for the final races of the season.

The SuperTour overall champion for 2006 is Dave Chamberlain (Bethel, ME), his second title after winning in 2004, while Swiss skier Karin Camenisch successfully defended her championship from a year ago. Each gets automatic start rights for World Cups in the first part of the 2007 season.

For complete results: http://www.nensa.net

Wildlife Board Meeting Set

The number of big game permits that will be available for hunts in Utah this fall is among the items the Utah Wildlife Board is expected to act on when it meets April 6 in Salt Lake City.

Please see the pasted and attached agenda for more information.

Utah Wildlife Board Meeting
Thursday, April 6, 2006 * 9:30 A.M.
DNR Auditorium, 1594 W. North Temple, SLC, Utah

AGENDA

1. Approval of Agenda ACTION
* Dr. Jim Bowns, Chair

2. Approval of Minutes ACTION
* Dr. Bowns

3. Old Business (Action Log) CONTINGENT
* Dick Diamond, Vice-chair

4. Division Update INFORMATION
* Jim Karpowitz, DWR Director

5. Bucks, Bulls & OIAL Permit #s ACTION
* Dr. Craig McLaughlin, DWR Big Game Program Coordinator

6. Big Game Unit Management Plan Revisions ACTION
* Dr. McLaughlin

8. Upland Game Feeding Policy ACTION
* Dean Mitchell, DWR Upland Game Program Coordinator

9. Sage Grouse Transplants ACTION
* Dean Mitchell

10. Sharp-tailed Grouse Transplant Proposal ACTION
* Dean Mitchell

11. Native Fish Conservation Plans ACTION
* Trina Hedrick, DWR Wildlife Biologist

12. Variance Requests ACTION
* Robin Thomas, DWR Rules Program Coordinator
& Judi Tutorow, DWR Licensing Program Coordinator

13. Other Business CONTINGENT
* Board Chair

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act - Persons needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) for this meeting, should contact Steve Phillips at 538-4718, giving him at least five working days notice.


UTAH STATE PARKS BOARD MEETS IN SALT LAKE
Salt Lake - The Board of Utah State Parks and Recreation meets Thursday, April 6 in Salt Lake from 9 to 5 p.m. The public is welcome to attend all or part of this meeting, which will be held at the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 West North Temple room 314.

Topics to be discussed include Division budget, county partnerships, approval of Escalante and Bear Lake resource management plans, access management plan update for Antelope Island, and approval of boating, off-highway vehicle, and recreational trails advisory members.


BOARD OF UTAH STATE PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
APRIL 6, 2006, 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ROOM 314
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
AGENDA

9 a.m. 1. Executive Session

10:30 a.m. 2. Welcome and Review and Acceptance of Agenda ACTION
Parks Board Chairman Scott Parson

10:40 a.m. 3. Review and Acceptance of Minutes ACTION
Scott Parson

10:45 a.m. 4. Division Update INFORMATION
Administration
Operations

11 a.m. 5. Budget Update CONTINGENT
Director Mary Tullius and Fiscal Manager Mark Forbes

12 p.m. 6. Friend of State Parks Award presentation to ACTION
Emery County Commissioner Drew Sitterud

1 p.m. 7. County/Utah State Parks Partnerships ACTION
Mary Tullius and Public Affairs Coordinator Deena Loyola

1:30 p.m. 8. Approval of Escalante and Bear Lake RMPs ACTION
Research Consultant Rock Smith

2:00 p.m. 9. Revision of Park Rule on Concession Language ACTION
Approval of Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants ACTION Lifetime Pass CONTINGENT
Deputy Director Steve Roberts

2:30 p.m. 10. Break

2:45 p.m. 11. Access Management Plan Update for Antelope Island CONTINGENT
Northwest Region Manager Jay Christianson and
Antelope Island State Park Manager Ron Taylor

3:15 p.m. 12. OHV Registration Increase ACTION
Approval of OHV Advisory Council Members ACTION
Off-Highway Vehicle Coordinator Fred Hayes

3:30 p.m 13. Approval of Boating Rules, including waterskiing ACTION
Approval of Boating Advisory Council Members ACTION
Boating Coordinator Dave Harris

3:45 p.m. 14. Approval of Recreational Trails Advisory Council Members ACTION
Trails Coordinator John Knudson

4 p.m. 15. Old Business
B.A.S.E. Jumping Report CONTINGENT
Deputy Director Bruce Hamilton

4:15 p.m. 16. Other Business CONTINGENT

4:25 p.m. 17. Public Comment

4:45 p.m. 18. Adjournment

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) should contact Wendy Griffith at (801) 538-7418 at least five working days before the meeting.


STATEWIDE GROOMING ENDS APRIL 10

Salt Lake -- With the onset of spring conditions across much of the state, Utah State Parks and Recreation announces an end to its 2006 snowmobile trail grooming season effective April 10.

