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Wyoming wolf bill filed (posted 1/27/12)
Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
Draft legislation has been filed in the Wyoming Legislature that, if successful, will make changes to statute to comply with the deal struck between federal wildlife officials and Governor Matt Mead that will result in the delisting of wolves in the state. The bill is Senate File 41.
Click on the link below for details.
Related Links:
Senate File 41 - Read the legislation here.
Wolf Watch - by Cat Urbigkit
Pinedale Online file photo.
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White Pine Ski Resort listed for $1.4 Million (posted 1/25/12)
Pinedale Online!
Citizens to Save White Pine have listed White Pine Ski Resort for sale and are hoping to find a new owner who can reopen the local ski hill. It is listed for $1.4 million with Jay Fear Real Estate in Pinedale. The ski area is located ten miles from Pinedale
Assets for sale include the main two-story log lodge with restaurant/bar/ski shop, two ski lifts and a rope tow, two-story duplex log cabins available for rent, outfitting permits, grooming equipment, maintenance building, and complete turn-key inventory. The ski area operates under federal permits on land managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, so no land is included in the sale, just the business operations.
The ski area operation is under a Forest Service Special Use Permit, under a transferable lease with the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. There are 25 ski runs and room for expansion. In addition to winter season ski and snowboarding activities, summer outdoor recreation includes day camps, horseback rides and mountain biking on 14 trails.
In 2010, five local Pinedale business owners invested money together to form the "Citizens to Save White Pine," a business partnership which purchased the White Pine assets and took over the Forest Service permits in order to keep the financially struggling ski area running. The group was able to staff the operations and offer a winter alpine ski season in 2010, however the ski area continued to run at a loss despite their efforts.
The Citizens appealed to the local community for financial help to keep the ski area afloat through either another private buyer coming forward or the formation of a non-profit organization purchasing facility, however that did not materialize. The group then announced in September, 2011 they would not be opening for alpine snow sports for the 2011-2012 season.
The Citizens to Save White Pine went through several meetings with the Sublette County Commissioners requesting that the County purchase the ski area from them and take over the ski area operations wholly or partially with taxpayer dollars. The Commissioners expressed their support for the ski area, however declined to purchase the operation, or provide financial support to a private business. They did express willingness to help further with financial assistance if it were to become a non-profit operation. The owners did not want to become a non-profit themselves, and hoped another organization would step in to buy them out, but that also did not happen. The owners and local community hope a new buyer will step in who has the time and money to keep the ski area operational.
For more information about the ski area, contact Jay Fear at Jay Fear Real Estate, 307-367-2494, www.JayFearRealEstate.com. The property is listed under MLS #11-2848.
Click here for more photos
Senate right to delay vote on Internet piracy bill (posted 1/25/12)
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi media release
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said delaying this week’s Senate vote on Internet antipiracy legislation was a good decision. He plans to withdraw as a cosponsor of the Protect IP Act.
"It’s our job in Congress to listen to the public. Leader Reid did that when he listened to Minority Leader McConnell and indefinitely delayed the vote on the Protect IP Act. There is mass confusion and concern out there so it makes sense to take the time to work through the problems with the legislation. I received hundreds of comments from Wyoming residents who were worried the bill would ‘stifle free speech and innovation.’ I don’t believe the bill would have done that, but it’s certainly worth slowing up to make certain. That’s the last thing any of us wants to do," Enzi said.
Enzi said there are thousands of websites based in southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and all over the world that exist only to make money off of stealing American ideas and products.
"The problem is real. American businesses are being robbed every day. We need a real solution. If we need to make changes to the Protect IP Act to address the concerns people have with the legislation that is what we should do. With continued feedback from constituents and other stakeholders, I’m confident we will find a way to protect consumers and businesses affected by counterfeit and fraudulent products sold online, while maintaining the integrity of the Internet."
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has not set a new time for the vote. House Judiciary Committee chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, postponed consideration of the Stop Online Piracy Act, the House’s version of the bill.
Bondurant students (left) Declan O’Connor and Gavin Keely help shovel the sidewalk Friday morning. Photo by Joy Ufford, Sublette Examiner.
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Sublette Examiner – Jan. 24, 2012 (posted 1/25/12)
Shovel-ready project
Sublette gets own House District
DEQ active, but hesitant
IPSSSDR teaming up
Sublette schools face ‘Hedonic’ funding
Howling over wolf plan (posted 1/25/12)
Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
The Jackson Hole Weekly has reviewed some of the comments submitted on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to delist wolves in Wyoming, and found much concern over the allowance for "predator" status in part of the state.
For more, click on this link: JH Weekly - Read the article here.
