Charges have been filed in two high-profile poaching
cases. The cases involve five men and more than 20 buck deer taken in
north-central Utah.
- The first case involves four men from Utah County. They’ve been
charged with 14 felonies for taking at least 15 buck deer from the
Vernon limited-entry deer hunting unit.
Seven of the deer had antler spreads of more than 24 inches and are
considered "trophy" deer by Utah state law. The antler spread of one of
the bucks was 30 inches.
DWR officers served a search warrant on one of the men and recovered 15
deer from his home.
- The second case involves a Salt Lake County man. He’s charged with
poaching several deer in counties across north-central Utah.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
OLD FAITHFUL VANDALS CAUGHT ON WEBCAM
“Geyser Gazers” Call in Violation in Yellowstone’s First Cyber-Enforcement Case
Washington, DC — A live streaming web camera installed last year to broadcast Old Faithful Geyser was instrumental in the arrest of six vandals last week. In photos posted today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a group of six “cone walkers” ventured off the visitor boardwalk; two apparently urinated and one dropped a rock into the iconic geyser at Yellowstone National Park.
The incident took place on the evening of May 4th and lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Outraged viewers on the Old Faithful webcam contacted park officials and the transgressors were apprehended as they returned to the boardwalk. The six, who are employees of the park concessionaire, were cited by park officials and will appear before a magistrate on May 19th where they face possible fines and jail time.
The webcam footage shows that several of the cone walkers appeared to urinate on the geyser cone. Two of them are seen digging around the geyser catch basin and one looks to have dropped a rock into the geyser itself.
This may be the first instance in which a webcam has been used in this fashion to protect park natural resources. Yellowstone National Park now has five webcams but only one at Old Faithful has continuous streaming video.
“We are on the threshold of cyber-parks where spectacular vistas can be viewed from the nearest screen, even one in the palm of your hand,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “The brave new world of cyber-parks officially started last week.”
Yellowstone National Park has recently unveiled a controversial Wireless Communications plan that authorizes more cell phone coverage within the park and provides for a possible expansion of webcams:
“Existing webcams within developed areas could be upgraded to wireless, or new wireless webcams could be installed in developed areas of the park if they are found to meet the siting criteria…It is possible that wireless webcams could be placed in backcountry areas for resource monitoring or to address safety concerns.” (p.30)
In 2000, former National Park Service Director Roger Stanton placed a moratorium on all new webcams in our national parks pending development of a strategy that addressed a broad spectrum of issues relating to webcams. Nine years later, a comprehensive strategy has yet to emerge.
“Technology can have both good and bad effects and that is why we have urged the National Park Service to carefully plan before they start installing the latest gadgets,” Ruch added. “If a tree falls in the forest, we will not only be able to hear it, but we can watch it topple and then run the video backward.”
###
See the cone walkers captured on the webcam
Look at the advent of the Old Faithful streaming webcam and some of its implications
View the Yellowstone webcams
Read about the new Yellowstone Wireless Communication plan
Washington, DC — A live streaming web camera installed last year to broadcast Old Faithful Geyser was instrumental in the arrest of six vandals last week. In photos posted today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a group of six “cone walkers” ventured off the visitor boardwalk; two apparently urinated and one dropped a rock into the iconic geyser at Yellowstone National Park.
The incident took place on the evening of May 4th and lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Outraged viewers on the Old Faithful webcam contacted park officials and the transgressors were apprehended as they returned to the boardwalk. The six, who are employees of the park concessionaire, were cited by park officials and will appear before a magistrate on May 19th where they face possible fines and jail time.
The webcam footage shows that several of the cone walkers appeared to urinate on the geyser cone. Two of them are seen digging around the geyser catch basin and one looks to have dropped a rock into the geyser itself.
This may be the first instance in which a webcam has been used in this fashion to protect park natural resources. Yellowstone National Park now has five webcams but only one at Old Faithful has continuous streaming video.
“We are on the threshold of cyber-parks where spectacular vistas can be viewed from the nearest screen, even one in the palm of your hand,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “The brave new world of cyber-parks officially started last week.”