Utah State Parks operates 11 snowmobile trail groomers on nine snowmobile trail complexes in the state. These complexes stretch from Logan Canyon to Cedar Mountain.

"We've had a tremendous snowmobile season," said Fred Hayes, OHV program coordinator with Utah State Parks. "Since we began grooming in November, our groomers have maintained more than 25,000 miles of trail for public use. However, with spring conditions limiting groomer access on many complexes, equipment breakdowns, and with the current budgetary constraints, it is time to wrap up this season."

Hayes says there is still some great riding in some of Utah's high country, but encourages snowmobilers to exercise caution.

"Avalanches are still a distinct possibility across much of the state, and snowmobilers should avoid areas where avalanche activity has been noted," said Hayes. "We also encourage all backcountry users to obtain an avalanche advisory before heading out, and to always wear an avalanche beacon and take along a shovel and probe."

Snowmobilers can look forward to new grooming equipment next year on the Mirror Lake and Logan Canyon areas.

For additional information, please call (801) 538-7220 or 1-800-OHV-RIDE.


TEMPORARY BOAT RAMP CLOSURE AT JORDANELLE STATE PARK
Heber - The main boat ramp at Jordanelle State Park is closed for construction during April and through the first week of May. The ramp will open to the public on Sunday's throughout the project.

Contaminated soil around the boat ramp is being removed and replaced to ensure public safety. Walkways and dock utilities are scheduled to be replaced after May 15. For more information, please call (435) 579-1632.

PREPARING FOR SPRING AT WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Midway -- Wasatch Mountain State Park campgrounds open April 15. Facilities include drinking water, restrooms, hot water showers, barbeque grills, and fire pits. Hookups are available depending on campground and sites. Little Deer Creek primitive campground will open at a later date depending on weather conditions.

Cross-country ski trails are now closed for the season. The park is preparing for spring and summer recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, and golf at all four courses: Silver and Gold at Soldier Hollow, and Lake and Mountain. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS
April 10 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Snow Canyon Family Adventure Night Series (F.A.N.S.) - Desert Animal Adaptations:
Through short stories, interactive games, and animal origami we explore how the desert environment poses interesting challenges for survival, and the unique adaptations desert animals have developed for living here from 6 to 8 p.m. This program is included with the $5 entrance fee. 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.

April 7 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
What's up Down South: Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Julie Breckenridge of the Washington County Water Conservancy District discusses the wells of Snow Canyon and other district facilities. She also talks about water conservation tips during this 45-minute presentation at 7 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call (435) 628-2255.

April 7 - 8 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
The Stories That Live Amongst Us Audio Workshop: Join Bruce Hucko to craft original five-minute audio recordings using state-of-the-art equipment, complete with music and sound effects. Cost of workshop is $550 and includes equipment rental. For more information, please call (435) 678-2238.

April 7 Goblin Valley State Park - Hanksville
Discover Goblin Valley: Join the park naturalist for an evening walk through the goblins at 8 p.m. at the Observation Point shelter. Find out how the goblins came to be, and who lurks around in the night! For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

April 8 Goblin Valley State Park - Hanksville
Junior Ranger Program: Who lives here? Learn about the wildlife that call Goblin Valley home. Find out what it might be like to live in the desert. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Observation Point shelter. This program is geared to children six to 12, but everyone is invited. Become a Junior Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. For more information, please call (435) 564-3633.

Fast Rainbow Trout Fishing About to Begin at Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Dutch John -- Fast fishing for rainbow trout is about to begin at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The rainbows caught at Flaming Gorge in the spring are often 20 inches or more in length.

Fishing for rainbows usually takes off in April at the northeastern Utah water and stays fast through the middle of May.

Lowell Marthe, acting Flaming Gorge project leader for the Division of Wildlife Resources, provides the following tips to help shore and boat anglers catch rainbows at Flaming Gorge this spring:

Starting in April, rainbow trout fishing at Flaming Gorge can be amazing. As the sun warms the water, mature fish will move to locations that are easily accessible to both shore and boat anglers.

Rainbows move to points and shorelines covered with small to medium-sized rocks. Although rainbows do not spawn successfully without running water, they move to these areas thinking they'd make good spawning locations.

Locations such as Sheep Creek Bay, Hideout Canyon, Lucerne Marina, Linwood Bay, Kingfisher Island, Antelope Flat, Swim Beach, Mustang Ridge and Sunny Cove are all places anglers will find these large fish. Rainbows larger than 20 inches can be common.

Tips

If fishing from the shore, try casting 1/16 to 1/8 oz. dark-colored jigs to deep water and then reeling them to shore. Also, night crawlers below a bobber work well if the water isn't too deep. Fishing the bottom with a single marshmallow near the eye of the hook, and a night crawler below it, is another good technique. Spinners and small minnow lures will also work.

Fly anglers should try black wooly buggers, streamers or leech patterns with sinking line. Trolling along rocky shorelines in a float tube, with your fly trailing behind you, is an effective technique to catch these fish.

