More rainbow trout for Strawberry Reservoir

Donation from anglers brings total to 410,000 rainbows

Strawberry Reservoir anglers—get ready. Fishing at one of the nation's best trout-fishing waters is about to get even better.

More than 410,000 rainbow trout are headed to your favorite fishing water in north-central Utah!

Background

Anglers should catch more rainbow trout at Strawberry Reservoir in the coming years. DWR biologists are planting 410,000 8-inch rainbows in the reservoir in 2008.

Photo by Scott Root

For years, Division of Wildlife Resources biologists have worked to establish a healthy population of Bear Lake cutthroat trout in Strawberry. In addition to being a beautiful and fun fish to catch, Bear Lake cutthroat trout are great at keeping Utah chub populations under control.

(The cost to do a rotenone treatment on the scale needed to remove chubs from Strawberry would be massive. If chubs ever take the reservoir over again, the trout fishery will probably collapse as it did in the 1980s.)

Special regulations at the reservoir are designed to keep plenty of chub-eating Bear Lake cutthroats in the reservoir. But if you like to keep fish, there's a downside to the regulations—many of the cutthroats fall within the 15- to 22-inch slot limit that anglers aren't allowed to keep. And others are longer than 22 inches. Anglers are allowed to keep only one cutthroat longer than that length.

On the other hand, there is no length restriction on rainbow trout or kokanee salmon in Strawberry. But anglers aren't finding many rainbows to catch; when they're stocked in the reservoir at their usual 5-inch length, the numerous, large cutthroat trout in the reservoir eat them too.

Bigger rainbows

DWR biologists have some good news, though. They've found that if rainbows are grown to 8 inches before they're stocked, it's easier for them to avoid predation in Strawberry.

Stocking 8-inch rainbows could be the key to providing more rainbow trout for anglers to catch.

But growing rainbows to 8 inches means they must remain in the hatcheries longer. And like so many other items, the cost to buy food to feed the fish is going up.

As DWR hatchery personnel looked forward to the 2008 stocking season, one of their goals was to raise 410,000 rainbows to the 8-inch length for Strawberry. But the cost to raise that many rainbows has escalated.

Sportsmen step up

In response to a budget shortfall at the DWR's hatchery in Logan, there's been an outpouring of support from the angling public. (About 40,000 of the 410,000 rainbows scheduled for stocking into Strawberry this year would be raised at the Logan hatchery.)

Even before the DWR could search for funds on its own, a coalition of fishing groups, conservationists and others who care about Strawberry Reservoir stepped forward.

John and Paul Phillips of the Strawberry Bay Lodge and Don and John Mecham of Trail of the Sportsman led the group. They gathered a coalition that included the Salt Lake County Fish and Game Association, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, Trailtv.com, the Strawberry Anglers Association, the Strawberry Bay Marina, Cabela's and Sportsman's Warehouse. Their goal? Raise the money needed so the DWR could reach its goal of raising 410,000 8-inch rainbow trout for stocking into Strawberry.

Donation presented

Sportsmen's groups present a check to DWR Director Jim Karpowitz. The money will help the DWR reach its goal.

Photo by Scott Root

On April 30, a group of sportsmen led by Don Mecham presented checks totaling $14,000 to the DWR. This contribution will help the agency reach its goal of raising

410,000 rainbow trout to the desired 8-inch length. All of these fish will be planted into Strawberry.

Mecham says he and his company, Trail of the Sportsman, are committed to wildlife conservation. Ten percent of the money they receive on their Web site (trailtv.com) is donated to wildlife conservation causes.

They chose to put money into the Strawberry Bay Rainbow Enhancement Project because Strawberry is where they learned to fish as kids. After having kids of their own, they chose Strawberry as the place to teach their kids how to fish.

"We want to help make Strawberry and the rainbow trout enhancement project an enduring priority for years to come," Mecham says. "We invite other business owners and individuals to become part of the solution. We want to see new families start new family fishing traditions at Strawberry. Planting larger rainbows that they can take home and eat will do just that."

175,000 pounds of fish

The DWR's new and improved fish hatcheries are producing more fish than ever before. Just four years ago, in 2003, the DWR put 80,000 pounds of trout into Strawberry. This year, the agency plans on stocking 175,000 pounds of trout into the reservoir. These fish will be a mix of 8-inch sterile rainbow trout, Bear Lake cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. Refuge System Battles Invasive Species Citizen Support is Key

Invasive plants and animals—introduced to the lands and waters of the United States from foreign shores—continue to plague national wildlife refuges. Some efforts to stem this threat are already in place and beginning to take hold. But there are other steps people can

take to help by slightly altering their routines. About 2.4 million acres of the 98-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System are currently infested

with invasive plants, according to the 2007 Refuge Annual Performance Plan. Additionally, 4,423 invasive animal populations occupy refuge lands—from the brown treesnake overrunning Guam National Wildlife Refuge to the more common nutria, a species that has spread to many states that was brought from South America when its fur was highly marketable. National wildlife refuges spent more than $11 million last fiscal year in fighting this problem, which has become pervasive. During each of the past four years, the Refuge System has treated an average of 14 percent of the acres infested with invasive plants. Five Invasive Species Strike Teams have been mobilized to respond rapidly to the detection of new and threatening infestations. They are working in Arizona, New Mexico, the Upper Missouri/Yellowstone/Upper Columbia River basins, south Florida, North Dakota, and Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. In the near future, a team led by biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be gearing up to rid Rat Island, part of Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, of its namesake invader. More than 200 years ago, Norway rats came ashore to Rat Island when a Japanese ship ran aground. The rat spill changed the island from a predator-free sanctuary for ground-nesting seabirds into a death trap. There are virtually no seabirds left. The team will hit every potential rat territory on the island, including all vegetated offshore rocks and islets. And areas that can’t be reached by helicopter, such as overhanging cliffs and coastal areas, will be visited by biologists on foot. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge became a beacon of success in 2004, when it eradicated nutria. But the battle is never-ending, and the refuge’s nutria-free status now depends largely on neighboring landowners to control nutria on their lands. Today, an intensive trapping and detection program is maintained on 130,000 acres of coastal marsh surrounding and including Blackwater Refuge. Citizen support is key in the battle against invasive species. The Refuge System has worked for the past three years with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, The Nature Conservancy and the National Institute of Invasive Species Science on a program that has enabled about 2,750 volunteers to inventory, treat and restore more than 211,000 acres of Refuge System land. Many of these refuge volunteers are called upon to wage hand-to-hand combat with invasives. At Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the New England Invasive Plant Group—a network of agencies and organizations working with the refuge—fought the water chestnut. The aquatic invasive floats on the water’s surface and displaces native plants. The infestation at Log Pond Cove was first detected in 1997, not long after

the refuge was established. Once the plant is well established, eradication is next to impossible. Silvio O. Conte Refuge began to show progress in controlling the problem only after it enlisted the help of hundreds of volunteers to hand-pull the weed, year after year. Machine pulling was not doing the job. How Citizens Can Help Learn How to Fight: In collaboration with the Center for Invasive Plant Management, the National Wildlife Refuge System has designed an online training course for volunteers and others interested in joining the army to help fight invasive plant species—one of the single greatest threats to the Refuge System. The new Web-based training course, www.fws.gov/invasives/volunteersTrainingModule, includes video, text and photos that provide information about the science and management of invasive plants.

