OUR LIFE JACKET PHOTO COULD WIN YOU
A MUSTANG INFLATABLE LIFE VEST
“Get Hooked on Safety” Photo Contest From BoatU.S. Angler

ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 10, 2008—BoatU.S. Angler, which offers services and helpful information for boat-owning fishermen, encourages anglers to wear a life jacket this fishing season. From now until September 30, anglers can submit photos of themselves, friends or family fishing while wearing a lifejacket to enter the “Get
Hooked on Safety” contest at http://www.BoatUSAngler.com

One winner each, selected from four categories, will receive a Mustang inflatable life vest valued at $150. The categories include fishing photos, holding a catch family photos and the best fishing story that accompanies a photo. Everyone in a photo must be wearing a life jacket.

“A life jacket helps ensure you’ll make it back home safely,” said Mike Pellerin, director of BoatU.S. Angler. “Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing their life jacket. You just never know when wind, weather, waves or other factors will conspire against you.”

Pellerin said the biggest complaint from anglers about wearing a life jacket is that they are uncomfortable. “But if you haven’t taken a look at the new inflatable or sports-style vests, you’re missing out. You can bait a hook, cast with ease and stay cool and comfortable all day long,” he added.

No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. For complete details and contest photos, go to http://www.BoatUSAngler.com

PEACE, QUIET AND NATURAL SOUNDS: AMERICA’S 5 BEST NATIONAL PARKS FOR ESCAPING FROM NOISE … AND 5 NATIONAL PARKS MOST THREATENED BY NOISE

Coalition of NPS Retirees: Quietest National Parks to be Found in NV, MI, WA, CA and MT; Noise Rising to Alarming Levels at National Parks in MA, SD, HI, CA and FL.

WASHINGTON, D.C.///June 10, 2008///Where should you go this summer and fall if you want to escape the rising tide of man-made sound? Where can you go to find quiet or a chorus of natural sounds, such as wind, water, birds, frogs, bugs and rustling
leaves?

As a public service, the 650-member Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) have put together a list of the five national parks in the lower 48 states—Great Basin National Park (Nevada), Isle Royale National Park (Michigan), North Cascades National Park (Washington State), Big Hole National Battlefield (Montana), and Muir Woods National Monument (California)—where visitors can still find genuine peace, quiet and natural sounds. CNPSR members also have highlighted five parks—Minute Man National Historical Park (Massachusetts), Mojave National Preserve (California), Mt. Rushmore National Park (South Dakota), Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park (Hawaii), and Everglades National Park (Florida)—that are most at risk in the face of growing noise pollution.

CNPSR Executive Council Chair Bill Wade said: “When people think of national parks, they think of the scenery, the wildlife, and the historical icons they hold. Many also think of a place they can ‘get away from it all’ and that includes escaping ruckus of everyday life. Fortunately, National Park Service (NPS) policies recognize the soundscape as an important park characteristic that needs to be protected. Some parks remain natural cathedrals to silence and natural sounds, while others now face an onslaught of airplane over-flights, traffic sounds, snowmobiles, jet skis and other man-made noise pollution.”

CNPSR Executive Council Member Abby Miller, the former NPS deputy associate director for Natural Resources and Stewardship, said: “We have put together some tips on a variety of parks to go to enjoy quiet or the sounds of nature, as well as some places you may need to avoid if what you are looking for is peace and quiet. While our park selections are naturally subjective, they are based on the thousands of years of experiences of CNPSR members who are among those who know best of all. We hope that park visitors will appreciate and pay attention to the preservation of natural sound – an important aspect of our national treasures.”

TOP FIVE PARKS FOR PEACE, QUIET AND NATURAL SOUNDS

When you visit these or other national parks, tell the rangers you want to be away from man-made sounds as much as possible and ask their advice for the best sections of the park to visit quietly to enjoy the park and its natural sound:

• Great Basin National Park, Nevada (www.nps.gov/grba). “You can hear the birds’ wings as they fly,” says a retired superintendent of this park. “Come to Great Basin National Park to experience the solitude of the desert, the smell of sagebrush after a thunderstorm, the darkest of night skies, and the beauty of Lehman Caves,” beckons the park’s Web site. The Great Basin region is bounded by the Wasatch Mountains to the east, the Sierra Nevada to the west, and the Snake River Plain to the north and includes most of Nevada, half of Utah, and sections of four other states. Its rivers and streams do not drain to either the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean. Sitting in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains, it is a temperate desert with hot, dry summers and snowy winters. Because of its drastic elevation changes from valleys to peaks, the region supports an impressive diversity of species, from those adapted to the desert to those adapted to forest and alpine environments. Great Basin National Park preserves a small representative piece of this entire region, and also includes reminders of its past human habitation, from Native American to ranching and mining. Hiking here, or especially snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, are excellent ways to experience peaceful natural sounds in one of the West’s lesser known and lesser visited parks.

