Meteors to Fall Wednesday Night
Utah sky watchers have a date with with the annual Geminids meteor shower this
coming Wednesday night and Thursday morning (December 13/14).
Past Geminids displays have treated observers to more than 100 meteors per hour.
"Geminid meteors," says NASA Solar System Ambassador to Utah Patrick
Wiggins, "are some of the slowest meteors known so unlike other showers which
tend to produce fast, white-hot meteors the Geminids are known for their slow,
graceful, colorful meteors."
Many people refer to these objects as 'shooting stars' or 'falling stars' and have the
idea they're much bigger than they really are. In fact most meteors are no larger
than a grain of sand that burn up and turn to ash when they strike Earth's extreme
upper atmosphere.
Most meteor showers happen when the Earth runs into the debris left behind by
comets. But the Geminid's parent body is thought to be an asteroid, known as 3200
Phaethon, which may be a spent or dormant comet.
Telescopes or binoculars should not be used to watch this or any meteor shower
because they limit how much of the sky the observer can see.
Wiggins says there's no best place in the sky to look. More important is where to watch the show from. "Rule number
one in meteor observing is to first get away from city light pollution. Then just lay back and look up. The meteors will
call attention to themselves."
A few Geminids may also be seen in the nights leading up to and following the predicted peak, but the numbers on those
nights will likely be fewer as the Earth will then be less well positioned in the particle swarm.
For more information on the Geminids and other astronomical topics log on to Wiggins' NASA Solar System
Ambassador web page at http://utahastro.info .
2006 Christmas Bird Count Schedule
12/14, Kanab
Contact: Lisa Church at (435) 644-4605
or lchurch@ut.blm.gov
12/14, Snake Valley, NV and UT
around Baker, NV and Garrison, UT (eastern edge of Great Basin NP)
Contact: Melissa Renfro at melsyurt@surfbest.net - (775) 234-7154 or Great Basin National Park, (775) 234-7331
12/14, Pipe Spring National Monument
Participants will meet at the GSENM visitor center in Kanab for their assignments. Participants who wish to count at
Pipe Spring and want an earlier start are welcome to go directly to Pipe Spring, instead of Kanab. Please call Pipe Spring
for more information: Andrea Bornemeier, Pipe Spring National Monument 928-643-7105 or
andrea_bornemeier@nps.gov
12/15, Escalante
Contact - Terry Tolbert at (435) 826-5607 or terry_tolbert@blm.gov
12/15, Zion National Park
Contact: Aviva O'Neil at (435) 772-0210
12/16, Ogden Area Christmas Count: Meet at 6:30 at the Country Market Restaurant (take 1100W north from 21st St. to
Flying J/Conoco Plaza on your left) for breakfast and to get your assignment. At 6:00pm come to the UCC Church (3350
S Harrison) for a potluck dinner and compilation of data. For more info send an email to John Bellmon (
bellmonj@comcast.net ). (Note: there is a $5 fee to participate in each count.)
12/16, Salt Lake City Christmas Bird Count, Contact Pomera Fronce at 272-2755 or pinkstring@xmission.com to obtain
further information.
12/16, Provo, ontact Merrill Webb at 801-224-6113 or merrill_webb@yahoo.com. We will compile the results at 6:00
P.M. at the Utah County Academy of Sciences, 940 West 800 South, Orem.
12/16, Evanston WY and UT
Contact: Tim Gorman at wyogoob@allwest.net or 307-679-0656.
Please meet at the Front Street Maverick convenience store at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16. One-half of the
count circle is in Utah. We hold the CBC all-time record for Greater Sage-Grouse (698 in '86). Last year 288 Sage-Grouse were sighted. All are invited.
12/16, Logan
If you would like to participate contact Keith Archibald at 435-752-8258 or archie132@comcast.net or Bryan Dixon at
435-752-6830 or bdixon@xmission.com .
12/16, Bryce Canyon
Contact: David Roemer at dave_roemer@nps.gov or 435-834-4901.
A bird ID workshop and organizational meeting will be held at the Dave's
Hollow Guard Station (Dixie National Forest) on Saturday, December 2
from 8 a.m. to noon.
Call or e-mail for details and count day assignments. Everyone is welcome!
Meet after the count at 6 p.m. at Ruby's Inn to turn in data and wrap-up.
12/17, Ouray NWR / Green River
Contact: Diane Penttila (435)545-2522 x 223
diane_penttila@fws.gov (Meet at the office at 7:30 am)
12/17, Moab
Contact - Rick Boretti 435-259-4050
The Moab Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, December 17th with the traditional potluck brunch at 10:00 on
Sunday, December 18th at the Nature Conservancy office on Kane Creek Blvd. For more information on count routes,
contact Rick Boretti at 435-259-4050.
12/19, Cedar City
Contact: Pam Larson 435 865-6100
12/20, Bear River Refuge Christmas Count: Meet at McDonaldb s (1838 W 2700N, Farr West b just east of I-15 exit
349) at 8:00 for breakfast or at 8:30 to carpool. For more info send an email to John Bellmon ( bellmonj@comcast.net ).
12/26, St. George
Contact: Marilyn or Keith Davis - (435) 673-0996 or mkdavis028@msn.com
12/27, Morgan Area Christmas Count: Meet at Utah DWR (515E 5300S, South Ogden) at 7:30 to carpool to breakfast at
the Spring Chicken Inn in Morgan, or meet at the Inn at 8:00. For more information, send an email to John Bellmon (
bellmonj@comcast.net) .
