Join the Great Backyard Bird Count February 12-15

January 26, 2010—Bird watchers coast to coast are invited to take part in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Friday, February 12, through Monday, February 15, 2010. Participants in the free event will join tens of thousands of volunteers counting birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges.
Each checklist submitted by these "citizen scientists" helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology , the National Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada learn more about how the birds are doing—and how to protect them. Last year, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent's largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.

“Taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to get outside with family and friends, have fun, and help birds—all at the same time," said Audubon Education Vice President, Judy Braus. "Even if you can identify a few species you can provide important information that enables scientists to learn more about how the environment is changing and how that affects our conservation priorities.”

Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from novice bird watchers to experts. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online at http://www.birdcount.org/ . One 2009 participant said, “Thank you for the opportunity to participate in citizen science. I have had my eyes opened to a whole new interest and I love it!”

“The GBBC is a perfect first step toward the sort of intensive monitoring needed to discover how birds are responding to environmental change,” said Janis Dickinson, Director of Citizen Science at the Cornell Lab. “Winter is such a vulnerable period for birds, so winter bird distributions are likely to be very sensitive to change. There is only one way—citizen science—to gather data on private lands where people live and the GBBC has been doing this across the continent for many years. GBBC has enormous potential both as an early warning system and in capturing and engaging people in more intensive sampling of birds across the landscape.”

Bird populations are always shifting and changing. For example, 2009 GBBC data highlighted a huge southern invasion of Pine Siskins across much of the eastern United States. Participants counted 279,469 Pine Siskins on 18,528 checklists, as compared to the previous high of 38,977 birds on 4,069 checklists in 2005. Failure of seed crops farther north caused the siskins to move south to find their favorite food.

On the http://www.birdcount.org/  website, participants can explore real-time maps and charts that show what others are reporting during the count. The site has tips to help identify birds and special materials for educators. Participants may also enter the GBBC photo contest by uploading images taken during the count. Many images will be featured in the GBBC website’s photo gallery. All participants are entered in a drawing for prizes that include bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs, and many other great birding products.

In 2010, Bird Studies Canada (BSC) joins the GBBC as the program’s Canadian partner. “Bird Studies Canada is delighted to be the Canadian partner for this extremely valuable program,” said George Finney, President of BSC. “Participating in the GBBC is an excellent way for Canadians to reconnect with their love of nature and birds.”

For more information about the GBBC, visit the website at www.birdcount.org. Or contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473, gbbc@cornell.edu , or Audubon at (202) 861-2242 ext. 3050, citizenscience@audubon.org . In Canada, participants may contact Bird Studies Canada at 1-888-448-2473 ext. 134 or gbbc@birdscanada.org .

The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by generous support from Wild Birds Unlimited.

Images by 2009 GBBC participants: Black-capped Chickadee by Rodney Smith, WA; Bird watcher at window by Terie Rawn, NY; Pine Siskins by Steve Gillespie, WV.

DWR Captures 40 Bison near Lake Powell

Bullfrog -- Forty bison will soon have a new home in northeastern Utah.

The Division of Wildlife Resources captured the bison on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16 on the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah.

Many Utahns don’t realize that a free-ranging herd of bison occupies 240 square miles of open country on the northwest side of Lake Powell.

Bison in the Henry Mountains
The Henry Mountains herd began in 1941, when the Utah Department of Fish and Game trucked three bulls and 15 cows from Yellowstone National Park to the Henry Mountains. That small herd of 18 animals has grown to more than 300 bison today. The herd continues to provide Utah’s sportsmen with a unique hunting opportunity.

The bison that were captured on the Henry Mountains on Jan. 15 and 16 will join about 50 bison that already occupy the Book Cliffs in east-central Utah. This herd was established in 2008 and 2009 with 14 animals donated from the Ute Tribe and an additional 30 bison coming from the Henry Mountains. Calves have been born since then, which has added even more animals to the herd.

The 40 bison, which will be released in the Book Cliffs on Jan. 20, will bolster Utah’s newest bison herd.