Yellowstone National Park has recently unveiled a controversial Wireless Communications plan that authorizes more cell phone coverage within the park and provides for a possible expansion of webcams:
“Existing webcams within developed areas could be upgraded to wireless, or new wireless webcams could be installed in developed areas of the park if they are found to meet the siting criteria…It is possible that wireless webcams could be placed in backcountry areas for resource monitoring or to address safety concerns.” (p.30)
In 2000, former National Park Service Director Roger Stanton placed a moratorium on all new webcams in our national parks pending development of a strategy that addressed a broad spectrum of issues relating to webcams. Nine years later, a comprehensive strategy has yet to emerge.
“Technology can have both good and bad effects and that is why we have urged the National Park Service to carefully plan before they start installing the latest gadgets,” Ruch added. “If a tree falls in the forest, we will not only be able to hear it, but we can watch it topple and then run the video backward.”
###
See the cone walkers captured on the webcam
Look at the advent of the Old Faithful streaming webcam and some of its implications
View the Yellowstone webcams
Read about the new Yellowstone Wireless Communication plan
Friday, May 15, 2009
DUCKS UNLIMITED CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PROTECT SPORTSMEN’S INVESTMENT
Chief Biologist supports increasing value of Duck Stamp, allowing more investment in conservation
WASHINGTON – May 13, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited Chief Biologist Dale Humburg recommended a change to a popular and effective conservation initiative to the House Natural Resources Committee: increase the value of the Federal Duck Stamp.
The price of the stamp has not increased since 1991, when it was set at the current level of $15. However, skyrocketing land prices have greatly diminished the buying power of the stamp in recent years, prompting several attempts to adjust the price. The most recent proposal from Congressmen John Dingell (Mich.) and Rob Wittman (Va.) would increase the price to $25 for the 2010-11 waterfowling season.
“Raising the price to $25 brings the cost of the stamp about equal with the buying power of the $15 stamp in 1991, once you adjust for inflation,” said Humburg. “Compare that to the 300% increase in land values that we are seeing in Minnesota, one of the breeding hot spots.”
The Federal Duck Stamp, which is required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older, was introduced in 1934. Funds from sales of the stamp have conserved more than 5 million acres of waterfowl breeding, migrating, and wintering habitat across the United States.
“Waterfowlers have invested more than $760 million into the Federal Duck Stamp – and it needs to remain a viable conservation tool if we are going to protect that investment into the future,” said Humburg. “In order to ensure that we can continue to protect waterfowl habitat, there must be an increase to the buying power of the Duck Stamp.”
“If we increase the stamp by, $10 we could conserve an additional 16,000 acres of prime waterfowl habitat in just the next year,” said Humburg.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization and has conserved more than 12 million acres. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year.
WASHINGTON – May 13, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited Chief Biologist Dale Humburg recommended a change to a popular and effective conservation initiative to the House Natural Resources Committee: increase the value of the Federal Duck Stamp.
The price of the stamp has not increased since 1991, when it was set at the current level of $15. However, skyrocketing land prices have greatly diminished the buying power of the stamp in recent years, prompting several attempts to adjust the price. The most recent proposal from Congressmen John Dingell (Mich.) and Rob Wittman (Va.) would increase the price to $25 for the 2010-11 waterfowling season.
“Raising the price to $25 brings the cost of the stamp about equal with the buying power of the $15 stamp in 1991, once you adjust for inflation,” said Humburg. “Compare that to the 300% increase in land values that we are seeing in Minnesota, one of the breeding hot spots.”
The Federal Duck Stamp, which is required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older, was introduced in 1934. Funds from sales of the stamp have conserved more than 5 million acres of waterfowl breeding, migrating, and wintering habitat across the United States.
“Waterfowlers have invested more than $760 million into the Federal Duck Stamp – and it needs to remain a viable conservation tool if we are going to protect that investment into the future,” said Humburg. “In order to ensure that we can continue to protect waterfowl habitat, there must be an increase to the buying power of the Duck Stamp.”
