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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, May 24-26, 2017 B-7 The Park Record By installing vents, Utah Boy Scouts save curious birds from state park toilet hazards BY LEIA LARSEN Standard-Examiner SYRACUSE, Utah (AP) — They’re smelly and a little awkward, but Bjorn Tolman wants to get those who visit Utah parks thinking about vault toilets. Specifically, the 16-year-old is raising awareness about the hazard they pose to curious birds that fall into them through the vents and meet a miserable end. Birds are drawn to the cavity from the toilet vent pipe on the restroom roof. They topple in and become trapped in the muck below. Bjorn decided to tackle that problem with his Eagle Scout project. With a little help from 14 other Scouts in Troop 338, he installed 21 bird-friendly vent screens at Antelope Island State Park in northern Utah in May. “Definitely, there was a need for it,” he said. “I was looking at the island, and it’d be a shame to have all these birds getting stuck down there, especially because it’s stinky.” Bjorn got the screens from the Wyoming-based Teton Raptor Center’s Poo-Poo Project. They’re specially designed for the waterless toilets typically seen near trailheads, visitor centers and campgrounds. A project with a catchy name Poo-Poo Project screens have been installed by 270 partners throughout the nation, but this is the first time they’ve been part of a Boy Scouts project. “There are so many kids looking for Eagle projects in Scouting, and this is a project that could be duplicated anywhere in the country,” said David Watson, the PooPoo Project Coordinator. “Bjorn’s the first to do it in the U.S. He could be a true trendsetter.” Poo-Poo Project screens have been installed on many toilets on federally managed public lands in the state, like the Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Canyonlands National Park. Bjorn’s project, however, also marks the first time Poo-Poo Project screens have been installed at a Utah state park. Jolene Rose, a biologist at Antelope Island, said she’d like to see other state parks follow Bjorn’s lead. “Seeing a bird in the toilet is not a fun thing,” she said. “I’m the only biologist who works for state parks, so probably a ranger up in Hyrum (State Park) has never thought about a pit toilet being an issue.” An ongoing problem Rose recognized the problem when she stated working at Antelope Island in the late 1990s. She cobbled together her own solution using chicken wire and hose clamps. But snow can collect on those covers and block the vent. They’re also prone to blowing off in the wind — an issue Rose had to grapple with around seven years ago at a toilet in Bridger Bay. “I came to work one Monday and I had four emails (saying) there’s this barn owl in the toi- let,” she said. “Then someone posted on Facebook, ‘You have a dead bird.”’ It’s hard to get a handle on how often birds get caught in vault toilets. Rose figures park guests first noticed that barn owl because they heard it flapping around before it died. “I’m sure there are many, many more we just don’t know about,” she said. “How many people look in the toilet?” Several bird species seek out cavities to nest, including kestrels, woodpeckers and waterfowl. That’s why they’re sometimes drawn to toilet vents. On Antelope Island, the pipes also make good scouting spots. “Out here, it’s the only thing to perch on in the entire park,” Rose said. “There are no trees, there are very few signs and they need somewhere to perch.” When Bjorn approached her earlier this spring about his Eagle Scout project idea, Rose was eager to support a more fail-proof method of saving the birds. “When he came and met me, he had (a screen) in hand,” she said. “I went, ‘Oh, I want these. I’ve been wanting these for years.’” The Poo-Poo Project screens are easy to install — they screw right into the vent pipe — and have a 3/4-inch gap so the toilets continue to have air flow even when the screens collect snow or debris. “They’re really simple. There’s a nice grate. ... You set it on top of the vents and put the screws in,” Bjorn said. The screens typically cost around $30 each. The Poo-Poo Project gave Bjorn 10 donated screens and Utah State Parks covered costs for the rest. Hoping to start a trend Vault toilets aren’t the only human-made cavities trapping birds. Watson said the Teton Raptor Center has noticed issues with irrigation pipes, fence posts and PVC pipes stuck into the ground as mining claims. They make customized grates to fit various pipe openings, but the toilet screens make for a unique public awareness campaign. “There are all kinds of open pipe issues, but we are trying to tackle the vault toilet pipes first. ...They’re all across the United States and might open the door for us to help cap other open pipes around the country,” Watson said. “The (Poo-Poo Project) name is kind of catchy, people remember it, they have a hard time keeping a straight face when they hear it. It breaks down barriers.” To date, the Teton Raptor Center has sold 8,738 of the screens in 35 states. The center’s yearend goal is to install 10,000 in all 50 states. For Bjorn, installing them at the state park near his home in Syracuse made sense. So did protecting all the birds he often sees while camping, biking and visiting Antelope Island. “All the beauty in this ecosystem. ...Birds are a great way to keep it going,” he said after installing his first Poo-Poo project screen at the Antelope Island Marina. “It’d be a shame for those birds to get stuck down there. Introducing... 