Fireworks Ban implemented

Due to extremely dry conditions and volatility of vegetation throughout the state, Utah State Forester Joel Frandsen has issued a ban on the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices on all state lands. The ban will take effect at 12:01 a.m., June 302006, and remain in effect until rescinded.

of wildland fires occurring on a daily basis in the state," said Frandsen. "Our wildlands right now are vulnerable to damaging and costly forest and range fires."

Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service. This restriction order does not affect incorporated towns and cities and people are encouraged to check with local authorities concerning the use of fireworks in their communities.

effect at this time is in Washington County. Never the less, fire managers remind everyone to be especially diligent in their use of fire. www.utahfireinfo.gov.



FIRE OFFICIALS CONCERNED AS INDEPENDENCE DAY NEARS

PREPAREDNESS IS KEY

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 … Salt Lake City … As the 4th of July nears the increase in outdoor activities is cause for concern with fires already burning in northern Utah. The risk of a wildfire becoming large is much greater when fires started by lightning are added to those by people.

"Inevitably, when a high number of human-caused fires combine with a dry lightning storm, the chance of every fire being suppressed at less than one acre is low. Fire crews work long, hard hours. The statistics show we typically catch 95% of all wildfires at less than one acre," said Glenn Carpenter, Field Manager for the Salt Lake Field Office, BLM. "It's important that people go prepared and take precautions this holiday."

When the risk of wildfires is greater, seemingly normal activities can turn dangerous. For example, recent fire causes in northern Utah have included target shooting, a favorite past time for many that can turn dangerous when a spark ignites the dry and sun-heated grass.

The key to a safe holiday is to be prepared. Bring extra water, a fire extinguisher and a shovel to your celebration, camp out or other activity. Find out where and when fireworks can be used. Even though some fireworks are legal to buy it does not mean they are legal to use everywhere and anywhere. Start by contacting your local fire officials. If you are found responsible for having started a wildfire with fireworks, you may be liable for all suppression and reclamation costs. In a dangerous year like this, costs could be immense.



Color Country Fire Information June 29, 2006

Summary

Due to the high volume of lighting strikes in the Color Country Fire Management area yesterday afternoon and evening, numerous fires were started.

Color Country Interagency Dispatch Center received reports for 13 new fires last night and 3 reports this morning.

Some of these fires were grouped together in the Bull complex. However, numerous fires are being contained and controlled by local Interagency resources.

BULL COMPLEX FIRES MERGED

Summary: The Bull Complex consists of the three most threatening fires of ten recent new starts -- the Lost Peak, Gold and Bull Fires. The Bull and Gold fires have merged into one fire, at approximately 9203 acres. The Lost Peak fire is approximately 6655 acres. The Bull complex will be handed over from local management to the Martin Type 1 Incident Management team at 10:00 p.m., June 30, 2006.

The Bull Complex experienced extreme fire behavior throughout the day. This included running, crowning, spotting and becoming a plume-dominated fire. The columns from the Lost Peak, Bull and Gold fire merged into one column.

North of Montoqua a secondary residence and utility trailer were lost, and a corral fence was damaged.

Resources Fighting the Fire: Currently there are 341 people assigned to the complex, including 10 handcrews, 2 helicopters, 37 engines, 2 water tenders, and 4 air tankers.

General Location: The Bull Complex is located approximately 25 miles northwest of St. George, Utah, near the community of Motoqua, Utah and Beaver Dam State Park in Nevada.

Current Size: 15,863 acres

Cause: Lighting

Containment and Estimated Containment Date: Unknown



Kolob Fire Information June 29, 8 a.m.

Summary

The Kolob Fire is north of Virgin, UT on BLM, NPS, state, and private land. The fire did not grow much in the last 24 hours and is now 17,750 acres. 10,516 acres are in Zion National Park. A horse trailer, two out buildings, two vehicles, and a cabin and a house have been burned. There are no other structural losses.

There have been three minor firefighter injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Resources Fighting the Fire

Twenty engines, two helicopters, three heavy air tankers, five single engine air tankers (SEATS), four water trucks, and 140 firefighters (7 crews) are on the fire. Brunner's type II incident command team, working out of the LaVerkin Elementary School is managing operations. The fire camp is at the school. Total personnel on the fire are 300. Structure protection for Springdale and Rockville is in place and protection is planned for the Kolob Reservoir area. A portable water tank is placed on Anasazi Plateau as a water source for helicopters.

Roads

SR9 is open. The Kolob Terrace Road is restricted to fire traffic only. All other roads in the park are open. Zion National Park and Springdale are open.



Trails

All trails connected to the Kolob Terrace Road and in the Southwest Desert in the park are closed:

Hop Valley Trail

Connector Trail

Wildcat Canyon Trail

Left Fork (Subway) and Right Fork of North Creek

Dalton Wash Trail

Chinle Trail

Coal Pits Wash

Scoggins Wash

Huber Wash

Closures do not currently affect the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the shuttle, or the Zion-Mt Carmel

Highway and tunnel.



Closures

All areas in the fire are closed to all non-fire personnel. This includes park employees, researchers, residents, and visitors.

Today's Weather Forecast

Mostly sunny in the morning becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. 30% chance of thunderstorms and showers in the afternoon. Maximum temperature: 99 degrees. Minimum humidity: 16-19%. Winds: NE 5- 15 mph shifting to SW 8-13 mph with gust s to 18 mph.