When fishing from a boat, the same techniques are appropriate, although you'll be casting shallow and reeling to the deeper water on points and rocky shorelines. Make sure you let your jigs and lures sink deep enough to get to the fish.

Some of the fish you'll catch may be mature females that will release their eggs when you handle them. This isn't a problem, since these fish do not spawn successfully in the reservoir.

If you plan to release fish, try and keep them in the water and use a pair of pliers to remove the hook. Try and minimize the amount of time you spend touching the fish with your hands.

Also, don't be afraid to take some of these fish home: Flaming Gorge rainbows are about as tasty as they get!

In recent years, this rainbow fishing opportunity at the reservoir has lasted into the first couple weeks in May when the mature fish return to deeper water.

If you have an itch to do some fun spring fishing, the rainbows at Flaming Gorge might just be the scratch you're looking for.

View Rocky Mountain Goats April 15

Salt Lake City -- Now that the weather is "coming around," it's time to get outside and see something wild!

Rocky Mountain goats will be the featured species during a Division of Wildlife Resources' Watchable Wildlife program field trip on Saturday, April 15.

The field trip, which will allow people to watch and enjoy the surefooted antics of the goats, will be held at the Park and Ride lot, at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reach the canyon, travel east out of Salt Lake City on 9400 S.

The field trip is free.

"Powerful scopes and binoculars will be available to enhance the views of this remarkable animal," says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife program coordinator for the DWR. "Rocky Mountain goat fact cards and posters also will be distributed to everyone in attendance."

The field trip, which will not require leaving the Park and Ride lot area, is sponsored by the DWR's Watchable Wildlife

program.

For more information, call Walters at (801) 538-4771.


Hunters Under 12 Can Hunt Small Game in Utah This Fall

Beginning Aug. 1, hunters under 12 years of age can buy a license to hunt small game in Utah. They must first complete the state's Hunter Education course, however.

Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. recently signed a bill from the 2006 Utah legislative session that removes the minimum age to hunt small game and wild turkey in Utah.

Young Hunters Are Safe

"We're excited about this change," says Lenny Rees, hunter education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "It gives young people a chance to get outdoors with their parents and experience the joy of hunting at an earlier age."

Before the bill was introduced to state legislators, 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 required hunters to wait until they were 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

Hunters under the age of 12 must complete the state's entire Hunter Education course, including the shooting range portion of the course, before they can buy a license beginning Aug. 1.

After they've obtained their license, they can't hunt unless they're accompanied by their parent, or a person 21 years of age or older who has been approved by their parent to take them hunting.

"Accompanied means the adult has to be close enough to the young hunter that they can talk with them without the use of electronic means," Rees said. "For example, the young hunter cannot be so far away that the adult needs 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 must pass all of the same requirements that hunters older than them must also pass. The responsibility to determine if their son or daughter is physically and mentally mature enough to hunt has now been given to the
parents of each child."

Age Not Lowered for Big Game Hunting

House Bill 328, which eliminated the minimum age to hunt small game and wild turkey in Utah, 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," says 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.

Utahns Asked to Help With National Wildlife Survey

Telephones across Utah will be ringing soon at the 11th National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation gets underway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking hunters, anglers and other wildlife enthusiasts for their support.

"We appreciate the anglers, hunters, birdwatchers and others throughout the United States who voluntarily participate in this survey," says H. Dale Hall, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Results from this survey help wildlife managers quantify how much Americans value - in both participation and expenditures - our wildlife resources."

People cannot volunteer to take the survey, but the USFWS hopes those who do receive calls will take some time to help.

Survey Conducted Every Five Years

The survey is conducted every five years. It provides the only comprehensive statistical data available on participation and
expenditures for hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching in all of the 50 states. The survey is considered a critical resource for federal and state wildlife agencies, journalists, outdoor and tourist industries, local governments, planners, conservation groups and others with an interest in wildlife and outdoor recreation.

2006 Survey

Information for the 2006 survey will be collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, primarily through telephone interviews that will conducted in March, April, May, September and October 2006, and in January and February 2007.

Those who are contacted will be asked about their participation and expenditures in several categories of wildlife-associated recreation. The results will then be published in a national report and in 50 individual state reports.

Participation is voluntary and all responses are confidential. Data collected will be used for statistical purposes only, and no participant can be identified from the information contained in the reports.

The process of screening 85,000 households across the country began March 27. Representative samples will be chosen to include 31,500 anglers and hunters and 24,300 wildlife watchers (wildlife photographers, feeders and observers).

Findings

Preliminary survey findings will be available in the spring of 2007. Final reports will be issued beginning in the fall of 2007. The reports, when completed, will be posted at http://federalaid.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html

2001 Survey

The survey has been conducted every five years since 1955.

The 2001 survey revealed 82 million Americans enjoyed some form of wildlife-related recreation and spent more than $108 billion pursuing their activities.

The 2001 survey for Utah is available at
http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/01fhw/fhw01-ut.pdf