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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, April 7, 2004 - Enrollment opens for CHIP plan Page 4 March plays havoc on mountain face challenges snowpack, increases local Four wheel drive vehicles tackling the tough terrain of concern of continuing drought Jeep safaris San Juan County have long been a tourist draw. The annual Jeep Safari in Moab is in full mode this Easter week, with thousands of four wheel drive enthusiasts crowding trails throughout northern San Juan County and Grand County. On April 7, Seventh District Judge Lyle R. Anderson ruled that the annual Jeep Safari could cross a section of State Trust Land that had been sold. Kiley Miller and John Rzeczycki purchased a piece of State Trust Land in the fall of 2003 and then found that two Jeep Safari trails intersect their land. They put up no trespassing signs, but a San Juan County Sheriffs deputy tore down the fences last month. Judge Anderson ruled that the Red Rock Four Wheelers had presented evidence showing the trail had been used prior to January 1, 1992. Asa result, the trail qualifies for an easement under Utah law. The Red Rock Four Wheelers were not planning to drive on the other trail that intersects the land. A popular Jeep Safari in central San Juan County has lost its BLM permit. Jeep Eagle has led groups on a Jeep Safari in Arch Canyon since the late 1980s. In 1991, the Bureau of Land Management determined that the Arch Canyon trail was a road. However, the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) recently determined that the ruling that granted the road right was null and void. As a result, the BLM has told Jeep Eagle that they do not have a permit on the land. San Juan County claims ownership of the road on BLM land and states that it is a pubRS-247- 7 (continued from page 1) full. They hold approximately 150 acre feet. At this time, city water is filling the secondary water pond and is also being diverted to Loyds Lake. Langston reports that Loyds Lake is up eight feet since February and currently holds 970 acre feet of water. This means that Loyds Lake has more water in it at this time than it did at its highest point in 2003. Before the runoff began in 2003, Loyds Lake held less than 300 acre feet of water. The reservoir was functionally empty. Despite the increase in water at the reservoir, it still holds less than 27 percent of its capacity. Paul Curtis, Range Management Specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, reports that grazing lands look good at this (joint. Most of the BLM lands that are used for grazing are currently being grazed. Curtis states that some restrictions are still in place on are raising winter dryland of recrops. The deep soaking cent days will give plants the push they need for a summer harvest. Warm weather has also caused many local trees to blossom. It is unlikely that many of those blossoms will survive the spring, however, as w'ho the average day of the last freeze of the year is April 17 in Bluff, April 25 in Mexican Hat, May 13 in Blanding, and May 29 in Monticello and La Sal. Local fruit blossoms in Monticello and La Sal have more than a month and a half before the freezing season is generally completed. Water level in Lake Powell is continuing to drop to an elevation of 3,583 feet on April 1. This is more than 117 feet below the capacity of the reservoir, which is 41.85 percent full. The inflow of water on April 1 was just 57.36 percent of the historic average on that date. The level of Lake Powell has dropped 24 feet since 2003. co-pa- Childrens Health Insurance Program) during Open Enroll2004. Spring ment, May enroll kids to is a great time on CHIP. CHIP gives the relief of knowing children have health insurance coverage while they enjoy warm weather sports and activities. Learn more about CHIP by 3-1- 2, length of Open Enrollment periods are determined by how many children enroll, the number who leave the program, and available funding. I m pleased to announce CHIP will be able to acthat cept new children this spring, making a simple call to to receive an application by mail or find a UDOH eligibility office in your area. Beginning Monday, May 3, and ending Wednesday, May 12, applications will be ac- said Scott Williams, M.D. UDOH Executive Director. As a pediatrician, I know how much it puts parents at ease to have children covered health insurance and cepted in person, online at www.health.utah.govchip, of by mail postmarked between May 3 and May 12. The UDOH will accept all eligible Utah children who apply during this Open Enrollment. CHIP is a health insurance plan for children funded jointly by the federal and state governments. To receive CHIP, children must qualify based on family size and household income. For example, a family of four earning up to $37,700 a year may qualify. In addition, children must also be younger than 19, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and not currently covered by health insurance to qualify. Once enrolled on CHIP, families may be required to by how much it helps doctors to provide good health care. My son Taylor has asthma, says Kristi Allred, CHIP mom and CHIP Advisory Council Member. Having CHIP means Taylors asthma is treated so he can play baseball and other sports this spring. The UDOH will conduct a media campaign featuring children who benefit from CHIP during April and May. Watch for information about CHIP Open Enrollment on TV, newspapers, and on the radio. Outreach will also be conducted via community partners, including schools, child care agencies, and advocacy groups. For more information, visit www.health.utah.gov chip or call Specials AII-You-Carv- Eat Wednesdays pm 5-- 9 Tomasas Mexican Buffet SERVING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS Fridays 5-- 9 SOLAR ELECTRIC pm CWMCSE Buffet road. County officials have invited Jeep Eagle to go ahead with the Safari. Anyone is welcome to go on TOM PALMER 435-678-21- TODD ADAIR 435-459-60- 08 00 ' Fax Saturdays said San Juan County Planner Ed Scherick. The annual safari takes place at the end of April. The BLM has told Jeep Eagle that they will need to go through a new permit process. farmers, particularly those grazing on BLM lands that were in place last year. The rains in early April put lic the road, a smile on the face of area pay small premiums. Premiums and small make it possible to insure more kids Since 1998, CHIP has covered nearly 71,000 Utah kids Today enrollment is just over 25,000 children. The dates and The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) will accept applications for CHIP (Utahs C 5-- 9 435-678-32- 68 pm Fish & Chips MONTICELLO lOADS MESTAUMANT 133 E. Central Monticello (435) 587-504- 8 Open Daily: 5:30 am to 9:00 pm "Your Connection to UTAH NAVAJO HEALTH SERVICES OFFERING CERTIFIED MAMMOGRAPHY the World 800-448-34- 13 wwvv.salmonair.com We look forward to serving your Hying needs. Service Schedule: SCREENING April 9 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Moab ie)l c Salt Lake City (six ) Montezuma Creek Clinic East Highway 262 Montezuma Creek, Utah Call for appointment: 435-651-32- 92 Round Trip OneWay $196.35 $114.30 |