Prognosis

Yesterday was another good day and a significant amount of fire line was built. The fire didn't move much and is 60% contained. The most active portion of the fire is in the NE section. The fire line is secure along the west, south, and east portions. Today crews will continue to mop up along the west, south, and east portions. The most effort will be along the north east to keep the fire from spreading in that direction.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Currently the line is being held south of The Subway. Containment is estimated for 8 p.m., Saturday. The chance of success is likely. The weather is forecast to become hotter and drier for the busy Fourth of July weekend. Everyone is encouraged to be safe with fire.



Jarvis Fire Update offered

Friday, June 30, 2006: 7:00 P.M.

Update: Firefighters have succeeded in corralling the 50,738-acre Jarvis Fire. The fire, which started on June 25, is now 100% contained. The section of Old Highway 91 that was closed during the fire suppression activities has been reopened for public access.

CLOSURES: Gunlock Reservoir will remain closed to public access as long as a helicopter base supporting the Bull Fire Complex is operating out of the reservoir area. The Bull Fire Complex is being managed by a Type I Incident Management Team. The Bull Fire Incident Command Post is located at Snow Canyon High School.

Location of Jarvis Fire: East of Highway 91, approx. 10 miles southwest of St. George, UT

Final Size: 50,738 acres Jurisdiction: State of Utah

Containment: 100% Containment Date: June 30, 2006

Cost to date: $1.2 million Cause: Human Injuries: None

Cooperating Agencies: U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, Utah Department of Transportation, FAA, local city FD?s, Utah Department of Forestry, Fire, and Lands.



Warm Fire update

Time/Date Started: June 8, 2006, 3 p.m.

Location: North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest; The Warm Fire is about 2 miles south and east of Jacob Lake. It is about 14 miles north of the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.

Cause: Lightning; The Warm Fire was converted from Wildland Fire Use Fire to Wildland Fire on the evening of Sunday, June 25.

Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, pinyon/juniper woodlands

Size: 58,630 acres

% Contained: 50%

Resources Committed: 6 Type 1 (hotshot) crews, 14 Type 2 hand crews, 6 helicopters (2 heavy, 3 medium, 1 light), 38 engines, 10 dozers, 19 water tenders. Total personnel = 843.

Estimated Cost to Date: $5.4 million

Predicted Weather: Temperatures tomorrow will be in the low 80s. Relative humidity levels are expected to be around 20 percent. Winds will generally be light and from the northwest. However, gusty and erratic winds near thunderstorms can be expected.

Structures: No structures are threatened. No structures have been lost.

Closures: The North Kaibab Ranger District is closed to public access until further notice; all Forest Service roads, trails and lands on the district are closed. Contact the North Kaibab Ranger District office at (928) 643-7395 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai for more information about this closure.

Summary: Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim and Arizona State Highway 67 will reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, July 3, unless conditions change due to the Warm Fire. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
has been closed since Monday, June 26.

Visitors can check the status of their hotel reservations on the North Rim by calling Xanterra reservations in Denver at (888) 297-2757. Those calling from outside of the United States must call (303) 297-2757. Questions regarding campground reservations for the North Rim Campground can be answered by calling Spherix at (800) 365-2267. Callers from outside of the United States must call (301) 722-1257. For questions on mule rides, please call Grand Canyon Trail Rides at (435) 679-8665.

The North Kaibab Ranger District remains closed. Visitors with backcountry permits that require access through the North Kaibab Ranger District and those with questions regarding their backcountry permit should contact the
Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. MST.

The Warm Fire perimeter did not grow today. Unburned islands of fuel within the fire's perimeter continued burning but at a low level of intensity. Line has been built around the fire. However, the line will not be considered secure and containment complete until firefighters can use burnout operations to remove islands of fuel that could flare up in the
future.



Cache Valley Women in the Outdoors Event
Attention ladies 14 years and up! You're invited to the 1st Annual Cache Valley Women in the Outdoors Event (No husbands, kids, or pets, the only men on location are instructors-and we thank them for all they do.)

Sat. July 8, 2006

At the Hunters Education Building located at 2851 W. Valley View Highway (SR 30) Logan, Utah. Come and enjoy activities like Shotgunning, Archery, Dutch Oven cooking, Bird House construction, Canoeing, Crafts, Games and more.

The NWTF'S Women in the Outdoors program provides opportunities for women to learn new skills, meet people with similar interest, and obtain a greater appreciation of the outdoor world.

Class Breakout:

8:00-9:45-class 1:00-2:45-class

9:45-10:00-rotate 2:45-3:00-rotate

10:00-11:45-class 3:00-4:45-class

11:45-12:00-break 5:00-ice cream

12:00-1:00-lunch social

silent auction

raffle

Saturday, July 8, 2006

7:30 -8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast/Check In

8:00 a.m. Classes to begin

Noon Lunch

1:00-Classes Resume

5:00- Ice Cream Social

Silent Auction, Raffle and Early Bird Drawing

Direction from Main Street of Logan - turn west on 2nd north and go about

3 ½ -4 miles -Hunter Ed. Building on the right side of road.