12/27, Silver Reef
Contact: Marilyn or Keith Davis (435) 673-0996 or mkdavis028@msn.com
12/27, Tooele
Contact: KC Childs Phone- 801-369-5984 - E-mailorembirder@yahoo.com
We will be meeting at 8:00 A.M. at the Tooele McDonalds, this is not the one just off the freeway, it is in the town and
the address is 970 N. Main Street. If anyone needs a ride from Provo, let me know, I can help with carpools. We would
love to have at least ten participants this year, so I would love any and all the help I can get. Thanks so much. If your
interested, call or email me.
12/31, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge website at http://fishsprings.fws We will start at 9:30
am and end around 5:00 pm. As always, each counter may
reserve space in our refuge bunkhouse the night before and the
night of the count on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact: Jay Banta at 435-831-5353 (from Salt Lake
exchanges - (801) 522-5353)
or Jay_Banta@fws.gov
12/31, Dinosaur NM / Jensen
Contact: Kathy Paulin at kpaulin@fs.fed.us
or go to the CBC website at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/
1/1, Antelope Island Christmas Count: Meet in the parking lot outside the Antelope Island State Park entrance kiosk at
8:00. For more information, send an email to John Bellmon ( bellmonj@comcast.net ).
1/1, Jordan River Christmas Bird Count, in Salt Lake and Utah Counties
Meet at Johannab s Kitchen, 9725 South State Street, Sandy (801-566-1762). To sign up, call Jeanne or Ray at 801-532-7384, evenings.
1/4 Glen Canyon
Contact: John Spence at: (928) 608-6267 Fax: (928) 608-6283
John_Spence@nps.gov
BOARD OF STATE PARKS TO DISCUSS BUDGET, LEGISLATION
Salt Lake City -- The Board of Utah State Parks and Recreation will discuss agency budget and legislative issues via
conference call Thursday, December 21 from 9 to 10:20 a.m. The public is welcome to participate in the conference call,
which is hosted from the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 West North Temple, Suite 112 in Salt Lake City.
BOARD OF UTAH STATE PARKS AND RECREATION
CONFERENCE CALL
DECEMBER 21, 2006, 9:00 A.M.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
1594 WEST NORTH TEMPLE, SUITE 112
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
AGENDA
9:00 a.m. 1. Welcome - Review and Acceptance of Agenda ACTION
- Parks Board Chairman Scott Parson
9:05 a.m. 2. Review and Acceptance of October 21, 2006 Minutes ACTION
- Scott Parson
9:10 a.m. 3. Budget and Legislation INFORMATION
10:15 a.m. 4. Public Comment
10:20 a.m. 5. Adjourn for Executive Session
Don't miss out! Today is your last chance to sign up for the Backcountry Awareness Field Course, December 15th.
White Pine Touring is offering this is an amazing opportunity to educate yourself about the dangers of the backcountry in
a condensed, one day on-mountain event. This information will increase your awareness of the risks associated with
recreating in the winter backcountry.
Professional avalanche instructors will teach participants the proper use of beacons, provide information regarding
bobservable cluesb that indicate avalanche danger, snow travel techniques, and the basics on snow safety.
Sign up today. The clinic is $70 for the entire day on the mountain. If you spend any time in the backcountry this clinic is
priceless.
Beacons, shovels and snow traveling gear required. Beacon's are not available for rent in the state of Utah.
SEE AMERICA'S LAST FRONTIER IN FIVE DIAMOND STYLE
AAA Travel Offers Exclusive Alaskan Gourmet Cruise with Top Chef Gary Danko
SALT LAKE CITY, December 11, 2006 - Calling all epicureans and explorers: It's time to ship out for adventure. A
select new cruise combines the Alaskan wilderness with the internationally renowned cuisine of top restaurateur Gary
Danko, and it's only offered through AAA Travel.
Guests will enjoy cooking exhibitions with host Gary Danko in the ms Noordam's state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen
as well as cooking and wine-tasting classes. Danko's Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco has won a Five-Diamond
rating from AAA four years in a row.
Meanwhile, view the glacial fjords and cascading waterfalls of the storied Inside Passage. Enjoy a free day ashore in
Juneau, Alaska's picturesque capital. Cruise Puget Sound, Glacier Bay and Vancouver Island - home to orcas, humpback
whales, seals, grizzlies, and the majestic Roosevelt elk.
"This exclusive culinary cruise to Alaska is the trip of a lifetime," said Sean Comey, spokesperson for AAA Utah. "It is
typical of AAA Travel Sojourns vacations in that it is anything but typical. If you love amazing food and spectacular
scenes of natural beauty, you don't want to miss this trip."
The trip departs Seattle on May 20, 2007. Prices begin at $1,185 per person. Price includes:
• Seven-night cruise aboard Holland America Line's brand new ms Noordam
• All onboard meals and entertainment
• Onboard cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Center with Gary Danko
• Wine tastings and wine pairings by Gary Danko's personally selected wine expert
• Informative Q&A sessions with the hosts
• Exclusive AAA Sojourns departure hosted by Gary Danko and wine expert
• Exclusive AAA activities, events and gifts
For more information or to reserve this trip today, call (888) 937-5523, click on www.aaa.com/travel or visit your local
AAA Travel agency.