In Fishing Season:

• Don’t dump any bait, especially minnows or crayfish, into streams or lakes after fishing.

• Be sure to inspect and thoroughly clean your fishing gear, including boats, trailers and waders. Invasive plants and animals, like hydrilla and zebra mussels, can quickly spread to uninfested waters by hitchhiking on

gear used by anglers. In the Garden:

• When looking for ornamental plants or groundcover for your home or garden, use native plants. Many areas now have nurseries specializing in local native plants, or search online for your local native plant society that can make recommendations for you.

• If you do use a non-native plant, ask your local nursery if it is an invasive species in your area.

• When buying a potted plant, check for unwanted weeds growing in the pot and make sure to pull them out before planting.

• When you pull unwanted weeds out of your lawn or garden, make sure to remove the entire plant and carefully bag it for disposal. Seeds from a dying plant can spread into uninfested areas.

Volunteer on a National Wildlife Refuge: More than 36,600 people already donate their time to national wildlife refuges. To join this outpouring of public concern for public lands – whether to fight invasive species or help in other ways – find information about volunteering on the Web at http://volunteer.gov/gov/.

Loons visit Utah

VERNAL — Birds called loons are visiting Utah right now.

A loon at Brough Reservoir in northeastern Utah.

Photo by Ron Stewart

Loons visit the state twice each year. In the spring they migrate from the south as they move north to breeding areas in Canada and the northern edge of the United States. During the fall, they return to the warmer waters in the south.

Most of the loons that visit Utah are common loons, but occasionally other loon species are also seen.

In Utah, you'll usually find loons on larger lakes and reservoirs where they stop, rest and feed before continuing on their journey.

Loons have a difficult time walking on land, but they're well adapted to swimming, diving and foraging for food on or under the water. One study found loons feeding roughly 200 feet below the surface of the water. Most of their dives are much shallower, however, usually 20 feet or less.

While noted for their fish-catching abilities, loons also forage on a wide variety of crayfish, shrimp, amphibians and other aquatic species. Observers in northeastern Utah say the loons have been feeding almost exclusively on crayfish this spring.

While their numbers in Utah usually peak in April, plenty of loons are here right now. And you can usually see them well into May. If you're lucky, you may even get to hear their lonesome call and see them perform their mating dances.

"We've had a great year so far for viewing common loons," says Ron Stewart, conservation outreach manager for the Division of Wildlife Resources in northeastern Utah. "We've seen them in fairly good numbers at all of our open reservoirs, including Pelican, Brough, Red Fleet, Steinaker, Starvation and Flaming Gorge. Other biologists have reported them in Yuba [Reservoir in central Utah] and other waters as well."

Stewart says one day he saw more than 30 loons at Steinaker Reservoir north of Vernal. "Some of them came closer than I've ever had before," he says. "Usually they are quite shy, but not this year. So far I have only watched one catch a fish. The rest have been eating crayfish."

For more information, call the DWR's Northeastern Region office at (435) 781-9453.

Nature High Summer Camp The Nature High Summer Camp is a weeklong educational camping experience offered to teenagers interested in learning more about natural resources and the environment. The event is held at the historic Great Basin Environmental Education Center, located in the

Manti-LaSal National Forest in Ephraim, Utah. The camp will be held

July 14 to July 19. To encourage academic study and careers in science, natural resource

management, and agriculture, the camp exposes students to the activities and missions of natural resource agencies. Among the many activities, students also take a tour of Snow College to gain insight on college life. Students will learn about forest ecology, practice soil sampling techniques, sample water quality, evaluate ecosystem health, natural resource careers, and learn how to apply for

seasonal jobs. Nature High Summer camp is open to all Utah high school students, freshman to seniors who are in good standing with their high school. While at the Nature High Camp students must follow camp rules and participate in all lessons and activities.

Registration is $50 and includes meals, lodging and supplies. The deadline to apply is May 23. Agencies involved in Nature High include: Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Intermountain Region, Geospatial Service and Technology Center and Snow College. For more information, or an application please visit the website a www.naturehighcamp.com or contact Cindy Ledbetter, Rangeland Management Specialist, Salt Lake Field Office BLM, at (801) 977-4377 or via email cindy_ledbetter@blm.gov.

State Water Week Saturday, May 3rd to Saturday, May 10th

Don’t miss this week’s unique opportunity to better understand Utah’s unique water resources. Whether you float down the Jordan, pick up trash at City Creek, or listen to experts address Utah’s water follies or water conservation, you will learn something new! Visit www.utahrivers.org for additional information about each event and how to RSVP!

Detailed event descriptions

Saturday, May 3 – Rip Your Strip Presentation 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at Red Butte Gardens Join the Utah Rivers Council and Red Butte Garden to learn how to transform your pesky parking strip into a beautiful, drought tolerant area. Rip Your Strip is a project of the Utah Rivers Council that helps give you the knowledge, tools, instructions, and confidence to replace your high water-use parking strip with one that uses very little water, thus conserving and keeping more water in Utah's amazing rivers. This coincides with Red Butte Garden’s annual plant sale, so be sure to stop by the Lower Garden afterwards to purchase many of the plants highlighted in this very informative class.

Monday, May 5 - Utah’s Water Follies 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Salt Lake City Main Library, Room C Utah is at a crossroads with respect to the choices we will make for our water future. We can continue to depend on old-fashioned, environmentally destructive construction projects to meet our water needs, or we can enter the 21st century with resolve to be more creative. Our choices, and we do have them, will determine whether Utah waters itself to extinction or whether we thrive in harmony with our desert environment. Today, our state leaders are considering three projects: Lake Powell pipeline, Las Vegas water grab, and Bear River water development. Each can be described as a “water folly” based on unrealistic assumptions of Utah’s water situation and the consequences we face if we allow these projects to move forward.

Paul Van Dam of Citizens for Dixie’s Future , Steve Erickson of Great Basin Water Network , and Amy Defreese of Utah Rivers Council will present the latest information on Utah’s three water follies. Join us as we discuss the alternatives available to Utah’s citizens if we make our voices heard. Utah Rivers Council Executive Director and former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted

Wilson will moderate.