2011 Pinedale Stage Stop start in the Upper Green. Photo by Chris Havener.
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IPSSSDR – January 27 – February 4th (posted 1/22/12)
In Sublette County January 29, 30, 31
IPSSSDR
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, is set to mush through 10 Wyoming communities from January 27 –February 4, 2012, before ending in Park City, Utah.
Jackson, Lander, Pinedale/Cora, Alpine, Big Piney/Marbleton, Evanston, Mountain View, Lyman and Park City, Utah are in final preparations to host the dogs as they race through town, and Wyoming’s Uinta County has expanded its race participation, offering two stages on Thursday and Friday.
"Uinta County, including Evanston, Lyman and Mountain View, has been a fantastic supporter of the IPSSSDR," says Race Director Frank Teasley. "We are thrilled about the second day we will have in Uinta County."
Following the Alpine stage on Wednesday, February 1, mushers will drive to Evanston for a Meet and Greet BBQ at the Roadhouse. The next morning, on Thursday, February 2, they will race from Deadhorse Trailhead, south of Mountain View, with a finish at North Slope Road. Then on Friday they will reverse the course, traveling from North Slope Road to Deadhorse Trailhead. After the race on Friday, Mountain View will host its popular Musher Mania from 4 – 7 p.m.
With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world’s top competitors.
Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race at (307) 734-1163.
IPSSSDR Schedule January 27 – February 4, 2012
Friday January 27:
Jackson, Wyoming
Pre-Race Headquarters – Wort Hotel, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Race Festivities – Town Square
Pig Roast, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Race Start – Town Square to Snow King, 6:30 p.m.
Pedigree Musher Reception Party – Snow King, 7:00–9:30 p.m.
Torchlight Parade/Fireworks, Snow King, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday January 28:
Lander, Wyoming
Lander Brewing Company – Race band will perform and race video will be shown (Lander Bar, 2nd and Main), 6:00 p.m.
Sunday January 29:
Lander, Wyoming
Lander Lollypop Loop, South Pass,
9:00 a.m., 42 miles - Louis Lake parking lot 28 miles from Lander. Head south
on HWY 28 toward South Pass approx. 28 mile. Parking lot is on right side of
road.
Pinedale, Wyoming
Welcome Mushers Dinner – Sublette County Library Lovatt Room (155 South Tyler Avenue),
Dinner and live Music, 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 30:
Pinedale, Wyoming
Cora/Upper Green Trail, 10:00 a.m., 35 miles – Start at Upper Green parking lot at end of Highway 352, north of Cora.
Finish: Upper Green parking lot in Cora
RACE DAY RESULTS – Elk Ridge Lodge, lodging, lunch, drink specials,
North of Cora, Wyoming (end of Highway 352), 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Big Piney/Marbleton, Wyoming
Big Piney Dutch Oven Reception – 6:00 p.m.
Spaghetti dinner with Dutch Oven cooking
Tuesday January 31:
Big Piney/Marbleton, Wyoming
Big Piney/Marbleton, 9:00 AM, 64 miles – from Middle Piney parking lot
Alpine, Wyoming
Meet the Mushers Dinner – Alpine Firehall, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday February 1:
Alpine, Wyoming
Alpine/Greys River to Box Y, 9:00 a.m., 54 miles
Evanston, Wyoming
Mushers/Handlers/Officials Dinner Buffet – at the Dunmar Inn Legal Tender Restaurant, cost $10, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 2:
Bridger Valley to Evanston, Wyoming
11 a.m. 45 miles – Deadhorse Trailhead, south of Mountain View finishing at North Slope Road; 30 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Hwy 150.
Meet & Greet/Dinner – the Machine Shop in Evanston, 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 3:
Evanston to Bridger Valley Stage, Wyoming
10 a.m, 45 miles – North Slope Road; 30 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Hwy 150, finishing at Deadhorse Trailhead
Mountain View, Wyoming
Musher Mania – Mountain View Town Hall, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday February 4:
Lyman, Wyoming
Flapjack Frenzy at Heritage Barn, 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Park City, Utah
Meet the Mushers – 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Race Start, Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Finish, 8 miles – Quinn's Junction Sports Complex to Round Valley Trail
Jr. Race, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Awards Banquet – The Prospector, 6:00 p.m
Race Headquarters – The Prospector
Bridger-Teton National Forest and WYDOT receive awards for Trappers Point wildlife connectivity project (posted 1/22/12)
Below are two press releases regarding awards for the Trappers Point wildlife connectivity project in progress on US 191 between Pinedale and Bondurant.
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Bridger-Teton Receives National Award from Federal Highway Administration
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger Teton National Forest received the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative Award in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Bridger- Teton and five partner agencies are being recognized for their collaborative work to conserve and restore the wildlife migration corridors at Trappers Point in west central Wyoming. Other partner agencies being honored in this award are the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the Wyoming Division, FHWA. The Trappers Point Wildlife Crossings is one of ten projects nationally to receive the FHWA "Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative Award" (EEI) for 2011. The Bridger-Teton has been working to conserve the Yellowstone pronghorn migration corridor and as a consultant for the Trappers Point Wildlife Crossing structures project.