AAA Travel is the nation's largest full-service leisure travel agency. AAA Travel offers trips, cruises, tours and vacation
packages throughout the world.
AAA Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 150,000 members.
AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years
ago.
Fantasia Christmas: A Piano Extraordinaire
When: Friday, December 15
Where: Peery's Egyptian Theater (2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden)
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: General $3 Senior $2
CONCERT: "Fantasia Christmas: A Piano Extraordinaire"
To celebrate the Christmas season, Peery's Egyptian Theater announces a special piano concert. 11 international &
nationally acclaimed young piano performers bring magic to the season as they will perform quintets, quartets, duets, and
solos in the spirit of the season.
The concert features Fantasia, a five-member team from the America Northwest Piano School who took the gold medal
in the junior division this summer at the 2nd WPPI International PianoTeams Competition, and six other youth
performers including three from the bronze team. Having performed or competed at places such as Los Angeles and Las
Vegas, all 11 performers are award winners of international, national, or state competitions.
Other sponsors of this concert include The Department of Music of Weber State University and Riverton Music.
General admissions will be $3 (children under 6 not admitted), and senior admissions will be $2.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Benefit Day, Torchlight Parade, Santa Coming Down the Town Lift
Park City Mountain Resort's fourth annual Benefit Day will take place on Friday, December 15. Advanced purchased lift
tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit the Park City Historical Society & Museum. On Saturday, December 16,
Santa and Rudolph will fly their sleigh full of goodies into Park City on the Town Lift at 6:15 p.m. Enjoy a magical
evening of live music, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. To round out the holiday
celebrations, the Resort's Ski and Snowboard School will once again take part in the annual torchlight parade. This event
will take place on December 24 at 6 p.m. Last season's torchlight parade was recently featured on the USA Network's
TV special "The Great American Christmas."
"Signature Runs": Silver King at Park City Mountain Resort is three-time Olympian, Picabo Street's favorite run.
Picabo, a longtime ski ambassador at the Resort, trained on Silver King to make her comeback for the 2002 Winter
Games.
GORGOZA PARK KICKS-OFF THE SEASON
For an Off-Mountain Experience, Try Tubing and Snowmobiling
Gorgoza Park is open to the public for tubing and mini snowmobiling. This year, Gorgoza Park introduces Fort Frosty, a
kid's play area that includes a tubing carousel and snow features designed for the youngest tubers (6 years and under).
The cost is $6 ($3 with the purchase of a 2-hour, 3-6 year old tubing pass). Gorgoza Park also features mini snowmobiles
for riders 5-12 years old, who can enjoy multiple laps around a designated course ($9 per ride). For tubing fun, Gorgoza
Park has three lifts servicing beginner and advanced tubing lanes (adult prices range from $8 a ride to $27 for four hours
with other options available). The hours of operation are 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
ALPINE COASTER OPEN FOR THE WINTER
Hi-Speed Action through the Snow
Park City Mountain Resort's new Alpine Coaster will continue operating throughout the winter season, weather
permitting. The coaster will operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday if conditions allow, with
extended Holiday operations anticipated. Tickets are available at any ticket window; the cost is $10 per ride with the
purchase of a lift ticket or season pass, $15 per ride without. Passengers ages 3-8 are $4. Guests must be at least 54" to
ride alone.
Featured Fare: What is the Legacy Cafi cooking up? Try the soy-glazed, pan-seared ahi tuna, served with wasabi mashed
potatoes and roasted vegetables.
RUNNING A TOP MOUNTAIN RESORT: THE BUSINESS ANGLE
How a Focus on People Led to a Top Industry Ranking
When Peter Curtis became President and General Manager in 2003, one of his goals was to make Park City Mountain
Resort one of the top five mountain resorts in the nation. Find out how Peter Curtis led the team to success, what lessons
can be learned from running a high profile mountain resort, the importance of leadership (vs. management) skills
training, and how a unique people management philosophy consistently draws customer raves down to the ski rental
assistant.
ABOUT PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature
groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, North America's largest superpipe. The
Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 500 non-stop flights
daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort, visit our blog at http://parkcity.typepad.com.
DNR Reaction to Proposed Budget
Salt Lake City, Utah -- The Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased with Governor Huntsman's
proposed budget. There are three key items: discretionary funding for salaries in addition to the proposed salary increase
for all state employees; ongoing funding for watershed recovery efforts; and, funding for some land purchase around
Tabby Mountain.
DNR Executive Director Mike Styler says the salary issue is critical. "The Governor recognizes our challenge of losing
our trained employees to competing agencies that can pay more. The proposed salary adjustments can have a tremendous
impact on our employee retention efforts."
Governor Huntsman also exhibited his understanding of the value of the watershed recovery effort. His budget calls for
$1 million in ongoing funding and $1 million in one-time money for the effort. "This program has proven its worth by
leveraging last year's appropriation of $2 million to $11 million, which translated into recovery efforts on almost 150,000
acres of land," said Styler. "The Governor's proposal could yield similar results for FY 2008."
Governor Huntsman also proposed $20 million for the purchase of some land in the Tabby Mountain area. "The
Governor recognizes the significance of the area as an important wildlife habitat and recreation site, and has proposed
funding that would assist our goals of protecting the resource," said Styler.