FOR QUESTIONS:

LORA PERKINS 435-563-9433 (CO-DIRECTOR, EVENT COORDINATOR)

DIANE FREDRICKSON 435-245-6181 (CO-DIRECTOR, TREASURER)

JEAN SPARKS 435-245-4693 (BOARD MEMBER)

CORI DENNIS 435-245-6061(BOARD MEMBER)

KRIS PARKER 435-787-4415 (BOARD MEMBER)

MISTY BRADSHAW 435-245-5190 (BOARD MEMBER)

TRACY JARVIS 801-754-1193 (REGIONAL COORDINATOR)

LIST OF CLASSES (CLASSES APPROXIMATELY 1 HR 45 MINUTES LONG, BUT MAY VARY)

Archery Learn bow safety, equipment identification, selection, and shooting stance. The bows are a very easy draw length, so you do not have to worry about having enough strength.Instructor will be Wendy Pearce.

Birdhouse Construction Build and paint a functional birdhouse for your backyard using precut wood pieces. Taught by the "Women in the Outdoors" Regional Representative - Tracy Jarvis

Beaded Bracelets No matter your age, you will have a great time making a cute beaded bracelet. This class under the instruction of our Jr. board members: Josie, Tori and Sari

Canoeing Come have some fun in the sun learning the techniques of canoeing. There may be some splashing, so make sure you bring an extra set of clothes. (We will carpool to marina about 1 mile up road)

Dutch Oven Cooking Learn dutch oven techniques and put your knowledge to use by making a yummy dutch oven recipe. Taught by Camp Chef Representative; Guy Perkins (limited entry)

Outdoor Photography -Chris Mortensen of Cache Images will teach you how to take better scenic and wildlife photos. With 25 years of experience he will share his knowledge of composition, exposure, light, film vs. digital and more. We recommend you bring your own camera- but it is not required.

Shotgunning - Verl Hanchett is a Certified I.H.E.A. shooting instructor, Conservation Officer, Hunter Education Instructor and life long hunter with 39 years of experience, so you won't go wrong signing up for this class. Your class will start with safety first, then help in teaching you to hit your target. Yes, a shotgun has a bit of a kick. Indicate on application whether you or a beginner or more advanced.

22's and gun safety Learn different shooting positions, safety and how to aim to hit your target. Taught by Cody Johnson who is a life long hunter and trapper with 5 years experience as a Hunters Education Instructor.

Outdoor Scrapbooking Please join "Close to my Heart" consultant Marleigh Coleman who will provide a packet containing supplies for 2 outdoor scrapbook pages. She will be on hand to give you instruction on how to create great looking layout.

Wilderness survival, hiking safety and camping ideas. Get some great camping ideas and learn how to be safe in the woods with instruction by Katie Griffith. Also as an added bonus she will have some information about the woods provide by Lisa Perez. (Forest Service)

In place of a fly casting class being provided, the following has graciously been offered. Grant White of Sportsmans Paradise is offering an opportunity to all Cache Valley Women in the Outdoors members (under guide and instruction) to come to the Sportsmans Paradise Facility on a scheduled date to be determined after the event to use the entire resort for fly fishing instruction for 4 hrs. This is over a $100.00 value per person. Misty Bradshaw along with Darren Birchell will donate their guiding services for this occasion as well.

ITEMS TO BRING - WATER BOTTLES OF YOUR OWN (CULLIGAN WATER COOLER IN BUILDING)

FOLD UP CHAIR (BAG UP KIND WORKS BEST) CLOTHES FOR RAIN OR SHINE, WE WILL BE INDOOR AND OUT. COMFORTABLE SHOES, CAMERA, SUNSCREEN, HAT. (event will go on rain or shine)

AT THE END OF THE DAY WE WILL WIND UP AND ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS OF THE SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLE DRAWINGS AND THE WINNER OF THE EARLY BIRD DRAWING.

Cash, check or credit card accepted for auction and raffle tickets

Raffle tickets-$1.00 a piece, 6 for $5.00, and 13 for $10.00

DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF PLANNING INVOLVED IN THIS EVENT, WE WILL NEED EVERYONE TO PREREGISTER BY JUNE 30.

(NOT POSTMARKED BY THE 30TH-ACTUALLY IN DIANES POSESSION)

(CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT CARD)

NO REFUNDS OR CANCELLATIONS AFTER THIS DATE.

Endangered June Suckers Being Raised at a Second Hatchery

Springville -- The recovery of the endangered June sucker got a boost June 27 when more than 3,500 June suckers, four inches in length, were placed into two ponds at the Division of Wildlife Resource's Springville State Fish Hatchery.

Placing June suckers in the Springville hatchery doubles the number of hatcheries in Utah where the fish is being raised. Before being placed in the Springville hatchery, June suckers in Utah were raised only at the DWR's Fisheries Experiment Station in Logan.

The Springville hatchery has traditionally been a game fish hatchery, raising more than one million trout each year. The hatchery was closed in April 2005, however, after whirling disease was discovered in the hatchery.

Whirling disease affects trout, but it does not affect June suckers. The Springville hatchery is scheduled to raise trout again in the future, but in the meantime, it's being put to good use raising endangered fish.

The new additions to the once quiet facility brought some excitement and diversity. The June suckers have found their temporary home to be quite hospitable and continue to school together and swim around the two circular-shaped ponds like slower-paced participants in the Indianapolis 500.

Deer hunters from the DWR's Dedicated Hunter program cleaned and prepared the two ponds so they would be ready for the fish.