The US Forest Service’s technical and management support contributed to the development and construction of the Trappers Point Wildlife Crossing structures on US 191 near Pinedale, Wyoming. Successful migrations are necessary to maintain viable wildlife species populations and ecological functions.
"WYDOT and Wyoming Game & Fish really took on this project, and coordinated with all the other partners receiving this award. There was certain support from the Forest Service, but these two agencies truly made this project a reality," said Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Affairs Officer Mary Cernicek.
"The effort really began with former Forest Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton and the designation of the Pronghorn Migration Corridor on the Bridger-Teton National Forest through the Forest Plan amendment," said Cernicek. "Since then, the Bridger-Teton has been fortunate to serve as a partner in support of this effort and helping to build relationships amongst the groups as the Forest doesn’t have land adjacent to the project," she said. "The Forest believes it is important to promote wildlife connectivity as a key transportation and wildlife conservation planning criteria, and this project provided us an avenue to do just that," Cernicek said.
Trappers Point is an important daily and seasonal movement and migration corridor for antelope, deer and elk as they migrate to and from the surrounding forests to the Green River Basin. Trappers Point received its name from the nineteenth century fur trappers who occasionally convened in the vicinity for celebrations. The area also historically served as a pronghorn hunting ground for thousands of years. Pronghorn move to and from Grand Teton National Park and southwest Wyoming in the longest large mammal migration in the lower 48 states.
In all the Trappers Point project that the Forest partnered on that is being recognized in this award consists of six underpasses at $500,000 each, 2 overpasses at about $2 million each, over 31-miles of fencing at $ 1.7 million, and the time and effort of employees from all the partners and their contractors.
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WYDOT earns award for wildlife project
Wyoming Business Report
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is being recognized by the Federal Highway Administration for its leadership in keeping drivers safe and protecting wildlife with the $9.7 million Trappers Point Wildlife Connectivity project in Sublette County, near Pinedale.
The project consists of a series of overpasses and underpasses, and upgrading wildlife fences along a 13-mile stretch of US Highway 189 and US 189-191.
Although statistics on the change in vehicle-wildlife accidents are not yet available for this project, a similar project on Highway 30 near Nugget Canyon in southwest Wyoming had an average of 130 mule deer killed in collisions with vehicles each year before improvements were made. Installing seven underpasses in the area, allowing wildlife to cross under the highway, resulted in an 81 percent reduction in deer-vehicle collisions.
The reduction was documented in a study published by the FHWA and WYDOT, which tracked 49,146 mule deer moving through the underpass over a three-year period.
A formal award presentation will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan 12, at Wyoming Game and Fish headquarters in Cheyenne.
Source: Wyoming Business Report, January 10, 2012 http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=61654
Rita Meyer named Rocky Mountain Power vice president for Wyoming (posted 1/22/12)
Rocky Mountain Power
Rocky Mountain Power has hired former Wyoming State Auditor, Rita Meyer, to serve as the electric utility's vice president for Wyoming.
Meyer will have responsibility for overseeing Rocky Mountain Power’s Wyoming state business plan, directing customer and community relations, and supporting regulatory and legislative activities. She will maintain offices in both Casper and Cheyenne.
"I'm very pleased to welcome Rita Meyer to our leadership team at Rocky Mountain Power and look forward to the positive impact she will have in serving our Wyoming customers and working together with numerous stakeholders to help shape our energy future," said Richard Walje, Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO. "Rita has already provided great value as a member of our Regional Advisory Board in representing the interests of Wyoming customers and helping to guide our decisions in the state. She brings a wealth of experience and a solid understanding of Wyoming issues to her new role with the company."
Meyer is a retired officer with the Wyoming Air National Guard with diverse professional experience in small business, government and military service. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming before earning her M.B.A. in International Business from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Since leaving public office, Rita has worked with Casper businessman Mick McMurry.
"This year Rocky Mountain Power will celebrate 100 years of service to business and residential customers in Wyoming and I’m proud to join an organization with that kind of legacy," Meyer said. "I fully recognize the growing regulatory challenges not just for Rocky Mountain Power but for all other utility companies as well. While I respect the difficult work ahead I am also excited about a new and unique opportunity to serve the people of Wyoming."
Avalanche danger remains HIGH at all elevations (posted 1/21/11)
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended
An Avalanche Warning remains in effect.
