International sled-dog race to finish in Park City
The 2007 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is Jan. 26-Feb. 3. The race starts in Jackson, Wyo., and finishes in Park City. The event, which is in its 12th year, has become the largest sled-dog race in the lower 48 states.
Students in grades 5-8 can compete in a Junior Stage Stop on Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. in Park City. Local mushers for the Junior Stage Stop include Daniel Surfass, Andrew Kunz and Evan Fleming. Alternates include Micheleigh Schori and Randy Felter. For more information on the race, visit www.wyomingstagestop.org or call 307-734-1163.
Boating
Boaters reminded of new emergency beacon rules
Utah State Parks and Recreation officials and the U.S. Coast Guard remind boaters that new laws regarding emergency beacons take effect Monday. Commercial and recreational watercraft will be prohibited from 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and limited to digital 406 MHz models.
The changes are in preparation for Feb. 1, 2009, when satellite processing of distress signals from all 121.5/243 MHz beacons will terminate. After this date, only the 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System, which provides distress alert and location data for search-and-rescue operations around the world.
The regulation applies to all Class A, B and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices, which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only, not with the satellite system.
When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search-and-rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database.
Users are required by law to directly register their beacon in the U.S. 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE.
SNOWSHOE CLINIC: Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway is holding free snowshoe clinics Saturday and Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Explore the health benefits and proper techniques of this winter activity. Bring snowshoes or rent them from the park. Each clinic starts with a discussion at the Educational Yurt and is followed by snowshoeing. Call 435-654-1791 to register.
