Photojournalist Jonathan Duncan, a global studies fellow at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, will lead a four-day seminar on "International and Mountain Photojournalism" on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the college, 1840 S. 1300 East.
For the past 15 years, Duncan has traveled 30 countries on five continents, studying and documenting cultural traditions and environmental issues. Students in the seminar will learn about the technical and cultural evolution of the art form and the role of photojournalism in mass media today as well as technique, composition, lighting, vision, and storytelling.
Students need their own digital cameras. Cost of the seminar is $99. For more information or to register, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/newlearning/ or call 801-832-3415.
State wants feedback on hunting proposals
Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources wants public input on proposals for turkey, cougar and other hunts.
The agency says the state's turkey population is doing so well, it's possible to increase the number of hunters in the field.
"Even though we'd be putting more hunters in the field, we don't think that would have a negative effect on Utah's turkey populations," says Dave Olsen, upland game coordinator for the DWR. "Each hunter in Utah is restricted to taking only one male turkey. And female turkeys in the state are very successful at reproducing."
As for cougars, DWR is proposing a slight decrease in the number of permits so about 300 cougars would be taken.
"Based on the number of cougars that hunters took in 2009, and the number of cougars houndsmen put up trees last year, it appears Utah's cougar population has started to stabilize," says Kevin Bunnell, mammals program coordinator for the DWR. "Now we're working to find the proper balance between cougars and their prey."
You can review the DWR's hunting proposals at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings/next.php, then share your thoughts and ideas at upcoming Regional Advisory Council meetings or send your comments to council member via email. E-mail addresses for RAC members are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.
The RAC meeting schedule: Southern Region, July 28, 7 p.m., Triple C Arena, 50 E. 900 North, Panguitch; Southeastern Region, July 29, 6:30 p.m., John Wesley Powell Museum, 1765 E. Main St., Green River; Northeastern Region, July 30, 6:30 p.m., Western Park, room 1, 302 E. 200 South,Vernal; Central Region, Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Region Conference Center, 1115 N. Main St., Springville; Northern Region, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.,
Brigham City Community Center, 24 N. 300 West, Brigham City.
Backpacker tour visits Salt Lake City
Backpacker Magazine will bring its hugely popular Get Out More mobile tour to Salt Lake City on July 27, with expert advice for hikers, campers, and outdoor lovers. The Backpacker tour is a 60-minute seminar of tips and news about outdoor gear and apparel. Tour hosts Sheri and Randy Propster will share personal stories and their outdoor expertise. The seminar is from 6-7 p.m. at Kirkham's Outdoor Products, 3125 S. State St., South Salt Lake. Free.
Hobble Creek closures
Cherry and Balsam campgrounds, Days Canyon, Kirkman Hollow, Dry Canyon, Wardsworth Creek, Packard Creek trailheads and Hobble Creek Canyon, Right Fork (Forest Road No. 70058) in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest will be temporarily closed on weekdays starting Aug. 3, until further notice due to road construction. The closure begins in Hobble Creek Canyon, Right Hand Fork, Forest Road No. 70058 to the junction with Green Swales Road, Forest Road No. 70115. The road, campgrounds and trailheads will be accessible Fridays at 5 p.m. to Mondays at 7 a.m. On Labor Day weekend, the area will be accessible from Sept. 4, at 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Sept. 9.
Sandy goes up and away
Sandy city will host its annual balloon festival on Aug. 7-8. On both days, visitors can watch balloons launch at sunrise at Storm Mountain Park, 11400 S. 1000 East. Paradise Bakery will sell breakfast at the event. The main festival event is Aug. 8, 8-10 p.m., at South Towne Promenade, 10000 S. 175 West, with barbecue-style food, pasta bowls from Noodles and Co., and entertainment as the balloons fire up their burners and "glow" in the evening sky. Singer/songwriter Bobby Cutshaw will provide entertainment. The event is free. For more information, visit sandy.utah.gov/balloonfest.
HawkWatch talks
HawkWatch International, in partnership with the Salt Lake City Public Library System, will host a session about raptor identification on July 30, 7-8:30 p.m., at Day-Riverside Library, 1575 W. 1000 North, Salt Lake City.
Great Salt Lake Audubon birding trips
Everyone is welcome and carpooling is encouraged. A donation for gas is requested. Be sure to call in advance to confirm trip details.
July 29, 7:30 a.m. » Farmington Bay and surrounding area. Meet inside the McDonald's just north of the Centerville exit of I-15 at 7 a.m. for breakfast or 7:30 a.m. to head out. Bring your own water and snacks. Call Deedee O'Brien at 801-272-8060 if you plan to attend.