• Isle Royale National Park, Michigan (www.nps.gov/isro). Isle Royale is a remote wilderness park, at least remote for the Eastern half of the country. It is surrounded by the large, clear, cold, and untamed waters of Lake Superior. The land base is 99% designated wilderness, although the majority of the park acreage is in
  Lake Superior where motorized boating is allowed—requiring some attention to location and timing to find places where the sounds of nature prevail. The peak boating is during the month of August; many of the dock accessible campgrounds in spring and fall or outside of August are often vacant of motorboats. The months of
  May, June, to mid July, September and October give the best opportunities for experiencing the wilderness qualities Isle Royale is known for. These same qualities can be found almost anytime by those in the interior, especially when hiking, paddling and camping in the more remote areas. Many boaters find the best natural qualities in the peak of the season by anchoring out in isolated bays, coves, and harbors.

• North Cascades National Park, Washington State (www.nps.gov/noca). Jagged peaks and deep valleys, encompassing 9000 feet of vertical relief, cascading waterfalls, over 300 glaciers, temperate rainforests and ponderosa pine systems make the North Cascades National Park Service Complex scenic, diverse, and a great place to explore. Three park units in this mountainous region are managed as one and include North Cascades National Park, and Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Three national forests surround the complex. While recreation includes motorboats in portions of the National Recreation Areas, jet skis are not allowed in any of the three areas. The Steven Mather Wilderness Area includes over 634,000 acres, most of it in the national park. Almost 400 miles of trails allow visitors to experience nature with minimal human-caused intrusions. In the wilderness area, areas such as Cascade Pass, Mt. Shuksan, Thornton Lakes, Easy Pass, and Hidden Lake Peaks receive heavy day use and are therefore somewhat less quiet. Opportunities for solitude are greatest in the more remote cross-country zones. Overnight recreational use is closely managed to provide a high level of solitude, including permits, designated campsites, and party size limits. As in other parks, ask the rangers for their advice to help plan your trip to the quietest parts of the park.

• Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana (www.nps.gov/biho). The battle at Big Hole grew out of a long struggle between non-Indians, hungry for land and gold, and the Nimiipu, or Nez Perce. After failing to uphold an 1855 treaty, the United States signed a second treaty in 1863 that reduced the Nez Perce lands by 90%, a treaty not signed by Nez Perce bands outside the new reservation. During a forced eviction in 1877, three young Nez Perce men took revenge on settlers for Indian deaths, beginning the Nez Perce War. At this site, Nez Perce fleeing to Canada were attacked in their tipis before dawn; while the Nez Perce prevailed and continued their flight, several were killed and buried here. The Nez Perce considers it a sacred burial ground. The battlefield sits in the beautiful U-shaped Big Hole
  Valley near Wisdom, Montana. Characterized by willows, sedges, and grasses—though many are non-natives—and flanked by sagebrush steppes and coniferous forests, the park provides habitat for moose and elk and retains much of its 1877 character. In addition to evoking thoughts about the war, spending quiet time in this park can give hints about what the site must have been like in more peaceful times before the battle of 1877, when the Nez Perce and others used this area to hunt and gather resources, such as tipi poles and camas lilies.

• Muir Woods National Monument, California (www.nps.gov/muwo). This small park in the greater San Francisco Bay area probably isn’t the first park you would think of if you wanted to get away from it all, with its daily crowds of tour buses from the city. The short half-mile path through the redwood forest is never far from the parking lot, though longer, more remote hikes are available. However, the park takes its responsibilities to protect the primeval qualities of the old-growth redwood forest seriously. To that end, they have embarked on a variety of efforts to document the soundscape and to enlist social scientists to help understand if people value the natural soundscape and what they would change to help protect it.
  Upcoming is a Centennial DVD of the park soundscape, to complement planned new visitor center exhibits. The Junior Ranger program was reworked to have quieting exercises and a new QUEST (a poetic treasure hunt) also that emphasizes listening and appreciating the natural soundscape. These efforts responded to visitors noting that rambunctious kids were the main source of human noise. The park has also tested quiet days and quiet zones. In December 2007, a Winter Solstice celebration included quiet times and five Quiet Days are planned in 2008.

Note: The preceding list deliberately omits national parks in Alaska. Many Alaska parks are inaccessible by road and relatively lightly visited. That means less automobile traffic, RV generators and many other sounds of modern life. But airplane transport is required for many of these parks, and snowmobiles and ATVs are normal backcountry travel in the Alaskan bush, bringing their own noise in varying amounts. Compared to sites in the lower 48 states, a trip to a national park in the Alaska bush still provides for plenty of peace and quiet and lots of natural sounds.