Listen to a preview of this important discussion on KCPW’s Midday Metro -Monday, May 5 at 11:00 am.

Tuesday, May 6 -Learn From Experts about Water Conservation – Panel Discussion 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Salt Lake City Main Library, Room C Come listen to several different experts discuss concrete, practical measures that Utahans can take to reduce their water use, both indoors and outdoors. Participants will learn about native plants, principles of designing a Xeric landscape, how to ensure you are watering your landscape appropriately, and things you can do indoors to save water such as dual flush toilets, and low flow faucets. Panelists include: Franci Delong of Xeriscape Design, Dr. Kelly Kopp of Utah State University Extension, Maggie Wolf horticultural expert of USU Extension, and Myron Wilson a LEED certified architect. Attendees will return home inspired and full of new ideas to reduce their water use.

Wednesday, May 7 – Float the Beautiful Jordan River 5:30 Salt Lake City Join the Council on our most popular canoe trip. Participants will spend a few hours along this little known urban river. This is a great opportunity to learn how to canoe, fine tune your skills and view the Jordan from the inside. Space is limited. RSVP by calling Lauren at the Utah Rivers Council at (801) 486-4776. Cost for the trip is $20, which includes a year membership to the Council.

Thursday, May 8 – Oil + Water Project 7:30 pm at Brewvies Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door Oil + Water Project tells of the thrilling adventures of Seth Warren and Tyler Bradt, two friends and world-class kayakers who drove, petroleum-free, over 21,000 miles down the Pan-American Highway in a retro-fitted bio-diesel Japanese fire truck named “Baby”. The film captures their passion for sustainable living practices and the humor they maintained in the face of many challenges along the way.

Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 – City Creek Cleanup and Woad Pull 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at City Creek

Join us as we partner with the Bonneville Cooperative Weeds Management Area, and Salt Lake Public Utilities for the City Creek Woad Runner Weed Pull! Come one, come all and help send the evil, invasive weed Dyers Woad running from City Creek Canyon! Come help out when you can May 9th and 10th from 9 am to 4 pm. Meet at the bottom of City Creek Canyon. You will need: long pants, sturdy boots, work gloves, hat, sunglasses, water, sunscreen, and a vengeful attitude toward invasive plant species! Contact Lauren Brown lauren@utahrivers.org with any questions or to sign up.

Bureau of Land Management Donates Computers to Local High School The Bureau of Land Management Salt Lake field office recently donated computer equipment to Grantsville High School in Tooele, Utah, for use in their library, counseling center and photography classes. A recent computer equipment update at the Salt Lake field office made 36 computers and 12 flat screen monitors available for donation. The new computers are a marked improvement over the older computers students and faculty used before BLM’s donation. In fact, they are three times faster than the school’s existing computer equipment. Teachers enjoy the increased speed for online testing and the digital photography lab also appreciates the larger flat screen monitors. “We cannot thank the BLM enough,” Preston Lorenson, a technology teacher at Grantsville High School. Glen Carpenter, BLM Utah West Desert District Manager, views the donation as an investment in everyone’s future. “These computers and Internet technology can yield positive results for students and teachers alike by connecting classrooms and accessible information access, so everyone gains,” Carpenter concluded. For more information, please contact Erin Darboven, public affairs specialist at the Salt Lake field office, (801)977-4328.

Utah Wildlife Board Meeting May 8, 2008, 9:00 A.M., DNR Auditorium 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

AGENDA

Thursday, May 8, 2008

1. Approval of Agenda ACTION – Paul Niemeyer, Chairman

2. Approval of Minutes ACTION

– Paul Niemeyer 3. Old Business/Action Log CONTINGENT – Rick Woodard, Vice-Chair

4. DWR Update INFORMATION – Jim Karpowitz, DWR Director 5. Antlerless Addendum, Rule and Permit Recommendations for 2008 ACTION -Anis Aoude, Big Game Coordinator 6. Antlerless CWMU Permit Recommendations for 2008 ACTION - Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands/Public Wildlife Program Manager 7. Brood Stock at Kolob Reservoir Proposal – SRO ONLY ACTION - Regional Aquatics Program Coordinator or designee 8. Approval of Mule Deer Planning Committee ACTION - Anis Aoude, Big Game Coordinator 9. Otter Management Plan - Amendment ACTION - Craig McLaughlin, Wildlife Section Chief 10. Convention Permits – 2009 ACTION - Alan Clark, Assistant Director 11. Other Business CONTINGENT

– Paul Niemeyer Wasatch Touring Newsletter

RIVERDALE KAYAK EXPRESSION SESSION

*Sunday May 11th, 2-5 pm You are invited to join us for the first annual "Riverdale Expression Session" and pot luck. This is a FREE freestyle kayak rodeo, that is open to all. Work up an appetite riding the world-class Riverdale wave then refuel with a river runner style pot luck on the river bank. Wasatch will bring coals, ice, and a couple of Dutch Oven treats. Show up with your camp chair, cup, bowl and spoon, and something edible to share. Professional kayak adventurers, Jesse Coombs and Ben Stookesbury will be taking turns with everyone else showing their best moves on the wave from 2 to 5 pm. We will capture the action on video and then feature or own efforts before the screening of Hotel Charley 3 the following evening at the store.

HOTEL CHARLEY 3 UTAH PREMIER

*Monday May 12th, 6 pm Join professional kayak adventurers Jessie Coombs and Ben Stooksbury as they present Hotel Charley 3, The Lost World. This feature film is the latest in the Hotel Charley series of adventure kayak epics. The meat of this film is an expedition deep into the distant mountains of Brazil in search of world record waterfalls. The side dishes are features in themselves. A tour of B.C., an expedition into New Foundland, and another expedition into a remote region of India at the border of Burma. The premier party starts at 6 pm with some very raw footage from

Sunday's Expression Session followed by Jesse and Ben's high quality, beautifully edited documentary at 7 pm. $4.00 admission includes snacks, refreshments and prizes. View the films trailer at: www.jacksonkayak.com

WASATCH TOURING GROUP RIDE

*Monday May 31st Meet at the store (702 East and 100 South) at 9 am and ride with us as we prepare for the Tour de Cure. We will break into groups based on your desired distance, and return to the shp by 11am or noon.

11th ANNUAL URC PADDLE FESTIVAL

*At Little Dell Reservoir June 7th and 8th Once again the wider boater community will rendezvous for the 11th annual U.R.C Paddle Festival. This is a great time to try out boating, and support the Utah Rivers Council. Clinics, prizes, food, music, all in and around the blue waters of pristine "Little Dell" just 15 minutes from the center of Salt Lake City. Visit the Paddle Festival web site to get all the details: http://www.utahrivers.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=193

TOUR DE CURE, SUPPORTED GROUP RIDE FROM BRINGHAM CITY

*June 14th

Join the Wasatch Touring cycling team in this fun ride to raise awareness and cash for the American Diabetes Association. You still have plenty of time to join in the organized training rides. After that, you can decide how far you want to ride--there are three scenic courses that start and finish in Brigham city, and traverse the rolling Bear River Valley. Visit our WASATCH TOURING TEAM website to join the group in this awesome ride.

Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Awards Presented at Upcoming Conference Online Registration Available for Annual Utah Tourism Gathering

Salt Lake City – Three pioneers of Utah’s tourism industry will be honored at the closing luncheon at the upcoming 5th Annual Utah Tourism Conference. The three-day meeting

will be held at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, located at 255 S. West Temple, in downtown Salt Lake City from May 12-14,

2008. Governor Jon Huntsman will offer remarks at the closing luncheon that begins at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14.

The three inductees of Utah’s Tourism Hall of Fame include: Richard D. “Dick” Bass, owner and chairman of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort; Rick Davis, past president and CEO of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Bob Syrett, a third-generation owner of Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon, who will be honored posthumously. Syrett passed away last December.

On Monday, May 12, a meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Utah’s Scenic

Byways. Bonnie Hundrieser of the National Scenic Byways Center in Duluth, Minnesota, will provide a national overview of the scenic byways program. Travel industry leaders from Utah’s destination marketing organizations (DMOs), including convention and visitors bureaus and county tourism offices, will meet together with state tourism representatives for a working session beginning at 1 p.m. Also on Monday, the Board of Tourism Development will hold its monthly meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the Canyon A room at the Hilton. Denise Miller of Strategic Marketing & Research, Inc., will present advertising effectiveness research on the Utah Office of Tourism’s winter and summer campaigns during the board meeting.

Concurrent workshops will be held throughout the day on Tuesday. Topics will

include: making your experience more authentic by using Utah products first, generational marketing, increase of demand on public lands, tech trends in travel, and promoting green tourism. A workshop will be held Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. on Utah’s Cooperative Marketing program.

Roger Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association

(TIA), will speak at the conference on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. on the power of travel, a $740 billion industry in the United States. Dow’s visit to Utah coincides with the 24th Annual National Tourism Week, which runs from May 12-20, 2008.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Utah Office of Tourism, an agency of the

Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition (UTIC).

Individual conference registration is $175. Two or more representatives from the

same company can register for $150 per person. A one-day fee to attend the conference is $75. For conference information and registration, visit www.utahtourism.org , or call UTIC at (435) 425-3997 or the Utah Office of Tourism at (801) 538-1900. INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY CELEBRATED AT DESERT LAKE ON MAY 10 PRICE, UTAH—The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will participate in the

celebration of International Migratory Bird Day by sponsoring a waterbird viewing event on Saturday morning, May 10th, 2008 at Desert Lake in Emery County from 8 until 11 a.m. The event is free to the public and no pre-registration is required. DWR biologists will be on-hand with spotting scopes and binoculars to assist the public with waterfowl identification.

Desert Lake is located east of the town of Elmo. From either Carbon or Emery County, take State Highway 10 to the Elmo turn-off (State Route 155). Travel to Elmo. On Main Street, travel east out of town until you see a sign for the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. Follow the sign. In less than a mile, you will arrive at Desert Lake. Signs will direct you to the viewing locations. Desert Lake serves as a rest area for many species of birds during migration. These include ducks, geese, sandpipers, herons, gulls, terns, pelicans, and cranes. Desert Lake is managed by the DWR for the benefit of migratory waterfowl. Normally closed to public access, the lake also serves as a sanctuary for nesting birds. The DWR encourages Castle Country residents to come out and enjoy this unique opportunity. For more information, contact Brent Stettler at 435-613-3707 or brentstettler@utah.gov

RECREATION WRONGLY TARGETED IN CLEAR CREEK CLOSURE

BOISE, ID - May 1 - Recreation groups expressed dismay at the surprise announcement that federal agencies are closing approximately 31,000 acres of public land in Central California. The Clear Creek Management Area ("CCMA"), located in San Benito County and managed by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), is one of the most popular off-highway vehicle recreation sites in the West.

BLM yesterday announced it would immediately close roughly half of the CCMA as a result of a new EPA report alleging an increased long-term cancer risk associated with recreational activities in the CCMA. The CCMA contains a form of naturally occurring asbestos known as Coalinga chrysotile. Despite years of study and intensive use of the area, EPA's latest report apparently makes new findings determining the risk levels to be above the range that EPA considers acceptable.

"We dispute not only these findings, but the manner in which they have been presented and imposed upon the public," said Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, a recreation advocacy group. "This topic has been debated at length, and highly-motivated special interests have ruthlessly scoured any population spending even a trivial amount of time at the CCMA. The simple fact is that asbestos-related disease does not show up in any of these populations. Period. We are reviewing the EPA report to see what compels this new finding and immediate closure, but anticipate taking quick and decisive action," Amador concluded.

BLM Names Monument Manager Salt Lake City - Rene C. Berkhoudt has been selected as the new monument manager for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with offices headquartered in Kanab, Utah. Berkhoudt is currently serving in the position as a temporary appointment, and will take over reins permanently within the next two months.

“We are very fortunate to have Rene Berkhoudt as the monument manager. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in managing both people and projects; has great people skills and is very familiar with Utah and the southwest. Rene has proven to be an excellent leader throughout his military and BLM career, and I very pleased we will be adding him to our BLM Utah Leadership team on a permanent basis,” said Selma Sierra, BLM Utah state director. Berkhoudt has served as the acting monument manager since December, and comes to BLM Utah after serving six years in BLM’s New Mexico office. His 22-year military career spanned the globe, giving him a wealth of experience and background. “My current detail as the Monument Manager for the Grand Staircase Escalante is the most challenging and rewarding position that I have held with the organization. I am really pleased to accept this position and look forward to working with all the surrounding communities to strengthen BLM’s connections locally,” Berkhoudt said. Since retiring from the Army, Berkhoudt served for one year with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department for the state of New Mexico, and six years with the Bureau of Land Management in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Berkhoudt received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland in 1986 and a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1999 in the field of Human Relations. Berkhoudt and his wife Elizabeth have one adult daughter.