"Raising June sucker at the Springville fish hatchery is a win-win situation for several reasons," says Scott Root, regional conservation outreach manager with the DWR. "Our Fisheries Experiment Station in Logan had little room in their June sucker facility to raise these fish, so bringing the fish to the Springville hatchery creates another facility to raise an endangered fish, which is a very important part of the recovery of this species.

"Raising June suckers also allows the hatchery workers to raise fish again and one that isn't susceptible to whirling disease."

"We're excited about the opportunity to raise these endangered fish and look forward to the challenges of raising a different species from what we are typically used to," says Richard Hartman, Springville State Fish Hatchery supervisor.

"We divided the fish equally into the two ponds," Hartman says. "The fish in the north pond will be fed, while the fish in the south pond will not be fed as part of a study to evaluate the ability of the fish to live off the available algae and plankton found within the pond.

"We also fertilized both ponds prior to stocking the fish to promote a good food base of algae and plankton for them to eat."

Biologists plan to place pit tags into each fish and will monitor the fish after they're stocked into Utah Lake. Utah Lake is the only place in the world where June suckers are found in the wild.

State Fish Hatchery Reopens
Hatch -- A state fish hatchery that's been closed for four years is open again and producing fish for the state's anglers and safeguards have been added to the hatchery to prevent whirling disease from closing it again.

Located four miles southwest of Hatch, the Mammoth Creek State Fish Hatchery was closed in spring 2002 after whirling disease was discovered in the hatchery. (Whirling disease is caused by the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite can cause deformities, or even death, in the fish that it infects. Whirling disease does not affect humans, however, and fish that are infected with whirling disease are safe to eat).

Over the past two years, the hatchery has undergone major renovations and construction to prevent the parasite from entering the hatchery again. Metal buildings now cover the outside fish rearing ponds and a new water filtration building has been added. Production Could Increase to 600,000 Fish in 2007

The Mammoth Creek hatchery will contribute close to 250,000 fish to Utah's lakes and streams in 2006, with 20,000 of those fish going into Panguitch Lake, which was recently treated to remove Utah chubs.

The hatchery should be back to full production by 2007, producing between 400,000 to 600,000 fish. Most of those fish will be stocked in southwestern Utah, but splake raised at the hatchery will be placed in waters across the state. (Splake are a cross between a brook trout and a lake trout).

Because of an ongoing biosecurity risk, the hatchery will remain closed to the public except for limited, prescheduled school tours. The hatchery still offers a kiosk that explains how the hatchery operates, however, and a picnic area and a restroom are available to those who want to visit the area and enjoy the beauty of Mammoth Creek Canyon.

State-of-the-Art Hatchery
After whirling disease was discovered in the hatchery in spring 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey performed water dye-tracer studies in fall 2002 and fall 2003. The USGS concluded that the hatchery's spring source was being contaminated by water from the adjacent Mammoth Creek drainage.

After the discovery was made, a new state-of-the-art water filtration plant was built to purify the water and prevent whirling disease from entering the hatchery again. The filtration plant consists of a two-stage system that incorporates drum filters and ultra-violet reactors, much like the ones used in water treatment plants across the country.

In addition to helping insure whirling disease doesn't enter the hatchery, treating the water also reduces the risk of bacterial and viral pathogens entering the hatchery that can infect hatchery fish. The new metal buildings that enclose all of the outside fish rearing ponds and raceways act as a secondary line of defense, helping prevent possible contamination of the hatchery by environmental factors and helping keep birds and mammals from preying on the hatchery's fish.

UTAH'S HOGLE ZOO SAYS, "THANK YOU" TO OUR MILITARY, OFFERS FREE ADMISSION

To say thank you to all those who are serving our country, Utah's Hogle Zoo is hosting "Military Appreciation Days," July 4 through 6, 2006. All military personnel and their immediate family (spouse and dependent children) will receive free admission to Utah's Hogle Zoo from July 4 through 6, when they present their current Military ID card at the Zoo.

Don't miss a chance to see the emblem of the United States, the bald eagle, up close during the Meadow Gold World of Flight Bird Show presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Bring your camera so you, your friends, and family can get a picture taken with our bald eagle or with one of the many other birds from the show.

Make it a day of fun for the kids and have them seek out the Zoo's American animals, including the bison, black bears, white pelicans, American kestrel, Desert big horn sheep, golden eagles, and more. Check the Zoo's website for a full list of North American animals.

For more information about Military Appreciation Days or other activities at the Zoo, call the Zoo's events hotline, (801) 584-1750 or check the website, http://www.hoglezoo.org

Angler Special at Select Utah State Parks

It will soon cost less to fish at four of Utah's most popular state park fishing waters. Beginning Wednesday, July 5, anglers with a valid 365-day Utah fishing or combination license can fish Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, for $5 a day, at Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Rockport and East Canyon state parks. Utah residents 62 years of age or older can fish for $3. This discount offer will continue through the year, but it's not valid on holidays.

To take advantage of the reduced rate, anglers must show their valid 365-day fishing license as they enter the park. The day-use fee covers the license holder and up to seven passengers traveling in the same private vehicle. While only one of the eight people needs to have a valid fishing license to get the entire carload in for $5, anyone planning to fish must have a license.

Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Rockport and East Canyon state parks are four of Utah's most popular fishing waters.

"We've doubled the number of rainbow trout that we normally stock in Jordanelle and Deer Creek," says Roger Wilson, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "Rainbow trout fishing can also be good at Rockport, and anglers who fish about 30 to 40 feet deep at East Canyon can expect to catch trout too." Wilson also reports good smallmouth bass fishing at Jordanelle right now.

