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Show 4 Vernal Express Wednesday, January 4, 1984 Snowmobilers reach area untouched in winter time ii I Editor's Note: This is the second in a two-part series of articles on winter recreation opportunities on the Vernal Ranger District. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a new revolution swept over the winter outdoor scene. It was the beginning of a new machine the snowmobile. The most popoular type of snowmobile has ski-like runners in the front, is steered by the handle bars much like a motorcycle, and driven by a rear track. The track, powered by a small engine, is similar to a miniature tank tread with ice cleats. But unlike a tank, the average snowmobile hits speeds of 30 to 50 miles an hour on ice or snow, while racing machines can reach up to 85 miles an hour. These machines caught on first in Canada, where they were used by hunters, trappers and loggers. Then snowmobiling clubs began springing up in both Canada and the United States. At Petersbourough, Ontario, an estimated 20,000 spectators watched 400 racers compete for the first Kaw Artha Cup in 1965. Thirty manufacturers manufac-turers moved in the field, adding more powerful engines, new drive tracks, more passenger comfort, and advertising adver-tising the thrills of riding the wind at tingling speeds with much the same exhiliaration found in motorcycles and bobsleds. In early 1968 an estimated 100,000 or more snowmobiles were is use. In 1983 the numbers have grown to well over 1 million in the United States. In Utah there were 16,355 snowmobiles registered with the Utah Parks and Recreation Division in 1982-83. The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation through a directive of the 1971 Recreation Vehicle Act, has taken the initiative to provide a general trail guide to select snowmobile areas in the state, trailhead snow removal, trailhead and trail signing, and some safety and enforcement management throughout the state. The division receives $5 per registered maching to implement these programs. In the 1982-83 snow season, with 16,355 snomobiles registered, these funds totaled $81,775. An expenditure breakdown reveals that $20,443.75 was spent on trailhead facilities and snow removal; $20,443.75 was invested in trail grooming; and $40,887.50 in administrative management. In the Uintah Basin there are over 575 snowmobiles registered by Utah Parks and Recreation division. Snowmobilers come in all shapes, sizes and age groups, some in poor physical condition, some improperly clothed, and some with little knowledge of winter travel. Nevertheless, an article in a camping camp-ing magazine generously encourages all comers. The question everyone immediately immediate-ly asks, according to the article, is "Where can these machines be used?'" us-ed?'" The answer: just about anywhere. Snowmobilers have vast amounts of open area with minimum restrictions on public lands. Snowmobiling has been a popular and increasing sport, and more each year is establishing itself as a winter past-time activity on the Vernal Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest. Highway 191 (U-44) is kept open all winter, so access to the eastern half of the district is easy. Also, there are several plowed parking park-ing areas along the highway for vehicles and trailers. The Cart Creek parking lot is located 21 miles from Vernal and can accommodate accom-modate approximately six vehicles and trailers. The East McKee parking lot is 19 miles from Vernal and can accommodate ac-commodate approximately 12 vehicles and trailers. The Diamond Mountain parking lot is 18 miles from Vernal and can accommodate approximately four vehicles and trailers. The Range Study '-. " 1 REACHING SPEEDS of 50 miles per hour, there are few limits as to where a snowmobile can travel on the Ashley National Forest. Area parking lot is 17 miles from Vernal Ver-nal and can accommodate approximately approx-imately four vehicles and trailers. The parking lot nearest to Vernal for snowmobilers is the Red Cloud Loop junction 14 miles north of Vernal and can accommodate approximately four vehicles and trailers. The capacity of any of these areas varies with weather conditions and availability of snow removal equipment. equip-ment. In a normal winter, most all of the forest roads in the Vernal District, except Highway 191, are closed by snow. Caution should be exercised where entire forest roads are plowed and maintained. These roads are used us-ed by timber operators for logging and Utah State Law prohibits snowmobiles from running on roads plowed for vehicle travel. Snowmobiles are no match for a heavy load of logs traveling down a narrow forest road. There are some areas on the Vernal District that prohibit snowmobile use. These areas are been closed because of big game winter range. A travel plan can be picked up at any ranger district office designating these closed clos-ed areas. Presently there are no designated snowmobile trails on the Vernal Ranger District. Instead, some of the most popular routes for snowmobiles are suggested (see map) and compose primarily forest roads which allow access ac-cess to forest trails, open meadows and cross-country travel. The opportunities oppor-tunities for beauty and scenery is unlimited, while