Storm Moves into PF/QF's Idaho/Utah Regional Rep Position Lifelong conservationist will expand Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever efforts in the west Boise, Idaho - May 1, 2008 - Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever announce that Ryan Storm of Strasburg, Illinois, has been named the organization's new regional representative in Idaho and Utah. Storm joins the organization after spending two years as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Regional Director for Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Storm's primary duties with Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) include starting and servicing chapters in Idaho and Utah, raising and expending mission funds, and building partnerships and relationships that expand habitat conservation efforts on behalf of all PF/QF chapters. "I grew up on a family farm in central Illinois and have been hunting quail and pheasants my entire life, and that has grown into a passion for Pheasants Forever's habitat mission," Storm said, "I have seen first hand many of the great things Pheasants Forever has done with its unique local model. Pheasants Forever has had success in Idaho and Utah to date,

but there are immense opportunities for us to engage people and enhance habitat, and that includes quail." Though not yet home to Quail Forever chapters, Idaho and Utah are both home to populations of California quail, and Utah is also home to Gambel's quail. At the heart of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is the unique grassroots system of fundraising and project development that allows members to see the direct result of their contributions. PF/QF empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy. "Ryan's career experience as a coordinator of an outdoor education facility at Southern Illinois University and as a regional director for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have prepared him to grow and expand the mission and accomplishments of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Idaho and Utah," said Matt Holland, PF/QF Senior Field Coordinator. Storm earned a B.S. in Recreation Administration from Southern Illinois University. He resides in the Boise area and can be reached at (618)351-1234 or via email at RStorm@pheasantsforever.org. Idaho is home to 11 PF chapters and over 1,000 PF members. Historically, those chapters have completed 4,289 projects benefiting wildlife on 78,590 acres. Utah is home to five PF chapters. Historically, those chapters have completed 466 projects benefiting wildlife on 4,353 acres. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 127,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Peregrine falcons nesting in downtown Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — Peregrine falcons are nesting again in downtown Salt Lake City. And this year, you won't have to wait until June to watch them on your computer screen.

This peregrine falcon is less than one year old and similar to the falcons that will be raised in the nest box on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building this year.

Photo by Jim Parrish/ImageWrite Media, L.L.C.

Cameras put in place by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are up and running early this year. If you log onto the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site, you can watch the antics of the falcons, including the female taking care of the four eggs she's laid.

You can also travel downtown and watch the falcons in person. Their nest box is on the northeast corner of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The building is just west of State Street, between South Temple and North Temple streets.

Two cameras and a microphone!

You can follow the antics of the falcons on your computer screen by logging onto wildlife.utah.gov/peregrine.

"Two cameras have been positioned in the nest box this year to provide even better coverage of the action," says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the DWR.

"One camera allows a "long view" of the interior of the box. The second camera focuses on the nest scrape where the eggs are laid. If all goes well, you'll be able to watch the falcons from the time they hatch until they learn to fly."

You can also hear the falcons this year. Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have placed a microphone in the nest area.

Peregrines in downtown Salt Lake City

Peregrines have nested in downtown Salt Lake City for years.

With the help of Walter's Salt Lake City Peregrine Falcon Watchpost Team, a total of 11 of 16 young-of-the-year falcons learned to fly in the downtown area from 1986 through 1990 and in 1995. After learning to fly, they dispersed into the wild.

From 2004 through 2007, eight of 11 young were raised successfully at the site and departed to wilder haunts.

From 1991 through 1993, falcons didn't nest in downtown Salt Lake City. But five of six falcon youngsters were raised successfully at an alternate nest site just north of Salt Lake City.

For more information, call the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Death Letter: Hook Canyon Pumped Storage Project Nixed By FERC Salt Lake City – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a letter today officially placing the Hook Canyon Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project at Bear Lake in abeyance, effectively killing the project for now.

According to the official letter from FERC dated April 30, 2008:

“On April 28, 2008, the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation (Utah State

Parks) filed a letter indicating that it will no longer negotiate with you to

provide an easement to occupy state park lands for the proposed Hook Canyon

Pump Storage Project. Without an easement or other rights to occupy state park

lands, it appears you cannot construct your proposed project.1 I am holding

your Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) for this project in abeyance effective

immediately.”

“This is the official “death letter” for the Hook Canyon project,” declared Jeff Salt,

Executive Director and Lakekeeper for Great Salt Lakekeeper. Salt added, “We couldn’t be

more happy with this final determination by FERC. It’s very unusual to have such a rapid

ending to a FERC application. This determination demonstrates the power and efficacy of

environmental democracy, where people can make a difference and influence our elected

officials and resource managers to make the right decision for protecting our valuable

public trust resources. This was a hard fought battle, and FERC made the right decision to

halt the application.” Salt continued, “We want to thank all of the agency staff that helped

provide information for Governor Huntsman to make his decision to terminate the lease

negotiations, and the Governor for standing up for Bear Lake.”

NATURAL JET LAG PREVENTION USING PRESSURE POINTS Free Instruction Manual for Study Participants (BELLINGHAM, Washington) - Flying first-class is nice, but imagine upgrading to the "no jet lag zone" from any seat in the plane. You can learn how, using a new method explained in a brief guidebook, Jet Lag Passport?. It's natural, safe, and even better, free to participants in a new jet lag study. More information and the five-minute qualifying survey are available at www.jetlagpassport.com/survey.html "For vacationers, business travelers, flight crews and many more, there's an easy way to reset your body's clock as you fly across time zones," said author Daimon Sweeney. "Using this method while still in the air, you adjust your body clock every two hours. Adapting to time changes in small steps is like climbing a flight of stairs. It makes something hard into something easy, so when you arrive you're ready to go, already tuned in to local time. That's a soft transition, much easier and faster than waiting until you land and letting nature take its course. If you do that, your body suddenly has to figure out how to adjust to a completely new situation. That's like running straight into a brick wall. This hard transition produces the well-known symptoms of jet lag." The method uses the power of pressure points. Simply applying pressure to a few easily-

reached points with the fingertips, combined with specific thoughts, brings the body into balance. "Like many breakthroughs, this approach is based on an accidental discovery, but is proving very successful," said Sweeney. "It takes only a few minutes to stop jet lag and is easy for anyone to do. No drugs, scheduling, diet changes, devices, or calculations are required. It even works with kids and there's a special section on using it with young children." "We've seen so many excellent reports from individuals using this method that we decided to conduct a survey of domestic and global travelers to collect objective data." The survey is being conducted by Dr. Patricia Carrington, Ph.D., Associate Clinical Professor at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. Participants in the survey receive the instructions at no charge. Study participants should have experienced jet lag within the last 12 months and plan on flying across at least three time zones before June 30th. More information and the five-minute qualifying survey are available at www.jetlagpassport.com/survey.html Daimon Sweeney is an author, teacher and expert in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The 14-page PDF book may also be ordered online, or given as a gift at: www.jetlagpassport.com.