Annual park passes are available for $70 and allow day-use entrance for the permit holder and up to seven guests in the same vehicle. The pass is valid one year from the month purchased and is available at all state parks and the Utah State Park administrative office in Salt Lake City.

For more information, please call Utah State Parks at (801) 538-7220, the Division of Wildlife Resources at (801) 538-4700, or visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov or http://wildlife.utah.gov on the Web.



Bat Viewing scheduled with Wild Bird Center

Join the Wild Bird Center in Layton, Friday evening, July 7th and July 14th beginning at 8 p.m., for a free workshop on Bats, our flying mammal. Learn how you can attract Bats to your yard where they can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour per bat. Adam Kozlowski, Sensitive Species Biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is a Bat expert. Adam will make a presentation that will inform you about the benefits of bats and the natural biological control that they can provide for protection against mosquitoes. Reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile Virus by reducing the mosquito population in your yard. A field trip to a local roosting colony of approximately 3,500 nursing female and young Brazilian free-tailed Bats will follow the presentation. There you will be able to see these voracious mosquito eaters leave the roost for a night's insect foraging.

Call the Layton, Wild Bird Center at 801-525-8400 to register for the free workshop and field trip.

State and National Parks Guides Available at Utah Tourism Offices
Salt Lake City - New guides are available at the Utah Office of Tourism and other tourism offices around the state to promote the five national and 42 state parks in Utah. The Utah State Parks and National Parks guides were published by the American Park Network in partnership with the Utah Office of Tourism, Utah State Parks and Recreation, and the National Parks Service. The guides contain activities, dining, lodging, trails, history, maps, as well as a welcome message from Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.

"This is a great opportunity for Utah to showcase its national and state parks to a global audience," says Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. "An increase in our advertising budget approved by Utah lawmakers has allowed us to partner with Utah's public land agencies on these publications for the first time."

The guides are part of a $21 million, two-year advertising program launched by the Utah Office of Tourism, which is part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. In addition to sponsoring the Utah publications, the tourism office has placed a full-page advertisement promoting the state in all of the 5.3 million guides printed by the American Park Network. The set of national park guides is available on APN's website for purchase by people all over the world.

Copies of the new Utah guides are available for free at Welcome Centers and tourism offices around the state. For questions, please contact the Utah Office of Tourism, 300 N. State Street, Council Hall/Capitol Hill, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114, (801) 538-1900, (800) 200-1160, http://www.utah.travel .

All Ladies Trap Shoot Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors.

$40--Includes 50 clays, raffle tickets on hundreds of dollars in prizes, 1 year subscription to Women in the Outdoors national magazine, BBQ lunch and drinks, trap fees, and a great time. Receive raffle tickets for each target hit or missed, whatever number is higher. Don't miss your chance to win wildlife prints, a quilt, and more (some of the items are pictured below). Trophies given for beginner, intermediate, and advanced winners, to be handicapped with 25 rounds before actual 50 round competition. Silent Auction on outdoor décor as well.

******Bring your own gun and ammo******

The NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program, along with your support, provides opportunities for women to learn new skills, meet people with similar interests, and obtain a greater appreciation of the outdoor world. Support of this program helps to ensure our mission to conserve the wild turkey and to preserve the hunting tradition.

Please RSVP by July 26th. Questions please call Karen at 801-465-0270 or by e-mail at canunda@att.net .

Please send fee of $40 and information below to: Karen Cory (checks to WITO) 788 E 400 S Payson, Ut. 84651

Contact: Mark Hadley, DWR Conservation Outreach Specialist (801) 538-4737

Road to be Closed While Culvert is Replaced
McCall, ID - The Crooked River Road (# 50061) will be closed approximately two miles off of the Council-Cuprum Road northwest of Council starting June 5, 2006 as crews begin work to replace a five-foot diameter culvert with a
16-foot open bottom arch in the Crooked River. A one mile section of road will be closed.

The work site is approximately 16 miles northwest of Council. The open bottom arch will allow fish passage through that section of Crooked River, currently prevented by the existing culvert. The work will take up to 60 days to complete. The section of road to be closed is not heavily traveled during summer months, but is used by hunters in the fall. An alternate road does exist for high-clearance vehicles.

For more information, contact the Council Ranger District at (208) 253-0100

Feeding Baby Animals Is Best Left to Their Mothers

It's not unusual to find a deer fawn in the woods, or a baby bird in your backyard, this time of the year. Division of Wildlife Resources staff know because of the calls they receive from people wanting to know what to do with a fawn, an elk calf or a bird they've found.

Ron Stewart, a conservation outreach manager with the UDWR, says the best thing to do is to leave the animal or bird in its natural environment, and to not bring it home.

"Feeding baby animals is best left to their moms and dads," Stewart said. "Every year the division gets calls from well-intentioned individuals who 'found an abandoned baby bird or mammal' and would like us to take care of it. While we appreciate and share the concern of the caller, the best caregivers are its natural parents."

Stewart says birds and mammals have numerous strategies to avoid predation and raise their young.

"Often these strategies make it look like the adults have abandoned their young, when actually they are doing their best to protect it," he explained. "For example, deer fawns learn to walk soon after birth, but they are far from coordinated or strong enough to run away from their predators. So, evolution has added a few safety measures.