Styler invites all state legislators to visit DNR to learn why these initiatives are so vital to the state and its citizens.
Governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group
What: Meeting of the Governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group
Who: Participants include: Utah Geologic Survey, Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Association of Counties,
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, Utah City Engineers Association, American Planning Association, Division
of Homeland Security, Provo City, Layton City, Alpine City, and Morgan County.
When: 9:00 am * 12 noon
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Where: Department of Natural Resources
1594 West North Temple
Room 214, Water Rights Conference Room
Salt Lake City, Utah
Why: This is the third meeting of the working group, which was formed as a result of the damages in urban areas caused
by landslides in 2005 and 2006. The group is developing recommendations to present to Governor Huntsman for
consideration on how to improve the land-use regulation process in Utah to reduce losses from landslides and other
geologic hazards. (Agenda is attached)
Major Victory for Marine Fisheries Conservation
Saltwater Angling Conservation Community Sees Top Priorities Addressed in Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens
Act
WASHINGTON - Over the weekend, the House of Representatives followed Senate action Friday and passed a new
version of the primary law that governs the marine fisheries of the United States. The rewrite of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act, which has not been updated in 10 years, contains strong new provisions for improved science-based marine fisheries
management that had been supported by the sportfishing and conservation community.
Pushing together for several of those new provisions this past year was a coalition facilitated by the Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership that represents recreational anglers, the sportfishing industry and conservation groups. The
TRCP Marine Fisheries Working Group (MCWG) came together in 2005 to establish its joint "SALT Principles," which
outlined consensus-based recommendations for addressing marine fishery problems and opportunities.
The Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization passed by Congress and expected to be signed into law by President Bush
addresses all of the group's SALT Principles. It is a landmark victory for saltwater anglers and all Americans who care
about conservation of our marine resources.
"Saltwater anglers made their voices heard in the months of debate that led to passage of this bill and they have helped
ensure our oceans will provide more sustainable fish populations and better fishing for all Americans," said Bob Hayes,
who co-chairs the MCWG and represents the Coastal Conservation Association and the American Sportfishing
Association.
The SALT Principles stand for Science, Allocation, Licensing and Tackle and the MCWG's recommendations in these
priority areas were addressed in the Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization in the following specific ways:
Science
Includes new Marine Protection Area guidelines that place limits on the creation of no-fishing zones, requiring that they
be based on sound science;
· Requires National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and White House Council on Environmental
Quality (CEQ) to develop a proposal for integrating the Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA) with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) no later than one year after MSA is enacted;
· Improves participation requirements in Science and Statistical Committees (SSC) of regional fishery management
councils;
Allocation
· Includes provision to consider the economic impacts of harvest restrictions or recovery benefits on fishery participants
in all sectors;
· Starting in 2010, requires overfishing to stop within two years;
· Maintains existing rebuilding requirements;
· Requires Fishery Management Plans (FMP) to include annual catch limits that cannot exceed recommendations of SSC;
· Allows for permanent fleet buyouts in fisheries with a limited access program; requires report of 20 most
overcapitalized fisheries, allows for buyouts in fishery disaster areas;
Licensing
· Establishes federal angler registry, no fee can be charged before 2011; exempts states with licenses that provide
adequate data;
· Includes new language mandating a review and overhaul of Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey (MRFSS)
taking into account National Resource Council (NRC) report; completed and implemented by 2009.
Tackle
· Establishes Bycatch Reduction Engineering program to improve technology;
Encourages FMP's to develop systems to provide incentives for reducing bycatch;
· Requires identification of fisheries with the most urgent bycatch problems;
· Sets bycatch limitations at 10.7% of total allocation (direct & nontarget);
· Includes seabirds as bycatch.
Recreational saltwater fishing plays a crucial role on our coastal economies -- saltwater anglers make a 34-billion-dollar
annual impact and support 360,000 full- and part-time jobs. "This updated version of Magnuson-Stevens does a better
job of taking into account the importance of managing our marine resources for recreational fishing," points out Matthew
Connolly, TRCP President and CEO. "It does so by putting new emphasis on better science and more reliance on it and it
mandates creation of more equitable fishery allocations based on more accurate measurements of angler and catch data."
The TRCP's Marine Conservation Working Group includes marine policy experts from the nation's leading recreational
fishing and marine conservation organizations including the American Sportfishing Association, Berkley Conservation
Institute, Coastal Conservation Association, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Environmental Defense and
the Izaak Walton League of America.
Special thanks to Senators Ted Stevens, Daniel Inouye, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Bill Nelson and Representatives
Richard Pombo, Wayne Gilchrest, Nick Rahall and Jim Saxton for their leadership and commitment to making much-needed updates to our nation's most important marine management law.
Growing Interest in a Southwest Utah Coalfield
Southwest-Central, Utah -- A coalfield, that has enough capacity to power Utah for 50 years at current consumption
levels, is generating interest in southwestern Utah.
Eight-quadrangles, totaling 465-square miles were recently studied and re-inventoried by the Utah Geological Survey, a
division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. The study of the Alton coalfield in Kane County determined there
are about 2.91 billion tons of coal in the area. However only 1.25 billion tons of coal are recoverable because some of the
area is federally protected. Part of the coalfield underlies the northwest section of the Grand Staircase National
Monument. A section also underlies Bryce Canyon National Park.