An aerial rodeo!
Capturing and moving a buffalo is extremely risky. To try and minimize the danger, the DWR decided to capture only calves, cows and yearling bulls. These animals weigh between 300 and 800 pounds.

Leading Edge Aviation, a company that specializes in capturing wildlife, was contracted to accomplish the aerial rodeo work!


Capturing the bison
The DWR developed a capture plan that involved the use of two aircraft—a fixed wing aircraft with DWR spotters in it, and a helicopter capture craft operated by Leading Edge Aviation. The spotters kept track of the bison herd from the air, while the capture craft concentrated entirely on the rodeo show.

Once the spotters spotted the bison, they let the capture crew know where the animals were. The helicopter then closed in and singled out one bison. That animal was cut out from the herd, and a net from a specially designed rifle was fired over it.

Once the net landed on the animal, the net entangled the bison and it dropped to the ground. At that point, crewmen called “muggers” jumped from the chopper and blindfolded and hobbled the immobilized animal.

The muggers then rolled the animal into a carry bag. Within seconds of rolling the bison into the bag, the chopper dropped a cable to the muggers, and they attached the cable to the bag. The helicopter then slung the bison through the air to a crew waiting on the ground.

The ground crew consisted of DWR personnel. The crew was positioned about 10 air miles from the capture location, on one of only a few roads that access the southeast portion of the Henry Mountains. (Known as the Burr Trail, this secondary road connects Bullfrog with Escalante.)

The ground crew’s job was to transfer the slung bison into a waiting horse trailer. Before placing the bison in the trailer, the crew performed health checks and drew blood samples for laboratory testing.

After the horse trailer was fully loaded with bison, the captured animals were driven to Antelope Island State Park. They’ll stay in quarantine at the park until blood tests certify that they are free of disease.

After an “all clear!” from the state veterinarian, the bison will finish their trip to the Book Cliffs on Jan. 20.

See Bald Eagles Feb. 6 and Feb. 13

Photo Courtesy Brent Stettler, DWR

If you’ve ever seen a bald eagle in the wild, you know it’s an experience that can take your breath away. In February, you’ll have two chances to not only see bald eagles, but to learn more about them. The Division of Wildlife Resources is holding its annual Utah Bald Eagle Day.

The event will be held on two different Saturdays. On Feb. 6, eagle viewing will take place at sites in central and southwestern Utah. On the following Saturday, Feb. 13, Utah Bald Eagle Day will be celebrated at three sites—two in northern Utah and one in northeastern Utah.

There is no cost to attend Bald Eagle Day. Viewing times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except at the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area site, where viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


On Feb. 6, you can view eagles at the following locations:
Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, located east of Nephi. If coming from the north, take I-15 and exit the freeway at the second Nephi exit (Exit 225). After exiting the freeway, turn east on SR-132 and travel about 10 miles. About 1 mile before the city of Fountain Green, a Bald Eagle Day sign will point you to an access road that leads to the hatchery.

Once you reach the hatchery, you’ll be given a driving map of the Sanpete Valley that highlights the best areas in the valley to view eagles. Literature, displays and bathroom facilities will also be available at the hatchery. If eagles are near the hatchery, Division of Wildlife Resources staff will set up spotting scopes so you can view them. Spotting scopes will also be set-up at a viewing location about one mile from the hatchery.

Rush Lake Ranch, located on the Minersville highway (SR-130) about 12 miles north of Cedar City.

On Feb. 13, viewing will take place at the following locations:

Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (Compton’s Knoll), located about 10 miles northwest of Corinne. To reach the WMA, take Exit 365 off of I‑15 and travel west on SR-83 through Corinne. Stay on SR-83 until you get to 6800 W. (Iowa String). Travel north to 6800 N. Travel west on 6800 N. until you reach the Salt Creek WMA/Compton’s Knoll Watchable Wildlife site.

Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, located on the west side of Farmington at 1325 W. Glover Lane (925 South).