FIVE NATIONAL PARKS TO WORRY ABOUT

Five national parks with the most serious noise problems are:

• Minute Man National Historical Park, Massachusetts (www.nps.gov/mima). This park in the Boston suburbs commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution. It is difficult enough in its current environment to experience the battlefield as it was and or find an atmosphere of reverence. The proposed expansion of commuter service at Hanscom Field has caused significant public controversy regarding the potential impact to the park. Hanscom Field is located just north of Minute Man and is surrounded by four historic communities: Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, and Bedford. Visitors to these sites should be able to experience a soundscape that is as similar to the late 1700s as possible.

• Mojave National Preserve, California (www.nps.gov/moja). Mojave, whose Web site indicates that it “provides serenity and solitude from the crowds of major metropolitan areas” is threatened by proposed new airport near the town of Primm, about 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The proposed airport would alleviate air traffic at Las Vegas McCarran. If all goes as planned by the county, the new airport would be built by 2017 and handle about 35 million passengers per year. The proposal is opposed by those who object to air traffic over Mojave National Preserve in California, and to noise and air pollution in parts of California and southern Nevada. An environmental impact study for the proposal is scheduled to be finished in 2010.

• Mt. Rushmore National Park, South Dakota (www.nps.gov/moru). This part of the country would otherwise seem to be an ideal place to find a quiet park. However, an air tour Interim Operating Authority is in place for over 5,000 flights annually, with activity concentrated during the summer holiday months. The primary operator has suspended operations, but the FAA maintains that their allocation could be picked up by anyone willing to purchase the company. The park is so small that air tours are audible throughout the park for most of their flight tracks. Another issue that affects quiet at this and other parks is emerging. Sturgis, South Dakota is the focus of a two-week motorcycle rally in August. The noise from this event and those traveling to it affect Mt. Rushmore and other Dakota parks. Motorcycle traffic affects other parks as well, particularly intentionally loud motorcycles. While many motorcycles are as quiet as or quieter than an automobile, there are a significant numbers that are very loud, and that are marketed and ridden with this sound production capacity as an identifying, and to some, a desirable characteristic.
  Cities like Denver and Malibu are starting to take action against after-market changes that increase motorcycle noise. Could roads through parks be the next sites for a crack down on the growing noise problem?

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii (www.nps.gov/havo). This National Park is most often visited to view its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and to appreciate the wonders of volcanism’s constant changes to the landscape. The park is located on the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. As an island ecosystem, its array of species that arrived from other places to survive and reproduce includes many unique species and a living laboratory for the study of evolutionary processes. The Park is one of the few remaining natural areas in Hawaii protecting contiguous habitat from sea to summit. To experience all of the geologic and biotic wonders of the park there are 150 miles of trails to explore. Active eruptions are not always viewable by foot or car; in these cases overflights are the only way to see eruptions. But there are tens of thousands of air tour flights per year. The routes in the park are subject to nominal Federal Aviation Administration
  (FAA) regulation, but orbiting time over eruption sites is uncontrolled. The Napau Crater wilderness hike lies directly underneath one of the most active air tour routes.

• Everglades National Park, Florida (www.nps.gov/ever). Everglades National Park preserves a million and a half acres of unique tropical water and grass environment along with hammocks, mangroves and other systems — most of it designated wilderness. Sound travels well over water and grass does little to absorb it, so control of unwanted noise is particularly important. Yet Everglades, as well as other south
  Florida parks—Big Cypress Preserve and Biscayne Bay—are impacted by air-boats, motor boats, generators, and other motors operating inside and outside the park, causing big impacts. Ft. Jefferson on Dry Tortugas, in particular, is dependent on noisy generators. While the wilderness canoe trail is a popular activity to explore and enjoy the park’s wilderness, it does not offer respite from manmade sounds. Thus there are issues of controls, as well as the need for better, quieter equipment where operations require motors.

Two national parks are omitted from the preceding list, since their long-standing noise issues are well known — Grand Canyon and its aircraft over-flight issue and Yellowstone’s snowmobile problem. While Yellowstone has seen an unsatisfactory resolution of snowmobile-related noise issues, there has been some progress at Grand Canyon, where special legislation was passed aimed just at controlling overflight activities at this park and reducing their impact. The National Park Service works with the FAA on these issues (and the military in relation to their overflights).

While FAA does the regulating, NPS is the acknowledged expert on determining effectson parks and FAA the expert and responsible party for issues related to aircraft use and safety. At no point in a FAA reauthorization process should changes be made to the Park Service’s current lead role in the regulation of aircraft overflights.

ABOUT CNPSR

The 650 members of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees are all former employees of the National Park Service with a combined 19,500 years of stewardship of America’ most precious natural and cultural resources. In their personal lives,
CNPSR members reflect the broad spectrum of political affiliations. CNPSR members now strive to apply their credibility and integrity as they speak out for national park solutions that uphold law and apply sound science. The Coalition counts among its members: former national park directors and deputy directors, regional directors, superintendents, rangers and other career professionals who devoted an average of nearly 30 years each to protecting and interpreting America’s national parks on behalf of the public. For more information, visit the CNPSR Web site at http://www.npsretirees.org.