435-645-7139 www.marketatparkcity.com Please look for our insert in today’s paper! lizy janelle michelle ooh la la 3.5” x 5”, b&w ad “Hair Today” SOME OF THE PETS AT NUZZLES & CO. LOOKING FOR LOVE DEER CREEK TITLE & INSURANCE These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 pm., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Michelle Huggins 435.659.4407 Confidence to close! Vin Diesel Dontay Nebula Wags Vin Diesel is one buff, tabby dude. This handsome 1-year-old domestic shorthair is a friendly and affectionate cat who loves to spend time with people and other cats. He’s playful and outgoing and would be a wonderful addition to any loving home. Dontay is a 4-year-old gray tabby and white domestic shorthair. He is a relaxed and friendly cat who enjoys the company of people. Dontay prefers to be the only pet in his forever home, but he is sure to be a loving companion for years to come. Nebula is a gorgeous long-haired tortoiseshell kitty. Just look at those eyes. She’s about 3 years old and is sweet as can be. She has that tortie spunk, but she is also friendly and affectionate. Nebula is a beautiful cat, both inside and out. Wags is an outgoing 6-year-old brown tabby. This handsome fella is easygoing and gets along with everyone he meets. Wags likes other cats, loves people and would probably even do well with a canine family member. This gentle guy is a total lovebug. Sandy Ernie Jerboa Sophie Sandy is a sweet 4-year-old cattle dog mix who loves everyone. She loves to snuggle and be close to people. Sandy is moderately active and enjoys going for walks. She’s good with most other dogs but is a bit too interested in cats to share a home with one. Ernie is a handsome 7-year-old yellow Lab. He may be considered a senior, but he’s got tons of energy and loves walks and playing outside. He is working on his basic obedience training and needs a forever family to continue helping him learn his new Jerboa is a fun-loving and silly little bundle of energy. He’s a 1-year-old Chihuahua mix. Jerboa is super sweet, good with dogs and cats, and very playful. He loves to be picked up and cuddled. Jerboa would be a great addition to any loving family. Sophie is an energetic 7-year-old Labrador mix who loves to be outside! She would love to find an active family to spend lots of quality time with. She’s not a fan of cats but gets along with some other dogs. This happy dog loves to play, play, play. WANTED: VOLUNTEERS Love. Truth. Hair. dmichellehuggins@hotmail.com Hair today ...unless next week’s better. From quick cuts, to a full day of pampering, we’re here for you. And while drop-ins are welcome, we’d love to schedule your appointment. Women & Men’s cuts Blow-dries & Up dos Color Extensions Weaves Perming Scalp Treatments Bridal Packages Brazilian Blow-Outs Makeup Permanent Makeup Facial Waxing Eyelash Extentions Eyelash Tinting (435) 655-2680 1811 Sidewinder Dr. Park City, UT 84060 www.oohlalahairparkcity.com These organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words. Help Eliminate Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association’s Utah Chapter has many opportunities for volunteers to raise awareness and promote community events. Areas of particular need are community education, outreach, research, social media, public policy, communications and development. Positions can also be created depending on interest and passion. Many positions are virtual. Please contact Ronnie Daniel, executive director: rdaniel@alz.org. Holy Cross Ministries Holy Cross Ministries has openings for volunteers in both the school readiness program (3- to 5-year-olds at St. Mary’s White Pine Canyon from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday) and in after-school homework sessions at Parleys Park, Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary schools, which run 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. School readiness will benefit from persons willing to read and work at small group centers. Please contact Miriam Garcia (mgarcia@hcmutah.org) for information on the school readiness program. Contact Franz Montalvo (fmontalvo@hcmutah.org) for information on the after-school programs. The Hope Alliance The Hope Alliance is looking for volunteers to process eyeglasses for the vision program. These eyeglasses will be distributed to some of the poorest communities throughout Peru, Guatemala and other impoverished areas, supporting multiple vision campaigns. Volunteers can work at The Hope Alliance’s Park City office during office hours Monday through Saturday. For information, please call 435333-3334 or email info@thehopealliance.org. Jeremy Ranch Elementary Jeremy Ranch Elementary School offers an excellent senior volunteer opportunity. Reading tutors are needed to mentor young readers throughout the school year. This is a rewarding experience and you will receive more than you give. No experience required. We will train you and provide a positive, fun atmosphere. We need you for this wonderful purpose-filled work. Contact Barbara at 801-699-5158. Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year: The 47th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street. Volunteers will have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/volunteer or contact volunteers@ kimballartcenter.org. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed on a weekly basis Monday through Saturday. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. For a full list of volunteer opportunities visit parkrecord.com/volunteers. 4200 North 400 West Oakley, UT 84055 435-783-5575 |