“If we increase the stamp by, $10 we could conserve an additional 16,000 acres of prime waterfowl habitat in just the next year,” said Humburg.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization and has conserved more than 12 million acres. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Get away to Eden at Wolf Creek Utah
Tucked away in the beautiful Huntsville Utah is one of my favorite places to escape to at Wolf Creek Utah. With so many recreational hideaways and activities, Wolf Creek Utah is a mecca for guest to base their activities from or enjoy the many opportunities available right through the the many facilities located right on the Wolf Creek Utah facilities. Any time of the year you have an abundance of fun available, and each season opens up new doors and recreational fun for all members of the family. Located just one hour from the Salt Lake City area, Wolf Creek Utah offers to both members and non members alike everything from golf, hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and many water sports recreational opportunities from fishing, boating and water and skiing during the summer months. And winter open up an entirely new playground from snowmobiling, skiing and more with an average of 500 inches of snow each year.
Wold Creek Resort was recently renamed to Wolf Creek Utah and the transition to a private club to better cater to their members with a higher level of personalized service is in full swing. The ski area is still open to the public and looks to remain that way bring you some great skiing as it has been known for for many years. This change has allowed many new amenities to their facilities, with the newly remodeled restaurants, now private, and this summer renovations begin on the club house, swimming pool and fitness center and an addition of a second golf course are in the works. The over 1 million dollar improvements to the existing golf course over the last four years have also set this course on the path to be one of the best in the State.
With over 900 homes already in the community, the planned 2,500 expansions also bring owning a 2nd home to escape to even more affordable with home sites in the Highlands start at $295,000 range, and additional Condos and Town Houses with wide open spaces, jogging trails make owning one of these gems a great bargain in today's market. Owners also have an opportunity to join the rental program which allows all or portions of certain Condos to be rented through the program for various periods of time to help ease the costs of ownership.
For temporary stays, Wolf Creek Utah also still offer guests lodging and accommodations ranging for one bedroom condos to fully equipped house suitable for all family members to join in and entire access to Wolf Creek Utah facilities is granted to lodging guests while they stay on site!
Our recent stay at the Red Moose Lodge was a true relaxation staycation and so close to home, it was first rate! We arrived to find ourselves in the "Honeymoon Suite" loaded with amenities from an on site swimming pools and kids play area outside, to an in room whirlpool and fireplace and double, oversize shower with double headed shower. Attention to details was very apparent in the planning of this facility and the home feel to the room was incredible. We had everything we needed and more and the staff was so willing to help point us in the direction to for any activity we could imagine.Wold Creek Utah offer a base camp for the many activities this valley has to offer, which are endless. From their Summer Concert Series packed with some great live music from live music for all tastes ranging from country to the Utah Symphony. Music on the Mountains has something for everyone! Or for the fisherman that wants to come do a little fishing on Pineview Resivourand specking of Pineview, its a favortie spot to rent a boat or personall warecraft from Club Rec and enjoy a day or play on the lake. Nature has been preserved and a lot of work has gone into the valley with open spaces and nature trails for the hiker, or mountain biker.
Look up Wolf Creek Utah for membership information or to purchase a beautiful home site or condo with amenities that at first rate and now couldn't be better than now to buy a new or 2nd home! And we highly recommend the Red Moose Lodge as a great place to start your adventure! Visit Wolf Creek Utah for full details on the great programs they have available.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Trail Master Outdoors Radio Podcast for 5-9-2009 Hour 2
During the second hour of Trail aster Outdoors Radio we are joined by Bert Gray, Outfitter in the Camping Department at the Lehi, Cabelas joins us to help get you ready for that first camping trip of the year. If your a first time camper or long time outdoorsman, Bret shares tips and information on how to get ready to head out this summer. Roger Bee calls in from his DOG or Dutch Oven Gathering and invites folks out for a fun day of food and activities. And Jayson Toerck shares more information on spring fishing!
Trail Master Outdoors Radio Podcast for 5-9-2009 Hour 1.
Lee Pope joins us to review his Ultimate Tool Holster. Roger Eggert, from the Cabins at Bear River Lodge shares some great information and specials. And Bob Grove from DriveAwayVacations.com
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