Bill Fenimore Wins ABA Award

The American Birding Association has selected Wild Bird Centers of America franchisee Bill Fenimore, owner of the Wild Bird Center of Layton, Utah, as this year's recipient of the prestigious Ludlow Griscom Award. The American Birding Association (ABA) Ludlow Griscom Award is one of five ABA awards that recognize contributions dedicated individuals make to the cause of birds, birders and birding. The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology was awarded to Fenimore for his contributions to dramatically advance ornithological awareness throughout the state of Utah. Fenimore is a birding advocate and proven leader who expresses

his enthusiasm through involvement with numerous programs and organizations, including

a leading organizer of the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, author of "Bird Sighting" a weekly Salt Lake Tribune column, vice-chair of the Utah Division of the Wildlife Resources Advisory Council, leader of birding expeditions throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, author of Backyard Birds state identification guides, just published in Spring 2008. Fenimore also serves as Trustee and Board member of such diverse organizations as the Utah Wildlife and Conservation Foundation, Ogden Nature Center and Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Trustee (appointed by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman). Fenimore was overwhelmed when he received the call announcing his win, claiming he literally fell into his office chair. Fenimore says, "I am gratified to be considered in the same company as birding icons Roger Tory Peterson and Kenn Kaufman, previous recipients whom I greatly admire and who inspired me to create my State Backyard Bird Guide series. I feel tremendous emotion and awe to be selected for such an honor." Fenimore continues, "Birding has been the pathway for me into a life long enjoyment of the natural world. It has been a passion to share the joys of birding, especially with young children whom I hope will follow in a similar path." George Petrides, Sr., founder and chairman of Wild Bird Centers of America, proudly nominated Fenimore for the award, citing his "boundless energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of birding which have significantly raised the visibility of birding causes and interests throughout the state of Utah and beyond." Fenimore has been a successful franchisee with the Salt Lake City area Wild Bird Center since 2001. He earned the company's national "Best Environmental Stewardship" award four years in a row, and received the company's highest honor in 2007 when he entered its "Hall of Fame," a tribute based on his experience and performance as a top-level executive and extraordinary role as a "Birding Ambassador" in his home state. The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award is sponsored by Leupold Optics, who will

present

Fenimore with a plaque and pair of Leupold binoculars at the June 2008 ABA convention in Snowbird Lodge, Utah. Fenimore joins many important contributors to American ornithology, including first award recipient, Roger Tory Peterson, who received the honor in 1980. Peterson is credited with publishing 52 volumes of the Peterson Field Guide Series as well as providing the inspiration and leading to the formation of countless birding associations and wildlife refuges.

NWRA 2008 Youth Photo Contest Results Announced

Washington, DC - The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) is pleased to announce the winners of the first annual 2008 Youth Refuge Photo Contest, a digital photo

contest showcasing Americas national wildlife refuges and the diverse wildlife that depend on them.

"More than ever, it is so important to ensure our young people have an opportunity to connect with the outdoors," said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA, "Photography is an excellent way to build kids appreciation for our national wildlife refuges and the natural world."

The top 5 prize winners in the Senior Youth Category are Joshua Gahagan of Oakham, MA (First Place); Ian Davies of Medford, MA (Second Place); Zachary Peterson of Ipswich, MA (Third Place); Peter DellaVecchia of North Salem, NY (Fourth Place); and Shane McVeigh of Homer, AK (Fifth Place).

The top 5 prize winners in the Junior Youth Category are Bryan Goslin of Vancouver, WA (First Place); Erin McBride of Fairview, WY

(Second Place); Rebecca Bartels of Farwell, NE (Third Place); Warren Smith of Starkville, MS

(Fourth Place); and Liam Coddington of

Huntsville, AL (Fifth Place).

To view all the winning youth images, visit: http://www.refugenet.org/contest/2008YouthWinners.html.

First through third place winners in both categories will receive a premier feeder from Wild Bird Centers of America. All Senior Category winners will receive field guides from Houghton Mifflin. All Junior Category winners will receive a giant stuffed manatee and years supply of Wild Puffs Cereal from Barbaras Bakery.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association wishes to express its great appreciation to all

photo contest sponsors, including Barbara's Bakery, Houghton Mifflin, and Wild Bird Centers of America for providing prizes in recognition of the winning youth photographers,

and would like to recognize Zenfolio in particular for hosting the contest on its elegant website, www.zenfolio.com. The NWRA also thanks the photo contest judges who contributed their time and expertise to selecting the winners. They are Matt Poole, Randy Robinson, and Wil Hershberger.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nationwide membership organization, established in 1975. The NWRAs

mission is to protect enhance and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System, lands and water set aside by the American people to protect our countrys diverse wildlife heritage. Over the years we have worked to make the Refuge System stronger and better able to address the growing challenges of conserving wildlife in our country. For more information, visit http://www.refugassociation.org

Protect the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Next week, on May 7, 2008, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is expected to vote on a bill that would carve a road through the heart of vital wildlife habitat in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Urge your two U.S. Senators to oppose S. 1680!

Problem:

Members of the Alaskan Congressional delegation have introduced legislation that will result in a road carved through the biological heart of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, the first wetlands area in North American to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. As such, the impacts to migratory bird species will affect global populations. Congress rejected this ill-conceived plan in 1998, but Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) didn’t get the message. In October 2007, these Senators introduced S. 1680, a bill that would authorize a land exchange paving the way for the state of Alaska to build a nine mile road right through the refuge, a designated wilderness.

Established in 1960 to protect habitat for the Pacific black brant, the 417,000-acre Izembek NWR is located on the Alaskan peninsula – with 95% designated as wilderness. Wildlife here is abundant, from brown bears, caribou and wolves to seals, seal lions and sea otters. At the heart of the refuge lies the 150 square mile Izembek lagoon, containing some of the largest eelgrass beds in the world, which the Pacific brant and other avian species depend upon for survival. On paper, the land exchange proposed in the legislation sounds good – the FWS would add over 61,000 acres to the Izembek NWR and nearby Alaska Peninsula NWR with over 45,000 of those designated as wilderness. In exchange, the FWS would grant a 206-acre easement to the state of Alaska to build the road. However, these 206 acres are the biological heart of the refuge and its destruction would have a severe impact on the birds and wildlife that depend on the refuge. More than 98% of the world’s Pacific brant population fuel up on the eelgrass in the lagoon prior to their nonstop, 3000 mile trip to Mexico! And the nearby wetlands offer nesting sites for thousands of birds. A road through these sensitive lands will have profound impacts on wildlife and the proposed exchange lands would not provide comparable habitat value to compensate for this irreversible impact to fish, wildlife, and wetlands. It’s not about quantity – it’s about quality. The proposed road would connect the two small villages of King Cove (population 807) and Cold Bay (population 80). In 1998, advocates argued they needed a road through the fragile wilderness, but Congress ruled that such a road was not in the public interest. They instead gave the Alaskans $37.5 million to address their concerns with funding to upgrade medical facilities and the airport, and to buy a state of the art hovercraft that would be able to transport people in a medical emergency. More than $25 million has already been spent on construction of a road connecting King Cove to the hovercraft terminal. Steep slopes and unstable volcanic soils have forced re-routing and contributed to construction delays and escalating costs. Extending the road, in some of the harshest weather conditions in America, is expected to cost you, the American taxpayer, countless additional millions for construction and maintenance. Furthermore, the hovercraft, which travels on a cushion of air up to 58 MPH across water, ice and land is up and running and has so far transported over 1090 passengers, 110 vehicles and conducted over 27 successful medevacs.

