Monthly Archives: July 2011

Join us for the Utah State Parks Road Trip film premier at the Antelope Island State Park Visitor Center Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m. This film premier is casual, no tuxedos or evening gowns are required, and film admission is included with your paid park entrance.

The film highlights the journey of six Utahns who visited all 43 state parks in 72 hours. The Road Trippers will be on hand for the premier and include, Barbara Riddle, Chris Dallin, Tim Hughes, Russ Smith, Bill Francis and Vaughn Jacobsen.

In honor of their journey, Governor Herbert declared Utah State Parks Road Trip Week August 1 through 7, with a challenge to all Utahns to take a road trip and visit at least one state park this season. The Road Trippers echo that dare.

“We challenge every Utahn to visit a state park this year, if we can do all 43 parks in three days, you can visit one,” said Russ Smith with Skycall Communications.

Concerned about budget cuts, these six Utahns piled into an RV donated by All Access Recreation Club and drove approximately 2,200 miles, visiting all 43 state parks. Chevron provided a cash donation for fuel… Read the rest

… Read the rest

Fueling a boat properly is an essential element of good seamanship. Whether you are planning a day outing or an extended cruise, be sure you have enough fuel on board. Practice the one-third rule. Use one-third of your fuel going out, one-third to get back and keep one-third in reserve.

Whether you use gasoline or diesel fuel, follow these procedures every time you fuel a boat:

• - Fuel before dark whenever possible, and secure your boat to the fueling dock.
• - Stop engines, motors, fans, and other devices that can produce a spark.
• - Close all ports, windows, doors, and hatches so that fumes cannot blow aboard and below.
• - Unload all passengers and crew members who are not needed for the fueling operation.
• - Prohibit all smoking on board and near the boat.
• - Keep an approved, well-maintained fire extinguisher close at hand.
• - Remove portable tanks from the boat and fill them on shore when refueling an outboard motor.
• - Keep the nozzle or can spout in contact with the fill opening to avoid sparks.
• - Avoid spilling any gasoline and do not overfill tank.
• - Wipe up any spilled gasoline; dispose of wipe-up rags safely on

… Read the rest

Utah State Parks and Recreation is currently seeking three representatives to serve the interests of paddle sport users, boating safety and education organizations, and motorboats on the Utah Boating Advisory Council. To apply, contact Boating Program Manager Dave Harris at daveharris@utah.gov or 801-538-7341. Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2011.

Individuals are appointed to the Boating Advisory Council by the Board of Utah State Parks Board and Recreation to four-year terms. Council members must be active in the boating area they wish to represent. They must also be able to speak for related user groups, and have general boating knowledge. Members must also be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Other members of the Boating Advisory Council represent the interests of sailing, water sports, marine dealers, personal watercraft, boating anglers, and outfitting companies.

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov/boating/bac.

… Read the rest

The United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration and Utah State Parks and Recreation ask all recreationists to stay off all muddy roads and trails, and stay out of high flow streams and river crossings.

Snowpack is melting and creating ruts and mud holes on roads and trails, while many streams and rivers are at flood stage.

“Driving and riding on muddy roads can damage the roadways, which is costly to fix. Road and trail damage also impacts soils, streams, plants and speed up erosion,” said Chris Haller, Utah State Parks and Recreation off-highway vehicle program manager. “Enjoy the scenery and recreation opportunities, but wait until the trails and roads are drier. A rule of thumb is if you leave a mark in the trail, it’s not fit for travel.”

With many areas of the state facing flooding and higher than average snowpack, public land agencies are working hard to open roads and trails to allow visitors to enjoy their public lands safely.

Deep potholes can hold rainwater for more than a month! These are an important water source for mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and many other animals.

Aquatic animals and insects even take advantage of this water source, including a couple species of amphibian (spadefoot toad and red-spotted toad), fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, tadpole shrimp and a variety of aquatic insects. When potholes are dry they don’t look like much, but once it rains, eggs start hatching! Animals that have dried up, laying in wait, rehydrate and continue their lives. Some insect larvae can lose up to 80% of the water in their bodies!

It’s fun to see and hear amphibians… Read the rest

… Read the rest