GPS 101
1/31/2008 7:00 PM

A Global Positioning System is a fun and accurate tool that can help you navigate through backcountry terrain or even down city streets. Join REI navigation experts, as they unveil the mysteries of this fun and fascinating piece of technology. This presentation will cover an introduction to the GPS system, types of receivers and their common use, and basic GPS functions. An excellent primer for people looking to get started with GPS use. (more…)

SNOWSHOEING 101
1/24/2008 7:00 PM

The ease of snowshoeing has led it to become one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Simply strap on a pair and go on a winter hike, backpack, or climb. Join REI experts as they put on another of our famous “how to” clinics on the basics of snowshoeing. This presentation will also focus on the appropriate selection of gear and the initial skills needed to get you outside and on the trails. If you have ever thought about getting into snowshoeing, this is a great introduction to the sport! (more…)

FROM MT EVEREST TO MACHU PICCHU: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM THE WORLDS GREAT ADVENTURES
1/22/2008 6:00 PM

The Mountains provide the ultimate classroom for leadership training. During this session, Jeff Evans will first describe the lessons learned from guiding the first blind-man to the summit of Mt. Everest. Then Jeff and Dr. Bruce H. Jackson will provide an overview of their next leadership adventure; Machu Picchu, June 1-12, 2008. All adventurers welcome! (more…)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: AVALANCHE EDUCATION FOR YOUTH
1/17/2008 7:00 PM

A critical need exists for basic avalanche education for junior high through college age students in Utah. Just as students in Hawaii learn about the dangers of rip tides and shore breaks at an early age, students in Utah need to learn about avalanches. The rising numbers of young avalanche victims have demonstrated an obvious need for basic avalanche education. (more…)

Notice of Petition to place the Pygmy Rabbit on the endangered species list. Part of the petition is to close lands that are currently open to off highway vehicles and other motorized vehicles in order to ‘protect’ the species from death due to collisions with motorized vehicles. Follow the link below or mail your opinions to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

January 8, 2008 - The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service published a notice of petition finding and initiation of status review to list the Pygmy rabbit as threatened or endangered. Fish & Wildlife believes that a threatened or endangered listing of the Pygmy may be warranted. Should Fish & Wildlife determine that a listing action is necessary, they will also make critical habitat determinations. A designation could impact lands within California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming due to Pygmy habitat locations listed in the petition. One of the potential threats listed in the petition is mortality caused by OHV and other motorized vehicle collisions. (more…)

The Passage of Time
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I prepared this newsletter between the Christmas and New Year holidays. I like this time of year because the rush of Christmas is over. There are fewer people in town thereby making it easier to get into work, and there is just a general sense of quiet in the Nation’s Capital. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the President and the Congress are out of town, who knows? (more…)

WINTER TRAILS DAY 2008 AT ALTA RESORT 1/13/2008 9:00 AM

Looking to try out snowshoes for the first time? Want some instruction on how to kick and glide on Nordic skis? Fascinated by winter ecology? Winter Trails Day at the Alta Nordic Center is your chance to get out there with some help from the experts! If you are a beginner or first timer on snow, come join the staff of REI, the cross country and skate ski enthusiasts from the Utah Nordic Alliance and the knowledgeable guides from Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. This day of guided snowshoeing, cross country & skate ski instruction and outdoor interpretation is not to be missed. Best of all, its FREE! Activities include: (more…)