Aug. 1, 6 a.m. » Utah County hotspots, lead by Lu Giddings. The group will spend five to six hours biding locations chosen by Giddings, depending on what birds are being seen where at that time. Meet in the parking lot just west of REI, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek. Call Deedee O'Brien if you plan to attend and for updated information.
Aug. 3, 7-9 p.m. » Birding Utah in August class, Hawkwatch International, 2240 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City. Learn how and where to find birds in August, whether it's near the Great Salt Lake or in Utah's mountains. Instructor Tim Avery says August is a great time to trek to the Uinta Mountains to search for the elusive White-tailed ptarmigan. Shorebirds and songbirds are both migrating in May and Avery will discuss that and other birding tips. Cost is $5.
REI clinics
July 27, 7 p.m., backpacking skills for youth » Learn how to prevent hiking boots from causing blisters, the best way to load your pack and what to do if you encounter a moose on the trail. The presentation will cover the ins and outs of gear essentials such as packs, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, footwear, and clothing layers. A special section titled "Respect It!" will highlight the seven principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Families, youth groups and scout troops are encouraged to attend at the East Millcreek REI, 3285 E. 3300 South.
July 28, 7 p.m., Patagonia » Join Salt Lake City native Dave Smith for a presentation and slide show of his recent trip to the southern most tips of Argentina and Chile. He will share images and stories from such natural wonders as the Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitzroy and the Torres Del Paine National Park. Smith will also be discussing the various cities of Patagonia such as El Calafate, El Chalten and Ushuaia -- the southern most city in the world, also at the East Millcreek REI.
Beginner hikes
The Wasatch Mountain Club is hosting three more of its beginners hikes. All hikers are welcome, but these hikes are geared toward introducing
new people to the Wasatch Mountain Club, or to hiking as an activity. There will be two leaders on these trips to make sure no one is left behind, and to help with any questions or concerns.
July 29, 6:15 p.m. » Willow Lake out and back with Pam Miller and Anne Polinsky. Meet at the Big Cottonwood Canyon park and ride lot. Call 801- 381-7942 or 801-466-3806 or e-mail pmiller@npsstore.com.
Aug. 2, 9 a.m. » Route TBA with Linda and Don Frady, 801-943-1871 or lindakosky@msn.com. Meet at the 6100 S. Wasatch Blvd. park and ride lot.
Aug. 8, 10 a.m. » Sugarloaf Peak via Cecret Lake in Albion Basin with Randy Long, 801-733-9367. Meet at the Little Cottonwood Canyon park and ride lot.
The club is also offering their regular series of outings for members. For information on how to join, visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org.
July 28 » Evening mountain bike, Park City area; Vince at 435-649-6805 or vincedesimone@yahoo.
July 28 » evening hike, Big Cottonwood Canyon, tba; Mike, 801-943-6610.
July 29 » Evening hike, Little Cottonwood Canyon, tba; Julie, 801-244-3323.
July 29 » Evening canoe, flatwater on the Jordan River; Marjorie, 801-712-7890 or gendler801@aol.com.
July 29 » Evening dog hike, Millcreek Canyon, tba; Tom, 801-255-2784.
July 30 » Evening hike, Mill Creek Canyon, tba; Mark, 801-842-1242 or markbloomenthal@yahoo.com.
July 30 » Evening dog hike, Mill Creek Canyon, tba; Jean, 801-633-5225 or jeanacheson@comcast.net.
July 30 » Day hike, Cottonwood/Mill Creek Canyon area, tba; Norm, 801-266-3703.
July 30 » Evening climb, Lisa Falls; Clark and Holley, 801-272-5642.
July 31 » Road bike, Browns Canyon loop; Cheryl, 435-649-9008 or csoshnik@yahoo.com.
July 31-Aug. 2 » Canyoneering, the Subway in Zion National Park; Rick, gone2moab@hotmail.com.
Aug. 1 » Day hike, Brighton lakes; Doug, 801-277-8538.
Aug. 1 » Day hike, Day-bright loop; Steve, 801-474-0031 or duncste@comcast.net.
Aug. 1 » Afternoon dog hike, Mill Creek Canyon, tba; Tom, 801-255-2784.
Aug 2 » Day hike, Timpanogos via Timpooneke; Carol, 801-466-5729 or 801-493-9114.
Aug. 2 » Day hike, summer ponds loop; Karen, 801-272-2225.
Aug. 2-9 » Boating, Cataract Canyon Class III; Robert, 801-274-0250 or rcady@xmission.com.