Solution: This absurd proposal, already voted down by Congress once, must be stopped in its tracks! Your U.S Senators might think this is a good deal – UNLESS they hear from YOU!

Action Needed: Contact your U.S. Senators TODAY, time is of the essence with a committee vote expected as soon as Wednesday, May 7th, and urge him or her to oppose the Izembek and Alaska Peninsula Refuge and Wilderness Act of 2007, S. 1680.

Deadline for responding: Please take action by May 30, 2008.

'Step Outside' Kicks Off Fifth Season on Outdoor Channel

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Outdoor Channel's "Step Outside" television program has kicked off its fifth season with 13 new episodes tracking the adventures of newcomers to the outdoors.

"Step Outside" takes viewers along as shooters, hunters, anglers and archers invite newcomers to the outdoors for the first time. The show is hosted by National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) President Doug Painter and new arrival Kelly Gotch, who also hosts Michigan Out-of-Doors.

The show also features a weekly segment, Shooting Sports Minute, hosted by Painter.

The show airs Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. and on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (All times Eastern).

The TV series was inspired by NSSF's highly successful STEP OUTSIDE® program, which encourages outdoor enthusiasts to introduce family, friends and others to their outdoor pastimes. The show is produced by Tennessee-based SchaZam Productions.

"For the future of hunting and the shooting sports, no two words are more important than 'STEP OUTSIDE,'" said Painter. "Outdoor Channel's 'Step Outside' not only tells the stories of people's personal experiences as they take their first steps afield, but also challenges viewers to do their part in carrying on our hunting and shooting traditions."

Launched in 1998, the STEP OUTSIDE concept is based on the premise that men and women who are passionate about outdoor sports -- shooting, hunting, fishing and archery -- owe it to the future of these activities to introduce them to newcomers. To date, the program has been a key element in exposing hundreds of thousands of newcomers to the outdoors.

For more information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

NESTWATCH: DISCOVER LIFE AT THE NEST If you've ever seen a bird's nest, or if you'd like to, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology needs your help. Join our new NestWatch citizen-science project to learn how to safely find and monitor bird nests. Experience the wonder of nesting birds and share your data online so scientists can learn more about breeding birds. Visit the site for instructions as well as information about birds and their fascinating behaviors. www.nestwatch.org

BIRD NEWS: COMPOST PILE NESTS Find out which bird uses its oversized feet to scratch together a pile of fallen vegetation that gives off heat like a garden compost pile. In this BirdScope article, the Lab's Evolutionary Biology Program director, Irby Lovette, explains how the males offer these natural incubators where females can lay their eggs--if they first pay a "toll" in the form of a mating event. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Spring2008/compost_turkey_nests.html

CITIZEN SCIENTISTS WATCH FOR SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE Recent news articles have highlighted the contributions of citizen-science participants to studies of climate change. Citizen Science director Janis Dickinson was interviewed by The Christian Science Monitor, http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0410/p14s01-sten.html, and Bird Population Studies Director André Dhondt chatted with callers on NPR's "On Point,"

http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/04/20080422_a_main.asp. "SMART BUOYS" LISTEN FOR ENDANGERED WHALES, PREVENT SHIP COLLISIONS

Whether working to save the lives of birds, elephants, or whales, the Lab's scientists and engineers put their ingenuity to work in deploying new technologies to listen for rare and endangered creatures. Their new "smart buoys" hear the sounds of endangered North Atlantic right whales and relay the information in real time to prevent collisions with ships, a major cause of mortality. To see a map of where right whales have been heard in the last 24 hours, and to watch videos of our crew at work, visit our new web site http://www.listenforwhales.org. WINGS ACROSS THE AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP AWARD The Chief of the U.S. Forest Service has recognized the Lab and partners in El Grupo Cerúleo, a team of individuals and organizations working to study and protect Cerulean Warblers across their range in North, Central, and South America. These efforts have also

involved contributions of citizen-science participants in the Lab's Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project and Priority Migrant eBird. BIRDSCOPE RESDESIGNED Our quarterly newsletter, BirdScope, is now more engaging than ever. We've switched to more economical web press technology, 100 percent recycled paper, color photos, and thematic content (The Spring issue focuses on nests.) Lab members and citizen-science participants should look for a copy in the mail. If don't already receive BirdScope, we'll put you on a list for a sample copy, while supplies last. Just send your name and mailing address to birdscope@cornell.edu. If you'd like to receive Living Bird magazine and BirdScope regularly, please join as a member at www.birds.cornell.edu/membership. TEAM SAPSUCKER ASKS FOR YOUR HELP IN WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING

On May 10, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Team Sapsucker and our student team, the Redheads (named for the "Cornell Big Red") will be competing to see or hear the most bird species in 24 hours--and to raise the most funds for conservation in the World Series of Birding in New Jersey. Your support motivates the team and enables the Lab to work toward bird conservation throughout the year. Thanks to sponsor Swarovski Optik, all proceeds to go to our conservation programs. To learn more about the teams or to make a

pledge, visit www.birds.cornell.edu/wsb . NATIONAL TRAILS AWARDS NOMINATIONS REQUESTED Salt Lake -- Every two years American Trails presents the National Trails Awards to recognize the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, businesses, and other leaders working to create a nationwide trails system. Utah trail project nominations are encouraged and can be submitted until May 31. Categories include Trail Advocacy, Trail Worker, Best State Trails, and Partnership awards. Nominations should cover accomplishments during the period of June 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008. The awards will be presented at the 19th National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Trails add to the quality of life for many Utah residents and visitors, “commented Utah State Parks Trails Coordinator John Knudson. “We are fortunate to have people who are