A private Utah-based company has already secured several mining leases in the area near Alton, Utah. It is anticipated
the mining operation would bring economic development and employment opportunities. The BLM will soon start an
environmental impact study on the proposed mine area.
The UGS completed the special study as part of a long-term cooperative agreement with the USGS. This is a re-inventory of an area that was studied about 30 years ago. The re-inventory confirms the availability of viable and
significant coal reserves in an area of the state not traditionally mined for coal. The study took about nine months to
complete and the results were recently released.
The Bureau of Land Management is completing its Resource Management Plan for that area. Though the area was
inventoried in the early 1970s, there has since been a substantial amount of new geologic data gathered on that area. The
USGS felt a new inventory, incorporating the new data, was appropriate for the BLM's new plan.
TRCP Makes Final Push for Rocky Mountain Front Protections
Coalition calls on Congress to protect important wildlife area in Montana for future generations
WASHINGTON - The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) today strongly urged key members of
Congress to ensure the passage of tax bill language protecting public land in Montana's Rocky Mountain Front from
future energy development.
The language would disallow the federal government from offering new oil and gas drilling or hard rock mining leases in
an area that spans from Glacier National Park to Rogers Pass.
"In this action sportsmen can see the product of a final good turn done them by Senator Burns, who authored Rocky
Mountain Front protection language earlier this year and has long championed our concerns," said TRCP Chairman
James D. Range. "We also applaud the admirable determination of Senator Baucus, who spurred the current protection
efforts and is a tireless proponent of this very important area of unspoiled natural beauty and immense fish and wildlife
resources."
"Embedded in these protections is an important recognition that some public lands are too important for reasons other
than their fossil fuel values to be drilled for oil and gas," said the TRCP's Dr. Rollin Sparrowe, who chairs the TRCP
Fish, Wildlife and Energy Working Group. This working group includes several of the country's leading hunting, fishing
and wildlife conservation organizations and is promoting a more balanced approach to energy development on public
lands.
Last week eight members of the coalition filed letters with congressional appropriators calling for the immediate passage
of the Rocky Mountain Front protection language. Organizations signing these letters included TRCP Partners the
American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Federation of Fly Fishers, Izaak Walton
League of America, Quality Deer Management Association, Wildlife Management Institute and The Wildlife Society.
The working group's approach is encapsulated in a set of guiding principles, Energy FACTS for Fish and Wildlife,
designed to better address the needs of the renewable resources that reside on the same public lands facing energy
development. A key tenet of the approach is that some areas, especially those like the Rocky Mountain Front that are
defined by their exceptional fish and wildlife resources, should be off-limits to development.
THE HEAT IS ON AT SCOFIELD RESERVOIR
PRICE, UTAH--On Wednesday, November 6th, Conservation Officer
Mike Milburn fished Scofield Reservoir and interviewed a number of other
anglers. Fishing was excellent! Mike ended up catching (and releasing) 18
fish, 13 of which were tiger trout. The rest were rainbows. Parts of his
report are reprinted here.
I arrived at 9 a.m. and decided to fish below the old boat camp which is
across the channel from the main state park. There were two young men
already fishing in the area. They said they had caught three fish when I
arrived. They were fishing in 25 feet of water, so I decided to try shallower
water. I drilled a hole and found about 5-7 inches of good solid ice. I was in
10-11 feet of water near the wakeless zone buoys in the channel.
I began fishing with a small chub minnow on my standard rig***. I caught a 14-inch tiger trout within one minute of
starting. In the first hour, I caught six tiger trout that were all between 13 and 15 inches. I tried using a small piece of
nightcrawler for awhile but didn't get any hits. As soon as I switched back to minnows, bites resumed.
Later in the morning things slowed a little, so I tried deeper water. I caught several rainbow trout, ranging from small 8-inch fish up to an 18.5 inch fish that weighed about three pounds. I also caught a few fish using a piece of nightcrawler.
The guys near me, Brett Kidder and his brother from North Salt Lake, caught some nice fish, including one rainbow trout
that I estimated at 4 pounds. Brett caught the big one at about 1:30 p.m. He was using a meal worm on a small ice fly.
Gene Lessar and his brother Bob from Price kept a limit of 8 nice
fish. They were using meal worms and also some pieces of chub on
a small Kastmaster. They were fishing on the east shore where the
old cabins are. They said they caught about 15 fish during the five
hours they were on the lake. They fished in 15 feet of water.
*** Mike Milburn's standard rig is a small silver attractor like a
Kastmaster or Stinger from which he removes the hook. In its place,
Mike ties on 10-12 inches of leader, and finishes the rig with a 1/32
or 1/16 oz. chartreuse jig head. The jighead is tipped with a small
(1-inch) minnow.
Ice Fishing is hot on many High Elevation Waters
By Brian Brinkerhoff
Outdoors Correspondent
Frosted snow crunched under our feet as we pulled the sled to our fishing spot about 100 yards from the
shoreline. The air was a crisp 6 degrees, freezing in our nostrils as we puffed across the ice. Just before the sun broke
over the snowy hillsides, our first rainbow trout was already biting with light and timid taps to the mealworm presented
on a 1/16 oz white jig.