In the Saturday, January 21st forecast, the Bridger-Teton National Forest cautions backcountry recreationists that the avalanche hazard remains HIGH. "Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at all elevations - Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended." The Bridger Teton Avalanche Forecast Center monitors the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass, Southwest Trails/Greys River, and Teton reporting areas for avalanche activity during the winter season. For further information call 307-739-0674 or go online to http://www.jhavalanche.org . To report an avalanche observation call 307-739-2607 or email avalanche@jacksonhole.com.
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M O U N T A I N - W E A T H E R - P A S T - 2 4 - H O U R S
January 21, 2012
5:00 AM Temperature at 10,400': 21° F
Maximum Temperature at 10,400' Past 24 Hours: 21° F
Average Wind Direction at 10,400' Past 24 Hours: West-Southwesterly
Average Wind Speed at 10,400' Past 24 Hours: 31 MPH
Maximum Wind Gust at 10,400' Past 24 Hours: 69 MPH
Snowfall/Prec. Past 24 Hours Blind Bull Meadow: 6"/0.50"
Total Snow Depth 9,300' Elevation Blind Bull Meadow: 61"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Blind Bull Meadow: 114"
Snowfall/Prec. Past 24 Hours Box Y Ranch: 7"/0.70"
Total Snow Depth 6,300' Elevation Box Y Ranch: 41"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Box Y Ranch: 94"
M O U N T A I N - W E A T H E R - F O R E C A S T
Heavy snowfall with that may be mixed with rain at the lower elevations.
Temperature Forecast for 8,000'-9,000': Rising to near 30 degrees.
Ridge Top Wind Forecast for 10,000': Southwest at 25 to 40 with gusts to 50 miles per hour.
Snowfall Expected Next 24 Hours: 12"
G E N E R A L - A V A L A N C H E - A D V I S O R Y
Southwest Trails/Greys River area
Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at all elevations. The general avalanche hazard is HIGH at all elevations and an avalanche warning remains in effect. Many slopes that are typically skied or rode are unstable and dangerous. Warm temperatures, heavy snowfall, strong winds and the possibility of rain presents the potential for widespread natural avalanche activity. Human triggered avalanches are very likely. Small avalanches are certain and many medium and some large avalanches are likely. Slab depths to six feet are possible at the mid and upper elevations. Large events could run full track and deposit huge volumes of debris in avalanche run-out zones. At the lower elevations wet slab and wet loose slides to the ground are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes.
Backcountry travel should be avoided.
High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles.
Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects.
Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.
Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible.
Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.
Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.
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High avalanche danger; Also beware of thin lake ice (posted 1/20/12)
Snowmachiner falls through the ice into Fremont Lake
Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
Details have not yet been officially released about the snowmobiler who fell through the ice near the shore of Fremont Lake Friday afternoon (Jan. 20th). The good news is that he apparently is all right. The bad news is that his snowmachine is at the bottom of the lake.
On Friday, representatives from the Forest Service, Wyoming Game & Fish and Sublette County Sheriff’s Office asked the public to be extra cautious if venturing out on ice-covered lakes, citing the unusual warm January melting conditions.
The thickness of lake ice can vary dramatically from place to place, even on the same lake. Some areas may have adequate thickness to hold the weight of a person, while other places may have ice that is too thin to be safe to go out on. With snow cover, it is difficult to see the condition of the ice. It is the responsibility of the individual to be aware of where they are and where they are going and not go into unsafe places. Going out onto a frozen lake surface is risky at all times, and conditions can vary greatly from lake to lake. Some of our lakes have underground warm springs that pump warm water into the lake and soften the ice cover even in the middle of the winter (for instance, Green River Lakes).
The Wyoming Game & Fish recommends drilling test holes as you go to make sure the ice is thick enough to support your weight. They also recommend going out using the buddy system, having a rope and rescue gear with you, and making sure someone knows where you are at all times. Keep an eye on children and your dog and don’t let them wander out onto unsafe surfaces. If you do fall through the ice into the freezing water, it can be very difficult to climb back out onto the slick ice surface. The Game & Fish suggested having a rope, an ice pick or screw driver close by as a tool to pull yourself out of the water. It was even suggested to tie such a tool around your neck so you always have it handy should you fall through the ice and need it to pull yourself out.
The public is reminded that Fremont Lake is the municipal water supply for the town of Pinedale. Because it is the town’s drinking water supply, dogs are not supposed to be out on or in the lake, in the water or when the lake is iced over.
Anyone who takes a motorized vehicle out onto any ice-covered lake is taking a risk with the danger the ice could break and they fall through. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to retrieve their sunken vehicle out of the lake should an accident occur.
The snowmachine that went into the lake on Friday sank near the south shore, which is the end of the lake where the Town’s drinking water intake feed is located. We have not yet heard from the Town as to what measures they may be doing regarding monitoring the water quality to see if there is any detection of leakage of oil or gasoline that might be getting into the drinking water supply due to the submerged snowmachine.
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