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Show Volume X THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Issue VIII Page 11 August 1, 2004 Middle Fork Trailhead Sees Improvements ‘ er 4 miles, where ATHWAYS tion mentioned of wildflowers By Helene Liebman, Valley Pathways Chair Have you checked out Middle Fork Trailhead this summer? If so, you noticed some trailhead improvements, thanks to Utah’s Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Backcountry Horsemen. Since last year, DWR and Backcountry Horsemen have removed the dilapidated outhouse and fencing, built new fencing around the trailhead, and installed a ridge that looks out over Monte Cristo. new above; and after about a mile, follow the trail uphill to the left. From here, the route climbs about a thousand feet through dense forest and brush. But the climb is worth it. At the top the views of Snowbasin are amazing. In the early summer, there is an explosion OGDEN VALLEY CHAPTER Ogden you reach I’ve never continued along the jeep trails in the area, but there are a lot of different routes you can take from here if you want to keep going. To the ridge and back is about 13 miles round trip. The Shupe Canyon route is more difficult. Go left at the intersec- toilets. Ogden Valley Pathways made a donation of $500 to help purchase materials for these projects. According to Pam Kramer, Wildlife Biologist with DWR, these efforts are part ofa long-range plan for the property, which is part of the State’s Wildlife Management Area. Kramer stated that the big game winter range north of Middle Fork Trailhead is in poor condition. This is due to several factors—a fire a few years ago, the on orientation, and very rocky soil. “We’r planning enhancements to the big game winter range, and we’re working on a fire plan in the higher elevations—Mules Ears, Penstemon, and Blue Flax, along with many others. In the fall, there is another type of explosion with the fall foliage. Once you reach the top of the ridge, you’ll begin to descend and head back to the trailhead along Geertsen Canyon Trail. Be prepared to wade across Geertsen Creek about 3 miles before you reach the trailhead. I avoid this route in the spring when the creek is running too fast and deep for me. This entire route— Power Line to Shupe Canyon to Geertsen Canyon—is 12 miles round trip. If you’re in the Middle Fork area and witness illegal activity, such as destroying State property, Kramer asks that you report it to the local Sheriff's office at 629-8221. Also, if you witness poaching, please call the State’s “Help Stop Poaching” line at 1-800-662-DEER. If you haven’t been out to Middle Fork lately, give it a try. THE BALLOON FESTIVAL Ogden Valley Pathways (OVP) has been selected to be the benefiting charity for this year’s Ogden Valley Balloon Festival, August 27 through 29. Stop by our booth any time throughout the Festival. You can pick up a free trail map, get on our mailing list to receive our newsletter and email updates, enter our raffle to win a mountain bike, or bid on fantastic stuff in our silent auction. On Saturday evening, August 28, OVP will host a live auction on the main stage. We’re offering a Rocky Mountain brand mountain bike (retails for $2300) and about a dozen “active lifestyle” packages. Some of these packages include activities in Ogden Valley, such as that will include fuel breaks,” she explained. guided Trailhead improvements are not part of DWR’s typical activities. Kramer notes that DWR is working on these improvements because they want to be good neighbors. “We’re in business to manage wildlife, but we recognize the recreational resources in the area. And Middle Fork certainly has a lot of recreational resources. The trailhead leads to five different trails. Two of these trails— Geertsen Canyon and Middle Fork—begin at Middle Fork Trailhead. Three other and sleigh rides; along with meals, accommodations, and special gifts. Other packages include golf or yoga sessions, a full day of spa treatments, gardening, or house-cleaning along with neat goodies. All proceeds from the Balloon Festival will go directly to building trails—Power Line, Shupe Canyon, and Brown’s Hole—are accessed via Middle Fork Trailhead. Power Line and Middle Fork Trails are rated of moderate difficulty. The other three are rated difficult. All of these trails are suitable for equestrians and hikers, and three (Power Line, Middle Fork, and Brown’s Hole) are suitable for mountain bikers. A pleasant hike or ride from Middle Fork Trailhead is along Middle Fork Trail. From the trailhead, head east through the gate, and in a few hundred yards take the fork to the right. This trail follows the Middle Fork of the Ogden River, and it is shady for most of the way. In about three miles, you'll reach the intersection with Power Line Trail, Shupe Canyon Trail, and Brown’s Hole Trail. If you take the trail all the way to the intersection, be aware that you’ll have to cross the river a few times. Another enjoyable hike or ride from Middle Fork Trailhead is along the eastern end of the Power Line Trail. Again, head east through the gate; but when you come to the intersection with Middle Fork Trail, go to the left, staying along the road. You'll ascend and descend through a series of rolling hills. After a while, look back with Power Line, Middle Fork, and Shupe. From this intersection, you maintaining rides, trails bike tours, in Ogden hikes, Valley. cross-country So, come ski out, have outings, fun, and help a great cause! OGDEN VALLEY PATHWAYS’ AUGUST MEETING Ogden Valley Pathways’ next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 4, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ogden Valley Library. Join us as we continue planning our activities for the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. Also, come hear an update on our trail-related work, including construction on the Eden Trail and East Eden Pathway. welcome! For more information, contact Helene Liebman new Everyone is at 745-1799. According to the “Insight—Economic Summer News 2004 issue of Zions Bank’s of Idaho and the Nation,” Utah’s econ- omy has returned to its traditional growth mode, following 30 months of the weakest state economic performance since the early 1950s. “Strong growth of the state’s future labor force, lower business costs, and a lower cost of living will pay solid dividends in coming years for the state, its businesses and its residents. Better days are ahead,” said Jeff Thredgold, economic consultant to Zions Bank and author of Insight. The quarterly Insight publication features updates on current and projected economic and financial developments for the state of Utah, the Intermountain region, and the nation. The Summer 2004 issue also examines the role of the Federal Reserve in driving the economy. Following are a few highlights a Outlook” section of the Summer 2004 iss ane “Utah Economic a The Utah economy added an estimated 16,300 net new jobs during the most recent 12-month period, the strongest year-overyear gain in four years. The 1.5 percent annual growth pace is expected to give way to growth approaching 2.5 percent (25,000-30,000 net new jobs) in 2005. a The state’s annual jobless rate months, a major improvement percent averages of 2002 and current jobless rate is running percent average between averaged 4.5 percent in recent versus the 6.1 percent and 5.6 2003, respectively. However, the one percent higher than the 3.5 1996 and 2000. An estimated 55,000 Utahns are now out of work, down nearly 20 percent from the 67,100 residents out of work a year ago. a Growth in total Utah personal income is expected to reach or slightly exceed 4.0 percent in 2004, the best performance since 2001. a Spending by individuals and businesses rose 9.0 percent in 2004’ first nanelen when compared to the same quarter in 2003, according to the Utah State Tax Commission. a Two major factors will provide greater incentives for employers to expand Utah operations or consider doing business in Utah in coming years: the rapidly expanding labor force and the relatively low cost of “doing business” in the state. Zions Bank is Utah's oldest financial institution, and is the only local bank with a statewide distribution of branches, operating ILI full-service branches throughout Utah. Zions has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 130 years. 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