offering a wide range of machine skill levels. As part of management of the national na-tional forest, the Forest Service asks all snowmobilers to join in protecting wildlife and vegetation and keeping a "clean scene," such as the Uintah Basin's Dinaland Snowmobile Club. Strive to protect the environment and encourage others to do the same. The Dinaland Snowmobile Club, based in Vernal, has been in existence since 1978. The club is a formal club with a president, Geno Riddle for 1984; officers, and committees. The club has over 100 members who participate in club meetings at the first of the year and three others on the second Wednesday of the month at a time and place designated by the club. The Dinaland Snowmobile Club usually has five major activities during dur-ing the season. These activities may include club sponsored tours, parties, steak fries or other special activities. The purpose of the club, as stated in its by-laws, is to create, develop and maintain the sport of snowmobiling in the Uintah Basin area, to promote snowmobile rules as established by the club and local and state authorities; to establish and maintain cooperative ??????????????????????????? ?????7?????????????????? HOW'S YOUR FARM AND FOOD IQ? If you re hungry for some informative facts about food, this quiz could whet your appetite. 1. U.S. farms are thp most productive in th? world. One farm family feeds this many people: (a) 4 (b) 16 (c)62 (d)78? 2. Which state is the leading agricultural produce' in the U.S.? (a) Illinois (b) Iowa (c) California (d) Florida? 3. Farm chemicals pitted pit-ted crops from insect.;, weeds and disease. With this protection, food prices would soar. Can you guess $ ii aqi ui ueds ajrj aSBjaAi! "M1(B) 'f saipms 5iSjaAiun SiupjoooB 'luaojad o; 0'j duinf pjnoM saoud pooj 'uojpaojd do;o noqtjv (P) 'E 'puooas SIJUBJ BMOJ sajqejaSaA puB sjiruj suoi -bu eqi jo jBq isouiB saanp -ojd ipiiiM 'Buaoj!BQ (a) what percent? (a) two per- SBil J1""" W Sb .ont (.on sjBaA' uai Xiun aidoad ra SOtfJ ACJU4 AllUt.j UUt. J Oil o"0 (P) 'I :SH3MSNV Free Placemats Packed with information ubout food and farmers are percent (d) 50-75 percent? 4. The quality, quantity and variety of foods we enjoy today are believed to contribute to longevity Since 1900, the average life coloiful placemats which span in the U.S. has increased are available free by writing from 47.3 to how many to: Trudy Bryan, DuPont years. (a 73.8 years (b) Public Affairs, 1007 Market 52 years (c) 59.5 years (d) Street, Wilmington, Delaware 64 veais? 19898. relationship with other clubs; to promote pro-mote exchanges of art of snowmobiling snowmobil-ing for the good of the sport, and to foster good will and fellowship among snowmobilers; and to assist local, state and federal authorities and private citizens when requested or necessary in rescue operations and other emergency situations where the use of snowmobiles and their operators may be of benefit to the general public or to individuals. Those wishing to inquire about the club and membership can call Randy Beers, owner of the Vernal Sports IN A CLOUD of snow crystals, snowmobiler flies over lip of ridge. Snowmobiling is fast establishing itself as a popular winter pasttime. Center. There is no telling where the sport of snowmobiling is headed in the future. It is great fun for those who have tried it. It is here to stay. It leads to appreciation of the wonders of the winter world, and this may be its most important role. The Forest Service asks that everyone be careful in the forest for any winter activity. Winter can be a time for enjoyment of the outdoors, and it also can be unforgiving and harsh to those who are careless and unaware of proper clothing, safety and changing weather conditions. Take time to check your gear and equipment. equip-ment. Make sure you are properly outfitted. out-fitted. Let someone know your time of leaving, expected return, and your travel route. The forest is for everyone's enjoyment, but remember to take care of it and most of all, respect it, especially in winter. Additional maps of popular snowmobile travel routes and information infor-mation on snowmobiling may be obtained ob-tained at the Vernal Ranger District office on North Vernal Avenue. mm m s n 11 cms, A male for every female. Line 'em up two by two. Milk the cows at 6 a.m., feed the chickens at 7, and keep the gorillas away from Mrs. Noah at all times. With 46,387 pairs of wild animals to keep track of, Noah had precious little time for himself Especially for messing around with contact lenses. That's why he was so delighted with his extended wear soft contacts M 1 tended wear fj v l son comae lenses. i i llrfm&Zi&to v 90 DavsFree nteres SSj Downtown Salt Lake ZCMI Center Fashion Place Bountiful Provo Roy Loaan 363-8761,355-1871 533 0700 262-3492 292-0479 373-2254 825-9703 752-2092 Sugarhouse Cottonwood Mall West Valley Granger Orem Ogden 487-4138 272-8861 972-0203 968-3526 226-3044 399-1147 V i Tfrom Standard Optical. He just nut thorn in hof nro hie rono pUl HIVslll III WUIVI I 1 1 W VVSJTIAV' and forgot about them the rest of the trip. For thirty days and nights he wore them continuously, with no cleaning, no wetting, no fuss. Just perfect vision. Extended wear soft contact lenses. A wnaie or a good idea... but that's another story |