dedicated to improving our trail systems, and who have a passion for maintaining and creating new trails.” For a full list of awards, criteria, or for a nomination form, please visit www.americantrails.org/2008/awards.html. UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS May 3 - June 16 Iron Mission State Park Museum – Cedar City Watercolor Exhibit: Enjoy watercolors by members of the Southern Utah Watercolor Society-Cedar City. (435) 586-9290 May 7 - 28 Palisade State Park - Sterling Free Women's Golf Clinic: Women's golf clinic every Wednesday in May beginning at 5:30 p.m. (435) 835-4653 May 9 - 11 Fremont Indian State Park and Museum - Sevier Mountain Man Rendezvous: A gathering of mountain men set up camp in the park. Visitors can watch shooting competitions, flintknapping demonstrations, purchase hand-crafted items and food, and participate in games. Park entrance fees apply. (435) 527-4631 May 9 Goblin Valley State Park – Green River The Wet Desert: There is no denying that Goblin Valley does not get a lot of rain. But water has unmistakably left its mark all over the landscape. From violent flash floods to ephemeral water pockets, join park staff to see how water carves, nurtures, and defines the desert. Meet at 8:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. (435) 564-3633 May 10 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day! Join the park naturalist for a morning bird walk. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Fun bird activities for kids and parents will be available. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 a.m. In the evening, attend an exciting live birds of prey presentation with master falconer Martin Tyner. Meet at 7 p.m. at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center Auditorium located at 755 W. Main Street in Escalante. (435) 826-4466 May 10 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River Nighttime in the Goblins: Join the park naturalist for an evening walk through the goblins. Find out how the goblins came to be and who lurks around in the night! Meet at 8:30 p.m. at the Observation Point above the Valley of the Goblins. (435) 564-3633 May 10 Goblin Valley State Park - Green River Junior Ranger Program: Predators and Prey- Who are the predators and who are the prey at Goblin Valley? How do they survive in this harsh environment? This program is geared toward children six to 12, but everyone is welcome. Earn a Junior Ranger badge and have fun! Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Observation Point above the Valley of the Goblins.

(435) 564-3633 May 10 Jordanelle State Park - Heber Provo River Watershed Festival: Join park staff and students from the Soldier Hollow Charter School for the first annual Watershed Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the watershed you live in with activities for kids and adults. (435) 649-9540 May 10 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins Spring Constellation Party: Join Park Naturalist Crystal Carpenter at 9 p.m. to learn about several spring constellations and how to spot them in the night sky. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. (435) 628-2255 May 10 - 11 Fremont Indian State Park and Museum - Sevier Atlatl Competition: Watch or even participate in the annual atlatl competition. No experience necessary. Men's, women's and children's divisions are available. Regular park fees apply. (435) 527-4631 RARE METEORITE, FOUND IN UTAH, NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Salt Lake City, Utah -- It is the size of a bowling ball but heavier, tumbled from space, and

is believed to be about 4.5 billion years old. Now, the Gunlock Meteorite is on display at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 West North Temple, in Salt Lake City. Geologist Don Adair found the Gunlock Meteorite, so

named because it was found near the town of Gunlock in southern Utah, on June 22, 1982. “The black meteorite stood out like a big bandage on a sore thumb.” He found the rock on a slope of contrasting light-gray-colored limestone. He also found a smaller piece about 50 yards away that fit together with the first, indicating that the space rock broke probably on impact. Mr. Adair, a semi-retired consulting geologist from Boise, Idaho, sawed the large meteorite in half. One half has been residing at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the other half with Mr. Adair. Recently, Mr. Adair decided that his half should be displayed in Utah and he donated the 18-pound specimen to the Utah Geological Survey (UGS). The Gunlock Meteorite is only one of 18 known meteorite finds in Utah and one of 1,512 officially named meteorites in the U.S., making it an extremely rare and valuable find. Meteorites are valuable because they are among the only specimens we have on Earth from asteroids, comets, and other planets in the solar system. The Gunlock Meteorite, which originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, is a chondrite - a particular group of stony meteorites that derives its name from the Greek word for “seeds.” The name alludes to the meteorite’s distinctive texture characterized by small spherical grains called chondrules. Current theories concerning the origin of chrondrites suggest they are related to the birth of the solar system. Chrondritic meteorites are 4.5 billion years old – older than any other known rocks on Earth. Although Earth probably formed about the same time, no rocks on the surface are that old because geologic processes constantly recycle them. The Utah Geological Survey provides timely scientific information about Utah’s geologic environment, resources, and hazards. Springfield, Mo., CVB Seeks Photo Contest Entries Springfield, Mo.—The Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking entries for a photo contest. The contest is open to amateurs and professionals who want a chance to win prizes and showcase their photos on the bureau’s Web site. Photos also could be used in bureau publications. Entries must be received by Sept. 30 and judging will take place in October. Prizes are: · First place—Two nights in a Jacuzzi suite at Best Western Deerfield Inn and four admission passes to each of the following: Dickerson Park Zoo, Fantastic Caverns, Discovery Center and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. · Second Place—$100 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

· Third Place—$50 Bass Pro Shops gift card. The contest is sponsored by Gerry Averett Photography & Digital Imaging - www.averettphoto.com - and other Springfield organizations. For more information about the contest, visit www.springfieldmo.org/photocontest.htm .

New Vita-Rack® Seed Mixes From Hunter’s Specialties® Are Great Wildlife Management Tools

Hunter’s Specialties® has taken three of their popular Vita-Rack® seed mixes and made them even better for 2008.

The new High Protein Vita-Rack Summer Annual Mix contains Nugget Peas, Iron & Clay Peas, Cow Peas, Trailing Soybeans, Peridovic Sunflowers and Wildgame Food Sorghum. It comes in a 20 pound bag that will plant 1/2 acre.

The Vita-Rack Fall Mix provides excellent fall and winter forage, producing up to 34% protein. It should be considered an annual in the North and a perennial in the South. The Fall Mix contains Dwarf Essex Rape, Alsike Clover, Deer Candy Sugar Beets, Hobson Rape, Samson Turnip and Dynamo Turnip. It is available in either a 2 pound bag, which covers 1/3 acre, or a 6 pound bag which will plant one acre.

E-Z Grow Mix is an easy to establish annual for late fall and winter forage. It contains King Annual Rye grass, Dwarf Essex Rape, Crimson Clover, Alsike Clover and Berseem Clover. It comes in a 9 pound bag to cover 1/2 acre.

All Vita-Rack Seed Mixes come with a copy of the “Planting Food Plots” instructional DVD, to help landowners and

hunters get the best performance from their plantings.

The new Vita-Rack Seed Mixes are available for the following suggested retail prices: Summer Mix 20 pound bag $54.95. Fall Mix 2 pound bag $15.95. Fall Mix 6 pound bag $45.95. E-Z Grow 9 pound bag $30.95.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Camp Casey Hand Sanitizing Gel now Available

Specially formulated to be an anti-microbial and antiseptic, Camp Casey Hand Sanitizing Gel is a must for your hunting or fishing pack, daypack or gear bag.

Camp Casey Hand Sanitizing Gel kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria and leaves no sticky residue or odor. Comes in a handy take-along 2 ounce bottle.

Suggested retail price of $4.99.

For more information, consumers can log onto the Birchwood Casey website at www.birchwoodcasey.com, write to 7900 Fuller Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2195 or call 800.328.6156 x7933.