"Most of the animals that prey on fawns have a good sense of smell, which helps make up for their inability to see color," Stewart said. "Deer have adapted so that the fawns are born scentless, meaning they don't have an odor, so predators can't smell them. Also, their creamy brown coats are the same shade of color as the new grass and leaves, if you look at it in black and white. Add a few spots and they are well camouflaged.

"With these adaptations, the fawn's best strategy for survival is to hide for its first few weeks of life. The doe usually moves away to feed or rest, but still remains reasonably close by. If she senses danger, such as a human, she will leave in hopes of luring the 'predator' away from her fawn.

"Humans, which have good color recognition, often see the fawns in their hiding places. Since the doe is hiding, many people assume the worst and jump to the conclusion the fawn has been abandoned, and they pick it up. That's the worst possible thing they could have done; they just took a fawn from its mother.

Stewart provides tips on the right things to do if you see a deer fawn or elk calf. "If you see a fawn or calf elk, don't approach it," he said. "Take a look or a photo from a distance, if you like, but if you approach it, your scent could kill it. Numerous studies and observations have documented predators following human tracks. I've watched coyotes and other predators cross a path that someone just walked and immediately turn and follow it. I don't know if the predators are curious or if they have learned humans can lead them to food, but if you've just checked out a fawn, you'll lead the predator right to it. It's best to stop quite a distance away from the fawn or calf and then continue on in a loop so the predator follows you around, away from the animal. If you retrace your steps, the predator will likely continue forward and go right to the hiding animal.

"Another problem is humans like to pet baby animals. Survival depends on staying scentless, and if you touch it, you have placed your scent on the animal, so now the predator can find it.

Abandoned Baby Birds

"Birds have also developed some strategies for raising their young which often leads people to think they need to lend a helping hand," Stewart said. "Young birds will often leave their nests before they are able to fly. They usually spread out along the branches of their tree and call for their parents to bring them food. This is a 'don't-keep-the-eggs-in-one-basket' type of adaptive strategy.

"It's not uncommon for a good wind to blow them off of the branch and for people to find them on the ground. The best thing to do is to get them out of reach of house cats and dogs by simply placing them back up onto a safe branch. The baby will squawk and the parents will find it. Birds generally do not have a good sense of smell, so you can pick them up and place them back on the branch.

Stewart also advises people to not feed the birds prior to replacing them in the tree. "Trying to hand feed a baby bird is not a good idea," Stewart said " Baby birds will try and eat anything that comes close to their mouths, but bird species usually have a specific diet, and being fed something else could kill them. For example, 'the early bird gets the worm' doesn't work. The robin is one of a very short list of birds that can safely eat worms. The best thing you can do is let the bird's parents feed it because they know what it can and cannot eat. "

UDWR offices also receive calls when a nest is found after a good windstorm, a tree is taken down or birds have nested on a house or on machinery. "The best thing to do is leave the nest where it is, but if you can't, then relocate the nest to a nearby tree or another safe place," Stewart said. "Birds are extremely good parents and will almost always find the new spot by following the sounds of their young."



JULY 4th BIGGEST TRAVEL WEEKEND OF YEAR

Over 356,000 Utahns to Hit the Roads, Rails and Airways, says AAA

SALT LAKE CITY, June 29, 2006 - Although travel continues to be constrained over concerns about high gas prices and ever-increasing travel expenses, over 356,000 Utahns still plan to celebrate Independence Day by leaving town. The Fourth of July holiday is traditionally the biggest travel weekend of the summer.

According to a new report from AAA Utah, over 356,000 Utahns are expected to travel 50 miles or more this upcoming holiday, an approximate 1.7 percent increase from last year.

"Americans are budgeting more and calculating their travel expenses before their trips," explained AAA Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. "This comes as no surprise, as consumers have become acutely aware of rising prices in gas, lodging, and airfares that are up 7 percent from last year."

AAA Utah estimates that approximately 285,000 Utahns (79 percent) will travel by motor vehicle. Airports will be busy, with over 57,000 Utahns (16 percent) taking to the skies. Over 14,000 (4 percent) are projected to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

Nationally, AAA predicts 40.7 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this three-day weekend, representing a 1.2 percent increase from last year.

"We realize that this year, more than ever before, high gas prices have had a direct effect on people's travel plans," said Fairclough. "By visiting AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator at http://www.aaa.com/gasprices , drivers can plan out their fuel costs so that they can budget their travel expenses in advance."

Independence Day holiday travel is the busiest summer holiday, and it is also the deadliest on the highways. According to the Utah Highway Safety Office's 2004 Utah Crash Summary, the Fourth of July holiday had the highest rate of fatalities of any holiday during the year.

As part of AAA's on-going commitment to provide safety and protection to motorists, AAA's Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on July 4 until 6 a.m. on July 5 in Utah, Northern California, and Nevada. Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to seven miles.

"Just tell a AAA operator, 'I need a Tipsy Tow' and a truck will be on its way," added Fairclough. "Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the vehicle and driver to the driver's home."

AAA's Gas Saving Tips for Vacation Travelers

· Use your most fuel efficient vehicle for your trip whenever possible.
· Maintain your car by keeping tires properly inflated and having a professional technician inspect your vehicle before your trip.

· Get point-to-point directions, including real-time traffic information with AAA Directions, available to the public at http://www.aaamaps.com .