In addition to seeing eagles at the WMA, you can also participate in activities that will be held at the Great Salt Lake Nature Center at the north end of the WMA. The activities include a bake sale and fun, hands-on activities for children. The activities—each centered around a bald eagle theme—will begin at 9 a.m. and run through most of the day. You can also see live birds of prey and watch a slideshow presented by HawkWatch International.

In addition to participating in the activities, you can learn more about becoming a volunteer at the WMA. Volunteers lead birding tours and help with other projects.
If you’re traveling north on I-15, coming from Salt Lake City and other areas south of Farmington:

To reach the WMA, travel north on I-15, and exit the freeway at Exit 325. Turn left on Park Lane and travel west. The road will angle to the south, and you’ll come to Clark Lane at the first traffic light. Turn right. Travel west to the first stop sign, which is at 1525 West, and turn left. Travel south to Glover Lane, and turn right. Travel west on Glover Lane for about two blocks until you come to 1700 W. Turn left on 1700 W. and travel south to the Great Salt Lake Nature Center. You can park in the parking lot.

If you’re traveling south on I-15, coming from Ogden and other areas north of Farmington:

To reach the WMA, travel south on I-15 and exit the freeway at Exit 325. Go to the stoplight and turn right on Park Lane. Travel south to the next light, which is at Clark Lane, and turn right. Travel west to the first stop sign, which is at 1525 West, and turn left. Travel south to Glover Lane, and turn right. Travel west on Glover Lane for about two blocks until you come to 1700 W. Turn left on 1700 W. and travel south to the Great Salt Lake Nature Center. You can park in the parking lot.

Split Mountain/Green River, located north of Jensen and below the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument (DNM). To reach the site, drive north from Highway 40 in Jensen on the road (SR‑149) to the Dinosaur Quarry.

Your first stop should be at the staging area located just inside the DNM boundary. Displays and spotting scopes will be available at the staging area, and you might be able to see bald eagles and other raptors in the distance.

You can also see live birds close up! At least one live bird of prey—and maybe even as many as three—will be on display at the staging area.

From the staging area, biologists will direct you to other sites where you may have better views of eagles and other wildlife of interest. In past years, visitors have seen bald and golden eagles hunting and feeding, as well as prairie falcons, hawks, mule deer, river otters, pheasants, turkeys, sandhill cranes, porcupines, mergansers, Canada geese and other wildlife.

During your trip, you may also want to stop and visit the Dinosaur National Monument. The monument’s dinosaur quarry is closed, but you can see a few dinosaur bones at a temporary visitor center near the quarry. The visitor center also includes a small bookstore.


Get a close look
“We’ll set spotting scopes up at each viewing site so you can get a good look at the eagles,” says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the DWR. “Biologists and volunteers will also be on hand to help you spot the eagles and to answer any questions you have.”

Information about bald eagles, and wildlife watching and birding opportunities in Utah, will be available at each location. The materials will be available for free, or for a small cost.



The best time to attend
The best time to see eagles on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 depends on two things.

If you want to attend during the warmest time of the day, attend late in the morning or early in the afternoon. “The warmer temperatures are especially important if you bring young children with you,” Walters says.

Late morning and early afternoon also provide the clearest times of the day to see the eagles.

If you want to see the greatest number of eagles, attend between 2 and 4 p.m. “In mid-afternoon, the eagles start flying to trees to roost for the night,” Walters says. “If you want to see the greatest number of eagles, mid to late afternoon is usually the best time to attend.”


Items to bring
If you attend Bald Eagle Day, dress in warm clothes and bring waterproof boots. Also, if you want to get pictures of the eagles, bring a telephoto lens.

“The eagles will be some distance from the viewing areas,” Walters says. “In the past, we’ve had photographers try and get close to the eagles. They ended up scaring the eagles away.”


Utah’s most popular viewing event
Walters started Bald Eagle Day in 1990 as a way to introduce people to Utah’s wildlife. “Bald Eagle Day was started to arouse people’s interest, whet their appetite and make them aware of the wildlife around them,” Walters says.

Since it began, Bald Eagle Day has become Utah’s most well attended, and one of its most enjoyed, wildlife-viewing events.