Holiday anglers are already heading out to high and mid-elevation waters to catch trout or panfish at their favorite
frozen destinations. Although ice is currently safe on some of the higher elevation waters, anglers are advised to exercise
extreme caution when venturing onto the ponds. Many waters are just donning their ice cap and are not yet offering safe
conditions. Ice changes daily and anyone attempting to walk on water should cautiously check its thickness. Moving
water and natural springs will result in thin areas and anglers should always watch for these situations.
A variety of baits can be effective this time of year, ranging
from mealworms and night crawlers to minnows and Powerbait.
Mealworms are popular because they don't freeze as easily as
nightcrawlers, however insulated coolers can help prevent bait freezing
when temperatures are brisk. Effective colors also vary, depending on
time of day, clarity of the water and fish preference.
Anglers are drawn to this type of fishing because it opens the
entire lake to those traditionally limited to shoreline access. Early in the
season, fish actively feed while water temperatures under the ice are
relatively warm and oxygen is readily available. As a result, plenty of
action awaits for those willing to brave the cold.
Scofield Reservoir is usually the first to freeze, offering anglers
that first scratch to a growing itch as temperatures plummet. After Jan.
1, the trout limit will double to eight fish on this water, offering additional trout to anglers wanting more at mealtime.
Several Strawberry Reservoir bays are also starting to freeze over, although most are currently reported as unsafe.
It is a favorite destination after Christmas or New Year for larger cutthroat trout and fat rainbows, and as a result, sees a
lot of fishing pressure. On this water, getting away from the crowds can make a difference in improving fishing success
and snowmobiles can help you access those distant bays.
Huntington Reservoir at the top of Skyline Drive is seeing some smaller tiger trout action, but fishing seems to
slow down as the season progresses. Anglers heading here should not delay, since ice thickness can become a problem
later, where visitors have to carve through more than three feet of ice, covered with several feet of snow.
Utah Lake is always worth a visit if you are looking for white bass, but ice thickness can change hourly on this
water, especially when the sun is out and temperatures are mild. Lindon Boat harbor currently has reports of schooling
bass and happy anglers are taking them home for dinner. The harbor at Utah Lake State Park can also be worth a visit. If
you can find the school, action will be hot until they move on. Bright and shiny presentations work best, especially if you
offer a nightcrawler or bass meat along with your jig.
Other popular destinations include Fish Lake, Panguitch Reservoir, Otter Creek,
Pelican Lake and Deer Creek as the season progresses. Feel free to move around and
carve new holes if the fish are not biting. Sometimes a few feet will make all the
difference between non-stop action and not getting a bite. Many use portable fish finders
to discover what is happening under the ice cap.
Dress in layers and don't skimp on warm clothing. It is always easy to remove
the excess if it warms up, but it is hard to warm up if you did not bring enough. Good
boots are critical. Slush often forms on the ice at waters like Strawberry, which can
make for a less comfortable visit if you are unprepared. Gloves and a good warm hat is
also essential to your comfort during this season.
Although many would expect it to be very quiet on the waters this time of year,
these frozen wintertime scenes are now dotted with friends and families huddled
together, laughing and telling stories of fish that escaped their grasp. The crowd is
sociable and fun, even when fish are not biting. Ice tents help protect dedicated anglers
from the elements as they play cards and wait for that next tug on their line. Many Utah
recreationists are hooked on this form of fishing and once they try it, their heart warms
every time the temperatures drop below freezing. For the latest ice fishing reports, visit
http://wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/reports.php
Brian Brinkerhoff hosts Backcountry Utah- Utah's Outdoor Radio Magazine, which airs 9- 10 a.m. Sat.
Mornings on AM 630 KTKK; 3-4 p.m. Tues. afternoons on AM 1340 KTMP. He is author of Best Easy Day
Hikes- Salt Lake City, published by Falcon Press. For more information, visit his website at
http://www.backcountry-magazine.com
Ice Fishing Safety Tips
Many waters are in transition as they fill during the winter months. As reservoirs fill, the ice lifts and pulls away
from the shoreline, resulting in wet feet from the start. The following safety tips are provided to help make your winter
excursion a happier one:
--Thickness and strength of the ice should be carefully tested before wandering out onto the ice, especially with a
snowmobile. Many snowmobiles have been lost by individuals who didn't check. The Division of Wildlife Resources
recommends the following rules to judge ice strength, based on new, clear ice (white, frosty ice is only half as strong):
Two inches of ice will generally support one adult of average size and weight; Three inches of ice will support a small
group of people (providing they walk in a single file and remain well spaced); Ice more than 12 inches thick will usually
support the weight of a car. One way to test the ice, before getting onto it, is to throw a fairly good sized rock onto the
ice. If the rock falls through, it is likely you will too. Test thickness with several test holes as you proceed to deeper
water, where ice generally is thinner, early in the season.
- Areas with moving water under the ice, such as rivers, channels or springs, are dangerous locations and the ice
strength is generally much weaker.
- When drilling or chopping holes in the ice, avoid holes larger than 6 inches in diameter to reduce the risk of
someone falling in.
- Be aware of possible hypothermia and exposure dangers, which exists under these very cold conditions. Wear
several layers of warm clothing (cotton is not a recommended fabric because of its water retention) with a wind/water
repellant outer layer. Several layers will provide better insulation than one single heavy coat. Make sure to cover your
head, wrists, back of neck, and ankles, especially as the wind picks up. Frostbite can occur within seconds on a cold,
windy day.
