“Renowned Rivers” is a report released by the Utah Rivers Council that highlights streams in Utah that should be protected under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.
Recognized in Summit County are the Bear River headwaters, Henrys Fork and a portion of the Provo River.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the people of Utah and for the United States,” Utah Rivers Council Executive Director Ted Wilson said in a press release. “Protecting a river as wild and scenic will ensure that when our children go fishing, hiking or boating on these rivers in the future they will have the same amazing experience that we have there today.”
Forty-one miles of stream that includes stretches of Hayden Fork, Stillwater Fork, Ostler Fork and the East Fork of the Bear River east of Kamas could receive protection as U.S. Forest Service officials consider which rivers are worthy of recognition.
“We put together this report in an effort to make more Utahns aware of the truly stunning rivers that the Forest Service is considering recommending be protected as wild and scenic rivers,” Utah Rivers Council spokesman Mark Danenhauer said in the press release. “Once a person has spent an afternoon fishing alongside a river, or a morning boating down a river they will understand why it is so special and how important it is to keep it that way.”
Streams must have local or regional significance, be free flowing and exhibit “outstandingly remarkable” natural, cultural or recreational traits to receive protection. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed 30 years ago to counter rapid construction of dams in the United States. Congress must designate rivers as wild and scenic.
To view the entire report visit utahrivers.org.
Renewable energy resolution
The Summit County Commission supports efforts by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to have 20 percent of the state’s electricity derived from renewable energy by 2020.
“Utah has abundant clean, renewable wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy resources that represents billions of dollars of investment potential in Utah and a viable means to help meet Utah’s present and future energy needs,” a resolution the County Commission adopted Wednesday states.
Summit County Commissioner Sally Elliott said she also supports the governor’s efforts to increase energy efficiency statewide by 20 percent by 2015.
Antler hunters: tread lightly
People who enter the woods in Summit County to search for antlers must only look for them on foot, state wildlife officials said.
Trucks and all terrain vehicles, which do serious damage to wildlife habitat, should be left on roads or trails, Division of Wildlife Resources officials stressed.
Following simple rules when hunting for shed antlers can protect habitat. After arriving at the hunting area, park your vehicle. Leave found antlers at the side of the nearest road until you can drive back and pick them up, a DWR press release states.
Collecting shed antlers is a popular activity in eastern Summit County.
“Please remember that you may not collect antlers that are still attached to a skull plate,” the press release states.