For more information about Bald Eagle Day, call Walters at (801) 538- 4771, or Division of Wildlife Resources offices in Ogden, Springville, Vernal or Cedar City.

Duck-Drawing Time

Credit: USFWS

On your mark . . . Get set . . . Draw! Or paint or crayon. Children in grades K–12 are now preparing entries for the 2010 Junior Duck Stamp contest that combines science and art to teach students about waterfowl conservation. The competition is administered by the Service under the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act enacted by Congress in 1994.

Participants, grouped in four age categories, compete to create visually compelling and biologically accurate drawings or paintings of any of 46 native species of ducks, geese and swans. Students are encouraged to visit National Wildlife Refuges with their families or environmental education groups to observe or photograph waterfowl for their drawings and paintings.

The winning national entry is reproduced on one–inch by one–and–one–half–inch stamps sold by the U.S. Post Office and some National Wildlife Refuges. Sales of the $5 stamps help support environmental education programs and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers and schools participating in the program.

Credit: Rob MacDonald, USFWS

Each state or territory first selects winners and prizes vary. The "best in show" from each state or territory contest goes on to compete nationally. National winners will be selected April 23, 2010, at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The top three national winners earn cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

In most states, the submission deadline is March 15, 2010. The deadlines for a few specific states include North Carolina: January 18, 2010; South Carolina: January 30, 2010; and Arizona and Ohio: March 1, 2010.

K–12 students attending public, private, tribal or home schools in the United States and the U.S. Territories are eligible to enter as long as they are U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or nationals. U.S. citizens attending schools abroad may enter through their legal state of residence. For contest information and entry forms, visit: http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ .

Southern Utah Fishing Report

Photo Courtesy Big Fish Tackle

BAKER RESERVOIR: (January 07) You'll find thin ice with some open water near the inlet. The ice often thaws, and fishing can be productive for rainbows and a few browns.

BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (January 21) All of the lakes, except for Barker and Lower Barker reservoirs, are closed to fishing until April. Access is limited by snow, so there is very little pressure.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (January 21) Most lakes are accessible by snowmobile. Fishing pressure is light throughout the winter, with Little Reservoir and Kents Lake receiving the most pressure.

BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (January 21) Ice is covering much of the stream, which is making fishing difficult.

BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (January 21) Anchor ice is making fishing difficult.

BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (January 21) Most of the Boulder Mountain lakes are closed to fishing until April 17. Check the Utah Fishing Guidebook to see which lakes are open year-round. All of the lakes are now iced over and access is limited to snowmobile. Anglers report good fishing at Oak Creek Reservoir.

CLEAR CREEK: (January 21) Wild rainbow and brown trout are abundant. Although trout get sluggish during the winter, stream fishing can be very productive during the colder months. Successful winter tackle includes nymphs, spinners and natural baits.

CORN CREEK: (January 21) Wild brown trout are abundant. Although trout get sluggish during the winter, stream fishing can be very productive during the colder months. Successful winter tackle includes nymphs, spinners and natural baits.

DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (January 07) Closed January 1 to April 17.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (January 21) Much of the river is iced-over, which is making fishing difficult.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (January 21) The river in Black Canyon generally does not freeze. Although trout get sluggish during the winter, stream fishing can be very productive throughout the colder months. Successful winter tackle includes nymphs, spinners and streamers.

ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (January 21) Access is good, but the parking area is not plowed. The ice is 6 to eight inches thick. The water level is low and a little murky. Anglers report good success for small rainbows with jigs and ice flies tipped with mealworms or PowerBait.

FISH LAKE: (January 21) The ice is 12 inches thick. Access is good for snowmobiles and ATVs at the marinas. There is heavy fishing pressure on the weekends. Fishing is not as hot as it was two weeks ago, but there is still good fishing for splake, perch and rainbows. Anglers are catching a lot of small trout and perch in 15 to 20 feet of water. Larger splake have moved to 30 feet, so try fishing on the bottom or suspended 20 to 30 feet down over deeper water. You'll find the best fishing in areas that have received less pressure. For rainbows or perch, try light-colored jigs or spoons tipped with mealworms, wax worms, or nightcrawlers. For splake, tip your jigs with perch meat. (Perch will also hit perch meat). If you're fishing for splake, you could catch a few small lake trout. For large lake trout, fish in deeper water and pair larger jigs and bait with a lot of patience.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (January 21) Fishing is generally slow, with the best success early in the morning. White jigs tipped with chub, sucker, or minnows can produce a few nice splake.

