Adopt a Park in Utah

Heber City – Two local companies have adopted Deer Creek State Park as their own and Utah State Parks and Recreation hopes other businesses and organizations will adopt parks in their community.


“Utah’s 43 state parks are destinations, which bring visitors and tourism dollars to area businesses,” said Utah State Parks Director Mary Tullius. “The Adopt-A-Park Program is an opportunity to bring parks and businesses together for the betterment of their communities.”

Four Seasons Fly Fishers of Heber City and Johnson Mill Bed and Breakfast in Midway have adopted Deer Creek State Park. They’ve agreed to a one-year adoption, which includes a commitment to host three cleanup days at Deer Creek State Park.

“Businesses or organizations can use this new program as incentives for their employees as opportunities to get outside and help their communities,” said Utah State Parks Volunteer Coordinator Robin Watson. “Individuals and families are welcome to adopt a park as well.”

Adopt a park today and help us keep Utah’s state parks beautiful. For information, please call (801) 537-3445 or email robinwatson@utah.gov .

RMEF Volunteers Impacting 1 Acre Every 6 Hours

MISSOULA, Mont.—Volunteers for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are helping to enhance or conserve 1 acre of wildlife habitat for every 6 hours worked.

The statistics were released by RMEF to commemorate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18-24, 2010. President Nixon designated the special week in 1974 to celebrate America’s spirit of volunteerism for good causes. Since then, U.S. Presidents annually issue a formal proclamation to help keep volunteerism going strong.

“Our organization depends on volunteers who are passionate about conserving elk country, and we do our best to deliver efficient, measurable, on-the-ground results. I’m proud of our numbers over the past year,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Nationwide, RMEF boasts more than 10,000 volunteers who conservatively average 80 hours of donated labor annually. Tasks include coordinating banquets and other fundraising events, assisting wildlife and land managers by building wildlife watering devices, conducting elk research, removing unneeded fencing and countless other jobs.

In 2009, these 800,000 hours of donated labor translated to just over 132,000 acres of habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen said, “Along with our staff, partners and supporters, RMEF volunteers are part of a movement that is making a real difference. Together we’re impacting more than just habitat for elk and other wildlife. We’re also ensuring a future for the experiences and lifestyles and values that are borne of elk hunting. Thank you, RMEF volunteers!”

Since launching in 1984, RMEF has tallied 5.7 million acres of mostly public-land habitat enhanced or conserved, and 585,000 acres opened or secured for public hunting.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Volunteer Fishing Instructor training starts in March

Photo by Brent Stettler

Want to help a group of kids have one of the best experiences they'll have this spring? Then volunteer to help a youth fishing club!

The Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for volunteers to teach 6- to 13-year-olds about fish, the places fish live and how to catch them.


The Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for volunteers to teach 6- to 13-year-olds about fish, the places fish live and how to catch them.

Volunteers are needed in communities stretching from Brigham City to Washington City. To learn more about the clubs, and to volunteer to help, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/cf/clubs.php .

(You can also listen to a radio interview about the clubs at www.wildlife.utah.gov/radio .)

Anyone can help

The number of kids who can participate in the clubs is tied directly to the number of adults who volunteer to help. If more adults volunteer to help, more children can participate.

"If you want to help, but you don't know much about fishing, that's OK," says Chris Penne, community fisheries biologist for the DWR. "If you're a positive person, you're patient and you have good communication skills, you have everything we're looking for.

"We'll teach you all of the other skills you'll need to have a great experience with these kids.

Training

Most of the youth fishing clubs start in March and April. But a few begin as late as June.

Most of the clubs meet once a week for six weeks. Each club session lasts about two hours.

The children spend the first 30 minutes of each outing learning a new lesson or skill. After teaching the kids, adult volunteers take them down to the water and help the children use their skills to catch fish!

"The kids look up to their fishing mentors. You're their leader," Penne says. "If you'd like to volunteer, it's best if you can commit to being with your club every time it meets."

Two to three weeks before a club's first meeting, DWR personnel will provide a volunteer training seminar in the community where the fishing club meets. The training takes less than two hours to complete.

Also, all volunteers must consent to and pass a criminal background check. "The DWR and the various communities are committed to keeping the children in the clubs safe," Penne says.

Rewards

Penne says a number of rewards await those who volunteer. "One of the biggest thrills you'll have is watching a young boy or girl reel in their first fish. Seeing that is priceless," he says.

"It's also rewarding to teach someone a skill they'll be able to use and enjoy the rest of their life. And knowing you're helping get these kids outside, so they can experience the natural world around them, is also very rewarding."

If you have questions, please e-mail Penne at chrispenne@utah.gov .


A popular program

"We had a great turnout in 2009," Penne says. "About 1,500 kids and 300 volunteers participated. Many of the volunteers were folks who volunteered the year before. They had a great experience, and they wanted to help again."

Penne says many of the city recreation departments in Utah have added fishing to the list of sports they offer to kids. That's one of greatest reasons for the program's success. "For the first time, fishing has found its way into mainstream sports, right along with soccer, baseball and football," Penne says.

The number of children and communities involved in the program is growing. "We need volunteers more than ever before," Penne says.