· Shop around for the least expensive gas by checking the AAA Fuel Finder at http://www.aaa.com/gasprices .
· Drive gently. Excessive braking and accelerating reduces fuel economy, as does exceeding the highway speed limits.

AAA's Money-Saving Vacation Tips

· Book accommodations in advance to ensure availability, selection and to guarantee the best rate.
· Use discounts such as those offered to AAA members to help save on lodging, restaurant and entertainment costs.
· Cut food costs by packing your own snacks and meals whenever possible. Also, eat the largest meal at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices.

· Find lodging in outlying areas, away from tourist and business destinations.

Research for Labor Day travel is based on a national telephone survey of 1,500 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA.

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 135,000 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.

Caution Urged on July Fourth Weekend

McCall, ID - The Payette National Forest has entered fire season and fire officials are advising Forest visitors of the prohibition against fireworks on national forests. Officials also note that computerized fire danger models show an Energy Release Component (ERC) that is above average for this time of year. ERC is a primary indicator used to determine the potential intensity of a fire. The fuel moisture content for 1000 hour fuels (three to eight inch diameter) is also below average for this time of year, indicating that fuels are drying out.

"We are in fire season now and with the weather conditions getting hotter and drier, we are urging forest visitors to please be careful with fire" said Jessie Raymond, fire prevention specialist with the Payette National Forest.

Forest visitors are reminded to:
* Completely extinguish your campfire; be sure it is cold to the touch.
* Check for fire restrictions and closures (call: 208-634-0700 or visit
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/payette/conditions/fire_restrictions.shtml )

Fire officials with the Payette National Forest are also reminding the public that possessing, discharging or using fireworks on the Forest is illegal and individuals may be subject to fines and or imprisonment.

Besides being responsible in the past for fire starts, fireworks are a public safety and environmental concern for law enforcement and resource specialists. Forest law enforcement officers will be patrolling throughout the week and enforcing the fireworks prohibition. The standard fine for violating the firework prohibition is $100 but law allows for a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail. In addition, any person found responsible for starting a wildfire on federal land can he held responsible for suppression costs, which can amount to millions of dollars.

Fire prevention specialists encourage the public to enjoy the natural beauty of the Payette but are asking citizens to recreate in a safe and responsible way. For more information, contact the Payette National Forest Public Affairs Office at (208) 634-0784.

Great Backyard Campout seeks Stories

In every state from Maine to Hawaii, you and thousands of others joined together in last weekend's Great American Backyard Campout. You've probably got some great stories to tell about the activities you planned, the food you ate, and the wildlife you saw. We'd love to hear them!



Visit the Campout website to share your experience and post a photo of your campout. When you do, you become eligible to win a new state-of-the-art tent from Eureka! It's easy to do--just post your entries no later than Saturday, July 8.



And remember, you can camp out in your backyard again this summer. Spending time outdoors is good for everyone, especially children.

National Wildlife Federation encourages you to help your kids spend an hour outdoors every day in unstructured play. New programs and resources are being developed to help you do just that. In the meantime, visit Kidzone for ideas and outdoor activities.



See you at next year's Campout--June 23, 2007!



RECREATIONAL ACCESS GROUPS HOLD RALLY IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC LANDS ACCESS FOR ALL CITIZENS

SAINT GEORGE, UT - June 28 - Two groups concerned about access to public lands will host a Pro-Access Rally in St. George this Thursday, June 29 on the steps of the Washington County Administration Building. The Rally will begin at 6:00 pm.

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national recreational access group and the Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL), Utah's largest public lands access advocacy organization are hosting the Rally in order to encourage our political representatives to keep public lands open for recreation and to counter the proposals of radical environmental groups.

The groups are concerned that without public outcry, environmental groups may have undue influence on management plans proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. These new plans may close roads and trails, limit the ability to connect trails to create recreational loops and not allow elderly and disabled citizens to view and enjoy public lands in Southern Utah.

Brian Hawthorne, BRC's Public Lands Director said; "Recreation on public lands is important to Southern Utah's people and its economy. The general public needs to understand they can't take it for granted that their favorite trail or campsite will remain open."

Hawthorne pointed to the proposal to close hundreds of miles of roads and trails recently made by the BLM on the Arizona Strip. The groups are worried similar closure proposals will be made by the Dixie National Forest, which is also updating management plans.

Mike Swenson, USA-ALL's Executive Director is concerned that the decision making process is too long and complicated. Swenson said; "The general public does not understand how these decisions are made and feel their concerns will not be taken seriously by federal land managers. That's why we decided to have a Rally. We wanted a fun way for folks to participate and have a voice in these decisions. The Rally is a way to say; our roads are our treasures. Let's keep the existing roads and trails open."

The Rally will begin at 6:00 p.m. and include talks by Utah State Senate Representative Tom Hatch, Utah State House Representative Mike Noel and Utah State House Representative Brad Last. Noel said he was looking forward to speaking to his constituents in Washington County. "I worked for the BLM for years," he said. "I know how hard it is for local citizens to make their voice heard in the planning process. This kind of Rally can send a powerful message to land managers." Noel added.

The groups pointed out that BLM and the Forest Service have already set aside millions of acres exclusively for hiking and horseback riding. Much of Southern Utah is already off limits to motorized vehicles and even to mountain bikes. Hawthorne expressed concern that the media did not report that environmental groups recently expanded their massive state-wide Wilderness legislation. "The environmental groups added a huge chunk of Wilderness in Washington County to their bill, and we didn't hear a peep about it in the press," he said.