- Your feet should be properly protected to stay dry and warm.
Insulated, water repellant boots should be used with two layers of
medium weight socks, designed to wick moisture away from the feet
(cotton is not recommended). A pair of neoprene waders provides a great
outer shell layer and a little more protection from cold, especially if you
fall in.
-Smart anglers purchase or develop their own plastic or canvas
windbreak screens to protect them from the bone-chilling winds. Some
anglers even bring small fishing shacks onto the ice with propane heaters
inside. Exercise caution to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Exercise extreme caution when handling an ice auger. These blades are extremely sharp and can easily remove a
finger or toe. Always replace the guard when not in use.
- Bring at least two forms of fire starters to warm yourself if weather conditions become extremely cold, but
never build a fire on the ice. Waterproof matches, candle stubs, rolled up sheets of newspaper soaked in paraffin, and
small chunks of coal can all help transform wet wood into a roaring blaze.
- If someone should fall through the ice, extend a pole, rope, or article of clothing. Stay calm and keep your
weight evenly distributed over the ice, by spreading your arms and legs as you move toward the hole, using extreme
caution. Often the individual can pull him/herself out with a knife or a pair of spikes. Another effective method is to
extend both arms along the ice surface and kick vigorously, pushing the body forward, flat onto the ice and rolling to
safety.
-The freezing water will quickly affect the victim's ability to get out of this dangerous situation and, as a result,
the best advice is to get out as calmly and quickly as possible. The victim should be provided warm, dry clothing as soon
as possible with a warm drink to help restore normal body temperatures.
Following the above-mentioned tips and a little common sense can help provide safe and enjoyable fishing
opportunities for many years to come.
WATER REPELLENT PROTECTS FABRICS
Unless an RV or motor home is used by a full-timer, it may sit for weeks or even months exposed to the elements,
including wind-driven dirt and dust, snow, bird droppings, tree sap and acid rain. These factors can cause fabric become
stained and mildewed, losing their water repellency while becoming dirty and unattractive.
Water Repellent from Iosso Products is effective on all fabrics, restoring repellency and keeping them looking great. It
protects from water, soils, oil and environmental pollutants. It also resists mildew and stains. Protected with Water
Repellent, fabrics are easily kept clean and looking like new.
The Water Repellent's environmentally friendly formula is non-solvent and non-silicon. It will not attract dirt or change
the look or feel of the fabric. Ideal for RV covers, the Water Repellent works on cushions, umbrellas, awnings, canopies,
tarps and vinyl as well.
A 22-ounce spray bottle of Water Repellent can clean up to 25 square feet and retails for $16.48. A larger, one-gallon
container covers 150 square feet and is available for $33.07. The company also offers a 32-ounce concentrate, which
yields two gallons and costs $59.95.
Iosso Products has been supplying quality, innovative and environmentally friendly products to OEMs and consumers for
over 25 years. The company is a leader in marine, RV and outdoors markets.
MORE WHIRLING DISEASE FOUND IN CENTRAL UTAH MOUNTAINS
PRICE, UTAH--This week, the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced laboratory results, documenting the
presence of Whirling Disease (WD) in Electric Lake and the left and right forks of Huntington Creek, which are situated
on the Wasatch Plateau. Last year, WD was found in Huntington Creek below the confluence of the forks. It was hoped
that the Electric Lake dam had been an upstream barrier to the disease. It was not.
DWR Regional Aquatics Manager Paul Birdsey plans to sample other reservoirs in the Huntington drainage in 2007.
Reservoirs slated for study include Huntington (a.k.a. Mammoth), Cleveland, Boulger and Benches. As much as
possible, Birdsey intends to determine distribution of the disease and prevent it from spreading any further.
WD is an infection of trout caused by a microscopic parasite. Severely infected fish may show skeletal deformities,
blackening of the tail, and a distinctive whirling behavior (swimming in circles). The disease is particularly harmful to
young trout and can lead to death in cases where parasites are abundant. There is no known cure, although research is
presently underway to develop strains of WD-resistant trout.
WD was first discovered in Utah in 1991 and has since spread to a number of Utah's waters and has even caused several
hatcheries to shut down to disinfect their premises. Much of the disease distribution can be tied to sportfishing and
fishermen. WD spores may be transported by muddy waders, boots and shoes. Boats, motors, and fishing equipment can
also carry WD spores from one location to another.
To stop the spread of the disease, anglers should soak their shoes, boots and waders in a 10% bleach solution for at least
five minutes after fishing in a WD-positive water, before moving to another area. Boats and fishing equipment should be
washed off with the same concentration of bleach. Fish entrails or other non-edible fish parts should be put in a trash
receptacle. Spores released from dead fish can infect a new water, if fish are not disposed of properly. Everyone's effort
is needed, if we hope to contain WD.
Fishermen and fish consumers are not at risk from the parasite. Flavor, meat and human health are unaffected. Rainbow
trout are the most susceptible species, followed by golden trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout and finally
splake, which are the least susceptible.
See Space Shuttle Discovery
"If current predictions hold and the weather cooperates," says NASA Solar System Ambassador to Utah Patrick Wiggins,
"we in northern Utah have an excellent chance of seeing space shuttle Discovery during it's current mission.
