This week has been set as "Snowmobile Safety Week."
The purpose, says Scott Behunin, off-highway vehicle coordinator for the Department of Parks and Recreation, is to bring about safety awareness as people prepare for the snowmoible season.A number of services will be made available.
- "Know Before You Go," OHV Education Course. To legally operate a snowmoible on pulbic land in Utah, riders between 8 and 16, or until they obtain a driver's license, must complete the course. Those under age 8 cannot operate a snowmobile on public land.
Students must pass a test and attend a half-day riding class. Workbooks are available at DPR offices. Those in Salt Lake City can call 322-3770 and those outside the city can call 1-800-648-7433 for information.
- Snowmobile Trail Guides. The DPR offers snowmoible maps for seven of Utah's most popular riding areas. The maps show locations of trails and trailhead, and play areas. Maps are available at one of the state parks or by writing the DPR, 1636 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, or calling 538-7220 or 538-7222.
- Trail Grooming. The division maintains more than 850 miles of groomed trails, providing a safe and convenient way of riding to certain areas. Grooming started this month. The trails are highlighted on the trail guides.
NEW DIRECTOR - Mary Wittke has been named director of the Brighton Ski School. Wittke has been with Brighton since 1979.
Among other things, she has worked with the Professional Ski Instructors Association as a division examiner and clinic leader for ski areas in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.
NEW CHAIR - Jody Williams is the new chair of the Utah Wildlife Board. She replaces Bob Valentine, who resigned last month to become interim director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Williams has been on the board since 1989 and represents Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Tooele and Wasatch counties. She is an attorney with the firm of Kruse, Landa and Maycock, and specializes in water and environmental mitigation law.
TURKEY HUNTS - Application deadline for the spring wild turkey hunt is Dec. 31. All turkey hunting for 1994 will be by limited entry permit.
There are 14 spring hunts open in Utah. Permits for the nine Rio Grande units will be $25; permits for the five Merriam's turkey units will b $13.
Because of good population increases this year, six new units have been added for the 1994 hunt: Duchesne-Uintah, Emery, Grand, Milford, Morgan-Summit and Utah counties.
Applicants must have a 1994 small game or combination license, but do not need the upland game habitat stamp.
ISLAND INFO - Information on the latest happenings at Antelope Island State Park is now available on a 24-hour hotline.
The Salt Lake number is 595-4030 and the Ogden number is 625-1630.
The hotline message is updated daily. Information inclues park hours, fees, avaialble camping and day-use facilities, launch conditions and park activities.
One of the more popular winter activities is the buffalo calf winter feeding program.
PHOTO CONTEST - REI and Sports Guide magazine will hold their 2nd Amateur Photo Contest. This year's theme is "muscle-powered action sports." The contest will run for three months.
Entries for the first round will be accepted at REI, 3285 E. 3300 South, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1. The grand prize will be awarded in June. For information call 486-2100.