Local Off-Highway Vehicle groups welcome the Rally. Dale Grange, a member of the Washington County based Tri-State Off-Highway Vehicle Club said; "We want our political representatives to understand how important it is to protect the existing roads and trails. Each year more and more roads and trails are proposed for closure. People are asking; 'when will it stop'."

Grange added this; "Southern Utah is home to world-class opportunities for all forms of outdoor recreation. Regardless of if you hike, mountain bike, snowmobile or ride ATV's, this region has much to offer. We want to make sure Utah's political representatives know how important it is to protect access to our public lands."


Peregrine Falcons Nesting Again in Downtown Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City -- For the third straight year, peregrine falcons are back and nesting in downtown Salt Lake City.

This is the third consecutive year that falcons have nested downtown since they last nested in the area in 1996.

"It was bound to happen, and I'm just thrilled that they've returned to the big city to dazzle downtown spectators," said an elated Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife program coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Walters says two young-of-the-year falcons have hatched, judging by images "beamed" from a nest box camera at the north end of the east face of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at South Temple and Main streets in downtown Salt Lake City.

You can see the falcons by logging onto the DWR's Web site at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/peregrine .

Peregrines use alternate nest sites in the wild, so it's not an unexpected surprise that the falcons have switched from the box they used at the Deseret Building last year to using the Joseph Smith Memorial Building this year.

Peregrine History in Downtown Salt Lake City

Peregrine falcons nested on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (formerly the Hotel Utah) from 1986 to 1990 and from 1994 to 1995. In 1996, they also nested at the Deseret Building, which is about one block south of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The famous pair produced 16 young during that time. Eleven youngsters successfully departed from the downtown area to unknown, wilder haunts.

In 2004 and 2005, three of five falcons successfully fledged in the busy downtown area.

Also, from 1991 through 1993, the pair nested in a nearby canyon where five young successfully mastered flight and left the area.

Seeing the Falcons This Year

As in past years, volunteers who are helping Walters will periodically share glimpses and gawks of the peregrine family with people in the downtown area. During upcoming Watchable Wildlife program field trips, and impromptu noon hour and evening gatherings, you can catch a glimpse of the falcons using binoculars and spotting scopes that will be available on the sidewalks along South Temple, Main and State streets near the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

"Look for people holding binoculars, or standing near scopes in these areas during the first part of July," Walters said. "Don't hesitate to step forward and inquire about a free look and to ask any questions you have about peregrine falcons and this famous pair and family of birds."

As in 2004 and 2005, Walters says volunteers will be enlisted to watch over the young falcons and keep them from harm's away during their harrowing first flights.

The peregrine falcon, which was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in 1999, is recovering statewide and continues to enjoy protection under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Important New Support for Rocky Mountain Front Protection

Language in Interior Appropriations Bill Prevents New Oil and Gas Leases

WASHINGTON - Senator Conrad Burns of Montana, who is Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, announced Tuesday the inclusion of language in the 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill that would prevent any new oil and gas leases from being approved within the confines of federal land along the Rocky Mountain Front. The move would protect an area inhabited by rich and diverse fish and wildlife populations and cherished by hunters and anglers throughout the country.

In a statement, Sen. Burns commented, "It's clear this is a critical area for habitat, recreation, agriculture, and just to appreciate the majesty of Montana." The Burns language is aimed at preventing any new leasing for oil, gas or hard rock mining in all of the U.S. Forest Service land within the Rocky Mountain District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest and contiguous parcels controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. It would not affect existing leases until they expire or are traded, donated or purchased back either by the government or a third-party group - in which case the area would become exempt from re-leasing.

The Coalition to Protect the Rocky Mountain Front, including groups such as Trout Unlimited and Montana Wildlife Federation, was instrumental in working this action through with Senator Burns.

"Senator Burns' welcome move to protect the Rocky Mountain Front is the sort of move that should be considered in other regions of the West that have particularly valuable fish and wildlife habitat," said TRCP Chairman Jim Range.

The Rocky Mountain Front language was included in a draft of the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill expected to be approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee tomorrow.

Senate Subcommittee Restores Critical Fish and Wildlife Funding

Senate Boosts State Wildlife Grants Funding Cut by House

WASHINGTON - The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) welcomed today's announcement that the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee had approved $67.5 million in annual funding for the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program, the same amount as last year. The program, which funds the on-the-ground conservation efforts of the State Wildlife Action Plans, had been eyed for a major cut in the House of Representatives.

After being voted upon by the full Senate, which is expected to endorse the subcommittee's recommended funding level, attention will turn to a conference committee, which will set a final funding level for the SWG program.

In announcing today's Senate action, Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana urged conferees to maintain full funding for the program. "The committee recognizes the strength of the State Wildlife Grants program and did everything possible in a year of tight budgets to maintain steady funding," said Sen. Burns (R-MT), chair of the subcommittee. "We call on members of the coming conference committee, which will set the final funding levels for this essential effort to keep wildlife off the Endangered Species List, to do the same."

Bill Geer, TRCP Initiative Manager, echoed this call. "To underfund the State Wildlife Grants program is to rob future generations of the chance to enjoy abundant wildlife in the ways we have. The conference committee must look to today's Senate measure for its cue on how to fund this program."