Sunday evening, the 17th, has Discovery, still docked with the International Space Station, rising in the southwest about
6:20 pm, reaching a point half way up the southeastern sky at about 6:22 and fading from view as it passes into the
shadow of the Earth low in the eastern sky at about 6:23.
The next pass occurs Monday evening when the shuttle, by then undocked from the station, will make a brief appearance
half way up the northwestern sky between about 6:42 and 6:43 followed about a minute later by the space station.
Northern Utah's best pass of the current mission will be the evening of Wednesday the 20th when Discovery will pass
out of the Earth's shadow high in the west at about 5:46, pass nearly overhead about 5:47 and set in the northeast about 5:49.
The shuttle and station will look like bright stars moving slowly across the sky and bright enough to be seen even from
light polluted urban areas.
Wiggins notes that he always enjoys seeing the space shuttle and space station because he knows "There are heartbeats
on board."
The above times are specifically for northern Utah. Sighting information for other areas can be found by following the
"See the Space Shuttle" link on Wiggins' Solar System Ambassador web site at http://utahastro.info .
WINTER PROGRAMS AT ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK
Syracuse -- Visit Antelope Island State Park Saturday, December 16 and enjoy two great events, winter wildlife tracking
and a lesson in brine shrimping.
Young visitors are invited to join Park Naturalist Crystal Carpenter at 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center for a Junior Ranger
Program. This week, participants will take a deeper look into the wonders of wildlife during winter months. Carpenter
leads this easy hike in search for all signs of wildlife: tracks, fur, shelters, burrows, scat, feathers, eggs, trails, and scratch
marks on shrubs. In the past, Carpenter reports participants have seen bison, jackrabbit, cottontail, chukar, northern
harrier, raven, meadow voles, and bobcat.
Participants should dress for weather conditions, and bring water and sunscreen. While this activity is intended for
children six through 12, everyone is welcome.
At 3 p.m. in the Visitor Center, join park staff for an inside look into the brine shrimp industry through a photo tour of a
shrimping session. The brine shrimp season varies each year, but usually begins in October or November, and ends in
January or February. Anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000 tons of brine shrimp are harvested each year.
To visit Antelope Island State Park, take I-15 to Exit 332, turn west and follow Antelope Drive to the entrance gate. Day-use fees are $9 per vehicle. For more information on these and other events at Antelope Island State Park, please call
(801) 721-9569.
ARTIST OF THE UINTAS FEATURED AT UTAH FIELD HOUSE IN VERNAL
Vernal -- In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Utah State Parks, the Utah Field House of Natural History State
Park Museum proudly announces a temporary exhibit of paintings by Ernest Untermann, Sr.
The Untermann Exhibit is currently on display and continues
through March 2007. Ernest Untermann, Sr. was a prolific
painter of natural history themes back in the early years of the
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum.
Nicknamed the "Painter of the Uintas," he displayed his love
of the Uinta Basin through his many portraits depicting
various regional sites. This beloved painter was well known
throughout the northeast region of Utah.
Within an 80-mile radius of Vernal, evidence of the entire
Earth's history is visible, and at its center is the Utah Field
House of Natural History State Park Museum. For more
information about the Utah Field House, please call (435)
789*3799 or stop by at 496 East Main Street in Vernal.
LUMINARIAS AT THE EDGE
Blanding * On Wednesday, December 20 from 6 to 8 p.m., join Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum staff for its
second annual night of lights, Luminarias at the Edge. More than 1,000 tiny candles illuminate the walkways around the
museum and the 1,000-year-old Ancestral Puebloan community. This magical evening includes holiday music and
refreshments. Exhibit halls are also open.
UTAH STATE PARKS BOAT LAUNCH AND WATER CONDITIONS
Please find below, Utah State Parks current conditions as of December 12, 2006:
Bear Lake State Park Marina: OPEN * 39 degrees
Deer Creek State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
East Canyon State Park: OPEN * 36 degrees
Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
Great Salt Lake State Marina: OPEN * 46 degrees
Gunlock State Park: OPEN * 48 degrees
Huntington State Park: CLOSED - 30 degrees
Hyrum Lake State Park: OPEN - 48 degrees
Jordanelle State Park: OPEN - 40 degrees
Millsite State Park: OPEN * 30 degrees
Otter Creek State Park: OPEN * 32 degrees
Palisade State Park: CLOSED * 35 degrees
Piute State Park: OPEN - 32 degrees
Quail Creek State Park: OPEN * 55 degrees
Red Fleet State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
Rockport State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
Sand Hollow State Park: OPEN * 52 degrees
Scofield State Park: CLOSED * 32 degrees
Starvation State Park: OPEN * 35 degrees
Steinaker State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
Utah Lake State Park: OPEN * 40 degrees
Willard Bay State Park: CLOSED * 45 degrees
Yuba State Park: OPEN * 42 degrees
Strawberry: OPEN * 35 degrees
Flaming Gorge: OPEN * 35 degrees
UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT
Grooming Report as of December 12, 2006:
Monte Cristo: December 8, 2006 - 19 inches of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 25 inches at Monte Cristo. Snow is very
slim at the parking lot, on Ant Flat Road, and on Highway 39. We will not be grooming again until more snow falls.
Grooming was completed on the following dates and locations:
Thursday, December 7 - Highway 39, Arb's Basin
Sunday, December 3 - Arb's Basin
No other areas have been groomed at this time.