FREMONT RIVER: (January 21) The road from Mill Meadow to Fish Lake is not plowed. Winter fishing is fair to good in the Bicknell Bottoms.

KOLOB RESERVOIR: (January 21) Access is limited to snowmobile. There is little ice fishing pressure because of the poor access. Ice fishing is good, if you can get to the reservoir

LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (January 21) Access is limited to snowmobile or possibly ATV.

MAMMOTH CREEK: (January 21) Unlike other streams in the area, Mammoth Creek generally doesn't ice over. Although trout get sluggish during the winter, stream fishing can be very productive throughout the colder months. Successful winter tackle includes nymphs, spinners and streamers.

MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (January 21) Perch fishing is good to excellent. Try small jigs tipped with night crawlers, mealworms, or perch meat. Most of the perch are pretty small, but anglers are catching enough perch to fill a limit of fish over eight inches. Anglers are encouraged to harvest perch in order to help the population stay in balance with available food. Remember that the perch limit has been increased to 50. Anglers are also catching a few brown trout and splake.

MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (January 21) The ice is about 10 to 12 inches thick, however, the water level is rising so the edges are slushy. Fishing is generally slow to fair, with most anglers catching 10- to 12-inch rainbows. Although anglers are catching a few larger fish, no one has reported catching a fish over 22 inches. Most anglers are using jigs. Remember that the use or possession of bait, including scented lures, is prohibited at Minersville Reservoir.

NAVAJO LAKE: (January 21) There is plenty of ice. Access is limited to snowmobiles. Anglers report good fishing for splake. Try light-colored jigs or flashy spoons tipped with cutbait (like chub or sucker) or half a minnow.

NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: (January 21) Access is good, the ice is safe and there is little pressure. Anglers report fair fishing for small rainbows.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR STATE PARK: (January 21) The ice is 13 to 15 inches thick with some soft edges because of the recent warm weather. Fishing is generally spotty. Anglers are catching decent-sized, fat and healthy fish. Try fishing with nightcrawlers in a depth of 5 to 10 feet.

PANGUITCH LAKE: (January 21) There is a lot of pressure on the weekends. Fishing ranges from slow to good. Anglers that can get away from the crowds are having the best success. Try fishing during the week. The best fishing is usually first thing in the morning. Rainbows will generally hit small jigs and ice flies tipped with mealworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers or PowerBait. For cutthroat, try tipping larger jigs or spoons with minnows or cutbait. Panguitch Lake has special regulations. Read the Utah Fishing Guidebook for more information.

PARAGONAH RESERVOIR: (January 21) Some trucks make it to the lake during the winter, but most get stuck along the way. Use a snowmobile, or an ATV if the snow isn't too deep. The ice fishing is good, if you can get there.

PINE LAKE: (January 21) The lake should have safe ice, but access is limited by snow. The ice fishing is good, if you can get there.

QUAIL LAKE: (January 21) The water temperature is in the low- to mid-40s. Trout fishing has slowed down. Bass fishing usually slows down during the colder months, though you can still catch fish. Make sure you fish during the warmest part of the day. A very slow retrieve is key. Dead-sticking is often the best technique. Many bass anglers prefer drop-shot rigs in the winter. Don't be afraid to use larger plastics or even hardware.

SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (January 21) Water temperature is in the low- to mid-40s. Bass fishing slows down during the colder months, although you can still catch fish. Make sure you fish during the warmest part of the day. A very slow retrieve is key. Dead-sticking is often the best technique. Many bass anglers prefer drop-shot rigs in the winter. Don't be afraid to use larger plastics or even hardware.

SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (January 21) Much of the river is iced-over, which is making fishing difficult.

THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (January 21) Access is limited; the best access is from I-70. Ice fishing can be good to excellent in Solomon Basin.

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (January 21) Fishing is fair to good. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, all Utah community fisheries have a new limit of 2 fish in any combination of species. (For example: two trout, or one trout and 1 bluegill, or 2 bluegill, etc.) The Division stocks rainbow trout every three weeks in all of the ponds.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (December 23) The reservoir has been drained so that the dam can be rebuilt. It will be filled again in 2011.

YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: (January 21) Access is limited to snowmobile. A few trucks have gotten stuck trying to get to the lake. Ice fishing is good, if you can get there.

Conservation Leaders Selected to Receive 2010 Refuge System Awards

Washington, DC- The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) have selected recipients of the 2010 Refuge System Awards. These annual awards recognize refuge conservation professionals, volunteers and Friends groups that exemplify outstanding dedication and passion for wildlife conservation in advancement of the mission and purposes of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS).

Kevin Foerster has been selected to receive the Paul Kroegel Refuge Manager of the Year Award for his outstanding management of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in California. Mr. Foerster oversaw the growth and restoration of some of the most important wintering waterfowl habitat on the West Coast. His recent accomplishments include implementing a sophisticated inventory and monitoring system and forging partnerships with private landowners to restore the landscape of the Sacramento Valley. He has exhibited his skill, passion and commitment as a leader in the Refuge System, and was recently named as the project leader at Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Complex.

Vernon Byrd, a biologist at Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, has been selected to receive the Refuge System Employee of the Year Award for demonstrating dedication and vision protecting marine species of coastal Alaska such as auklets, puffins, storm-petrels and other seabirds. Mr. Byrd's innovative inventory, monitoring and research programs have resulted in data that is now used to influence everything from commercial fishing to climate change models. He has been instrumental in efforts to recover species such as the Aleutian cackling goose by eradicating invasive predators, and has been a dedicated champion for conservation in the harsh and far-flung environment of maritime Alaska.

Zeeger de Wilde will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award for his unwavering support and commitment to the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Maryland and Virginia. Truly dedicated to the Refuge System, Mr. de Wilde has volunteered more than 12,000 hours on refuges over the past 20 years. Drawing extensively on his background in horticulture, he is leaving a lasting mark through helping create butterfly gardens that showcase native plants.

The Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges will receive the Friends Group of the Year Award. Founded in 2005, the Friends of Alaska have the colossal task of protecting and raising awareness for over 75 million acres of lands in Alaska's 16 national wildlife refuges. The Friends have undertaken projects to remove invasive plants, reduce invasive horse populations, and educate both local communities and national decision-makers on the importance of Alaska's wildlife refuges. They have had outstanding results and continue to grow and reach out to new communities.

Awards will be presented at the 2010 Refuge System Awards Reception sponsored by NWRA, NFWF, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) in the Cannon Building Caucus Room in Washington, DC on the evening of Tuesday, March 9th.

Wasatch Mountain State Park hosts a Full Moon Snow Shoe Hike

The Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park is again hosting the popular Full Moon Snowshoe Hike on Friday, January 29, 2009. The tour begins at the State Parkls Visitors Center, 1281 Warm Springs Road, in Midway at 7 pm.

Participants are to meet at the Visitor Center for registration, snowshoe check out, and to meet the trail guides. No experience is required.

There are three experience levels. Beginner tours last about 90 minutes, while intermediate and advanced tours may run 2 to 2 ½ hours.

Snowshoers must be 12 years or older and can bring their own equipment, or can rent snowshoes for the evening.

Boots are not available. Be sure your foot is warm and water proof. Bring a flashlight, water, and dress warmly. Pets are not permitted.

Refreshments will be served after the tour's end. Cost is $5 for snowshoe rental and $5 event participation fee. Reservations are required no later than January 8th. Call Lucille Tuttle at 435-654-5150 to register. Additional snowshoe hikes are scheduled for February 6th and March 13th at the Visitors Center.