| OCR Text |
Show Page 10 The Ogden Valley news Volume XXV Issue IX June 1, 2019 Five Additional Resources to Help in the Fight against Invasive Quagga Mussels During the recent legislative session, additional funding was allocated to keep quagga and zebra mussels from spreading from Lake Powell to other local waterbodies. Quagga mussels are currently only found in Lake Powell, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah State Parks are working to keep it that way. These invasive species have wide-ranging impacts, including degrading fisheries by collapsing food webs, plugging water lines—which can cost taxpayers millions of dollars—and damaging boat engines. “The threat is increasing, and we are trying to stay on top of this issue,” Scott Dalebout, the DWR statewide operations lieutenant, said. “Water is the most important resource we have, and we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent the spread of quagga mussels.” Here are five changes this year to help prevent quagga mussels from spreading. New Dip Tank to Help with Decontaminations - With the additional funding, DWR is considering the use of equipment called dip tanks to assist in boat decontaminations. A boat is placed into a tank of very hot water, which exposes the entire exterior of the boat to the hot water, while all the internal systems are flushed with the water simultaneously. It allows a boat to be rid of quagga mussels in about 5 minutes — a fraction of the time that a normal decontamination takes. These dip tanks should be able to accommodate boats that are 30 feet or less. “A dip tank has been mentioned by many western states as a possibility for several years,” DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Nathan Owens said. “We are hoping to partner with local businesses to pilot dip tank decontamination services in an attempt to expedite the decontamination process. If we find the right partner, we might be able to test one out by this July or August. We would be the first state in the country to provide the option of a dip tank decontamination to boaters.” More Decontamination Stations - Due to the additional funding, there will be more inspection stations this year than in past years. These stations will be staffed to inspect and decontaminate boats and will be available at Lake Powell, state parks with waterbodies and other points throughout Utah. There will be approximately 40 stations spread across the state this year, with an additional station to be added at Lake Powell later this summer. State law mandates that all watercraft stop at an operating inspection station. Further details about what to expect at the inspection stations and where they are located can be found on the DWR website. Increased Operating Hours for Decontamination Stations on Launch Ramps Along with having more decontamination stations across Utah, their operating hours will be longer this year than in past years. This will not only speed up the process for boaters, but will also ensure that more boats are being inspected when leaving or arriving at lakes. The hours of operation will vary at each station, depending on the number of staff and popular recreation times. However, if a boater leaves a waterbody after the mandatory inspection station has closed, they are still required to clean off their boat, pull the plugs and drain all the systems, including the ballast and bilge. They will also be required to contact the aquatic invasive species officials at the next waterbody they visit. “We need people to plan ahead and expect delays, especially on weekends,” Dalebout said. “And remember to always clean, drain and dry your watercraft. We must all work together in this important effort.” More Administrative Checkpoints - In addition to the inspection stations, DWR officials also conduct administrative checkpoints on various roadways throughout the year. These are different than mandatory inspection stations because all vehicles—not just those transporting watercraft—will be directed off the road. Then, the vehicles towing or hauling watercraft are directed to the operation areas for inspections. Law enforcement will be conducting four to five administration checkpoints this year, which is a slight increase from last year. Additional Law Enforcement Patrol at Waterbodies The additional funding will also allow law enforcement officials to increase their efforts in patrolling waterbodies and checking for boater compliance at the mandatory inspection stations. Anyone who doesn’t stop is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Along with receiving a citation, the individual will be directed back to the station to get their watercraft inspected. A watercraft can also be detained or quarantined if the owner refuses to submit to an inspection. Inspirational Thought “The difference between a wise man and a foolish one is his response to what he already knows: A wise man follows up on what he hears while a foolish man knows but does not act. To change, you must take action. And while you’re at it, do something positive for someone else too. Nothing improves a person’s outlook like unselfish service to someone with a greater need than their own.” -- John C. Maxwell Applicants Needed for Weber County Board of Adjustment Weber County Commissioners are accepting applications for positions on the Weber County Board of Adjustment. The Board meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month as needed. Meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. Special meetings maybe scheduled throughout the year. Please submit your completed application to the County’s Planning Division Office. Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2019, or until the position is filled. Call Ann at 801-399-8371 for additional information. Memorial Day Forest Service Campground Status & Safety Tips This Memorial Day weekend promises to be the first of many busy weekends in national forests of Utah. Most campgrounds, picnic areas, roads and trails may still be snow covered or muddy. Most backcountry hiking and camping is very limited. Safety is always a concern. Rivers, streams and creeks are extremely cold, and running very high and fast, and are extremely dangerous. Keep a watchful eye on children and pets while recreating in these areas. As ice and snow melt, be aware of rocks that are dislodged and roll onto roadways. Offhighway vehicle users are reminded to ride only where permitted. Remember to always be a responsible rider. Below is a list of Forest Service campgrounds that may be open for the Memorial Day weekend on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, whose office can be reached at 801-999-2103 or <www.fs.fed.usda.gov/uwcnf> Pleasant Grove Ranger District, 801-7853563 - Little Mill campground is open with water and fees. Granite Flat campground will not be for Memorial Day weekend due to a rock slide. Grey Cliffs, Sawmill, Echo, Road House, Martin, and Mile Rock picnic areas are open. The Squaw Peak Road is open to the Orem overlook, the gate going up to Hope campground will remain closed due to wet and muddy conditions. The Alpine Scenic Loop (USR 92) will not be open for the holiday weekend. Silver Lake Flat road is closed. The North Fork road is closed at the bridge ½ mile up from Tibble Fork. NO TRAILERS will be allowed as there is limited turn around space. Trails in American Fork Canyon are closed to bicycles, motorized vehicles and livestock until they are dry enough to prevent resource damage. A recreation pass is required for the American Fork Canyon-Alpine Scenic Loop area and is available at Forest Service offices or at the entrance stations to the Scenic Loop. The special use fee is $6 for one three-day pass per vehicle; $12 for a sevenday pass; and $45 for the annual pass. Spanish Fork Ranger District, 801-798-3571 - Maple Lake, Maple Bench, Balsam, Diamond, Whiting Cherry, Bear Canyon, Cottonwood, Ponderosa, Unicorn, and Sawmill Hollow campgrounds are open. Santaquin Canyon is closed between Trumbolt Day Use area and Tinney Flat campground due to a mudslide. Trumbolt Day Use area will be open for use, but Tinney Flat campground will be closed until further notice. Higher elevation roads and trails are currently closed and will be open as snow and trail conditions permit. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway will only be open on the south side to Devil’s Kitchen and on the north side to the ski parking lot. Logan Ranger District, 435-755-3620 - MARATHON cont. from page 1 proper training and mileage. The night of the race, I focused on my race and how I saw myself running it. I ate a pasta dinner as “pasta makes you fasta” or so they say . . . . : - ) I woke up and was just focused. “I have found in running that not every race is perfect, but you always learn from each one of them and continue to improve. During the race, I felt good. The temperatures were perfect and the goal foundation put on a well-supported race. “Running is so different than any other sport I play. I enjoy the collaboration between run- Lewis M. Turner, Box Elder, Bridger, Spring Hollow, Guinavah-Malibu, Preston Valley, Lodge Camp, Wood, Smithfield, Pioneer, Friendship and Spring campgrounds are open. Tony Grove, Red Banks, and Sunrise campgrounds are closed due to snow. Low elevation roads and trails are open (High Creek, Smithfield, Green Canyon, and Left Hand Fork). Mid elevation roads (2nd gate in High Creek, 2nd gate in Green Canyon, Cowley/Herd, 1st gate in Temple Fork and Forestry Camp) are scheduled to open on June 1. Upper elevation roads (Marie Springs, 2nd gate in Temple Fork, Twin Creeks, and Dip Hollow) are closed, and scheduled to open on June 15. Ogden Ranger District, 801-625-5306 - All campgrounds and day use sites around Pineview and South Fork Canyon are open with water and fees. Monte Cristo campground and Utah Highway 39 will not be open for Memorial Day weekend. Roads and trails are muddy and at higher elevations snow packed. Please TREAD LIGHTLY and avoid traveling on roads when muddy. Salt Lake Ranger District, 801-466-6411 All campgrounds in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons will be closed for Memorial Day weekend. Dogwood, Ledgemere, Birches and Storm Mountain picnic areas in Big Cottonwood Canyon are open. All picnic areas below the snow gate in Millcreek Canyon are open. Remember Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are Salt Lake City Municipal Watersheds and dogs are not allowed in these canyons. Any picnic area or campground that is gated or posted closed is not legal to use. Mueller Park and Fernwood picnic areas in Davis County are closed. Farmington Canyon and Ward Canyon roads are closed until further notice due to snow and wet muddy conditions. The upper portion of South Willow Canyon road and Upper and Lower Narrows and Loop campgrounds are closed due to snow and wet muddy conditions. The lower portion of South Willow Canyon and Cottonwood, Intake, Boy Scout, and the Median Flat picnic area are open. Heber-Kamas Ranger District 435-6540470 or 435-783-4338-Smith-Morehouse, Ledgefork, Shady Dell, Soapstone, Lower Provo, Yellow Pine, Aspen Grove, Soldier Creek and Strawberry Bay campgrounds are open. Boaters are urged to use caution and be aware of floating debris and submerged land structures in all lakes and reservoirs. The Strawberry Visitor Center will open on June 15, 2019. Wolf Creek Pass (Utah State Route 35) is open. The Mirror Lake Highway (Utah State Route 150) will not be open for the Memorial Day weekend. The Whiskey Springs picnic area is closed due to flooding. All roads and trails above 8,000 feet are muddy and or snow-packed. Plants and vegetation can be CAMPGROUND cont. on page 11 ners before, during, and after the race. We all support, and want to see each other perform well. Yes, there is competitiveness; however, there are also friendships created. I’m looking forward to many more races! “I have won the Ogden Marathon for two years in a row—2017 and 2018—and I was ready to increase my miles and take on another challenge. I have also run several other 5k’s, placing either first or in the top three. I am very lucky, as I feel running just comes naturally.” Mason is the son of Tonya and Ryan Froerer of Eden. Mason Froerer during the Ogden Marathon. |
