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Show Sec tebe ee Reson Nii i ainttestn: See Va sige 83 ie ee nies oats« beSRR ee acer iT won sty, Wasatch and backcountry enthusiasts are aware of, if not involved in, the contro- versy about heli-skiing in Alta gets new Fire Chief the Wasatch. Environmentalists and factions in the Forest Service — ecological hazards such as fuel storage. Backcountry touring skiers claim that helicopter parties track up all the good terrain. But Powderbird employees say the issue is not so cut-anddried. “We [the guides] are all ski tourers from day one, so we see both sides,’ said Michael Olson, Powderbird guide and Alta patrol member. “There is so much available terrain that if people are friendly and cooperative, there doesn’t need to be any conflict.” Greg Smith sees the issue less as conflict and more as a controversy. “I’m tired of hearing the complaints of environmentalists who own redwood decks,” said Smith. “The issue here is interest groups competing for the same natural resource: fresh powder. But we’re all from the same background, and there is plenty to share.” If. the bickering continues, Smith predicts that the next step will be government regulations limiting both sides. One possibility is that permits will be required to ski the backcountry, the same as a hunting or fishing license. Smith believes that once regulation becomes a real possibility, people will begin to realize that they can coexist in the backcountry. The ski season is winding down, and with it the demand for helicopter rides as people are hanging up their boards in favor of golf clubs, kayaks and fly rods. Capricious April weather means an ambiguous closing date for the Powderbirds. As long as By Sara Lindeman A historic changing of the guard is underway in Alta, and the community seems to approve of it. Bino Levitt, who served as the Alta Fire Chief for almost five years, will hand over the reigns to Amy Katz, the acting fire chief. Katz will be the first female Fire Chief to serve the town of Alta. “We had talked about it all beforehand. I was already the Deputy Fire Marshal I’ve bean doing a lot of the day to day things,” Katz said. “It was kind of a natural and logical choice.” However, both and Katz said the is not completely Levitt scheduled absence from the Levitt agreement cemented a leave of department _ for the upcoming summer. “This summer will provide an opportunity for her to see whether she’s sure she likes what she’s doing,” Levitt said. Both parties agree that Katz will officially take over as the Fire Chief of Alta if all goes well this summer. Katz has been pulling the daily routine for most of this ski season. She took over the training of the fire department volunteers and started inspecting buildings, too. Her other tasks include filing paper work and testing equipment. | “TI love my volunteers,” Katz said. “When I was a trainee we went down to a camp where we actually got to experience what it was like to be inside a burning building; how it really was so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. And then we got to put the fire out, which was also exciting.” Katz’s volunteers like “This season Amy and another qualified member of the volunteer staff ran a res—cue of a snowboarder who fell down Levitt a mine start,” “(The snow- said. gate races in full regalia or help, the boarder tried to climb out and fell, then holding a fire hose while weaving through the gates . The race will take place beginning at 10:00 am. on April 13. #3 WCR that the goal of the Fire packs, ladders and work the Department is to try to prevent fires. According to Levitt, that goal has been successful. He said the number of... fire: “calis us decreased from year to year lowering the fire insurance premiums the members of the community pay. The Alta Fire Department has one of the best ratings for volunteer Fire Departments in the Karpinski, a new volunteer to the department this season. “I love Amy,” she said. “She’s confident in what she’s teaching and is competent at her job. Plus, the fire hoses. “ _ This season, Katz has been attending training sessions and Fire Chief meetings in the valley. ~ She said the number of female Fire Chiefs in the Salt Lake area is lower than aver- age. : “Some of the male Fire Chiefs are surprised about (a woman serving as chief). I wish it was more matter-offact. In Utah I think its kind | of unusual for a woman to hold this position,” she said. Katz is certified as an EMT and according to Levitt she spends 90 percent of her time doing that type of rescue work. for fun, the Alta in the shaft, but unhurt. down ening. I learned to use air- to Liz And While his friends went to get was 40 feet experience has been enlight- according the revenue from the Alta prom will go the department. Fire Department and the Snowbird department run boarder) injuring himself.” “When Amy arrived they lowered a stretcher, splinted his leg and hauled him up with rope from the shaft,’ he said. “Her level of training and expertise keeps improving. That’s why we feel good about her taking ever.” Levitt and Katz agree her too, events during the ongoing Snow Flake Festival that will benefit the cause. Some of enjoy live jaze this dummer on friday evenings, 7-11 pan. dtarting april 28. the elizabeth lough guartet played « acoustic maindtream jaz with berseh dle on Tenor sax. the L. ¢. bistro features organteally _ grown produce and a | State. However, bi-weekly menu in order for motwated by seasonal avatlability. Alta to maintain that record, they must update their equipment regularly to insure the department is using the safest prevention tools available. To raise money for the equipment, there are charity reservations: 42.9222, ext. 3042 THEE szvxsrvr PLACE TO EAT, MEET FRIENDS, SHOOT THE... HANG OUT, PLAY CHECKERS, ROCK ON, AND MEET GIRLS.... Win, they remain open, however, MiceerARE they are offering special employee deals for groups of eight or more. Their retail shop is also dumping | their inventory at up to Poe wn sengremar teehee 50% off. For info on condi- tions, or to make a reservation, call 742-2800. Dig through that penny jar and come check out the new heli-skiing center. 3% WCR Page 9 Katz Takes Charge | - condemn the Powderbirds for the noise pollution and 1 995. ALTA LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON = SUMMERS *& THE KICKSTAND BETTER THAN GOOD if j ereemrere rnin dents Reporter, April - Mid-May - | Continued from page8 Canyon |