Anglers Willing to Take Action to Protect Favorite Fishing Spots

An overwhelming majority of anglers would take positive, preventive action if one of their favorite fishing spots were threatened with government closure, according to a recent survey.

In the May 2008 survey of 2,017 anglers, nearly all said they would take action if they learned that a government entity was considering closing one of their favorite fishing spots. A mere 0.02% responded that they would do nothing, either because they do not have enough time or because the threatened closure is not important to them.

Of the possible actions listed in the survey, the largest number of anglers (77%) stated they would e-mail their state or federal legislative representatives to protest the threatened closure. A further 49% said they would write a letter to their state or federal representatives, while 44% said they would telephone their representatives.

In other possible actions named in the survey, 33% of anglers said they would be willing to join organized demonstrations and protests. Another 29% stated they would write letters to newspaper editors, and 22% said they would visit fishing clubs to find out how they could be involved in stopping the closure. Slightly more than 21% stated that they would take other actions not listed in the survey.

From the survey results, it appears clear that the vast majority of anglers are willing to take action to prevent the loss of favorite fishing spots. However, according to Rob Southwick of AnglerSurvey.com, “In some past fishing closure issues, many anglers, though willing, did not take action. Either they did not know who to contact or felt their voice would not be heard. As with any political issue, people need help and encouragement if they are to invest time and become involved.”

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com helps the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers. For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com

10 Ways to Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week

ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 29, 2008—With National Fishing and Boating Week upon us June1 – 8, here’s a list from BoatU.S. of ten ways to celebrate the week and inspire families and friends to head out for some fun fishing and safe boating:

(1) Get “Hooked” Online: Need a little help finding fish? Do you want to attend a nearby tournament or go charter fishing? Localized fishing reports, charter and tournament information can all be found at http://www.BoatUS.com/angler

(2) Take a friend who has never been boating out for the afternoon: After you get back to the dock, send your friends to http://www.discoverboating.com or http://www.discoversailing.com where they can get a free DVD to get them started in powerboating or sailing. You can also find a “Spousal Conversion Kit” at discoverboating.com that offers a step-by-step, seven-day plan with video testimonials that could help convince your husband or wife that boating is for your family.

(3) Go fishing for free: In honor of this special week, many states offer one or more days where you won’t need a license to go fishing. Go to
http://www.takemefishing.org/assets/downloads/freefishingdays.pdf for a list of dates.

(4) Brush up on your fishing skills: From learning about fishing tactics, equipment and safety, to advice and stories from pro anglers, http://www.BoatUSAngler.com has all the right info to keep beginners or experienced anglers at their peak. Click on “Angler How-To’s.”

(5) Go window shopping: Dream big and sign up for your free online copy of weekly boat classifieds at http://www.boatus.com/classifiedads. There are four separate
weekly Classified Ad E-Newsletters, each for powerboats, trailerable boats, fishing boats and sailboats.

(6) Take the “Anglers’ Legacy” Pledge: The Pledge is all about ensuring the growth of recreational fishing and boating. Visit Anglers’ Legacy on http://www.takemefishing.org/community/anglers-legacy/home for more information.

(7) Make a fishing trip memorable for a child: Take a photo of your child’s catch and send it to the BoatU.S. Angler Catch of the Month Photo Contest at http://www.BoatUSAngler.com/catch_ofthe_month_contest.asp Photos will be displayed on the association’s Web site, BoatUSAngler.com, and will also be entered into a monthly prize drawing.

(8) Borrow a kid’s life jacket for free: If you’re not used to having kids aboard you may not have the right size life jacket. But the BoatU.S. Foundation’s free Kids Life Jacket Loaner program offers free child and youth life jackets for the day, afternoon or weekend at over 350 waterfront sites across the US. Go to http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/LJLP for locations.

(9) Teach your kids about catch and release fishing and how to measure a fish: Go to http://www.BoatUSAngler.com/fishing_basics.asp to show your kids how to safely return fish to the water and grow healthy fishing stocks by practicing catch and release.

(10) Attend one of hundreds of fishing, boating or aquatic stewardship events: Many events happen throughout the year and provide opportunities for families and friends to share quality time together while learning about two of our nation’s favorite pastimes – recreational boating and fishing. To find one near you, go to
http://www.takemefishing.org/community/programs-and-events/events-home

Top Hunting and Shooting Equipment Brands for 2007 Announced

Southwick Associates has announced the brands and products that hunters and shooters preferred most in 2007. This list has been compiled from the 19,288 surveys that hunters and target shooters returned from HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com last year. In 2007, the top brands included:

• Top rifle brand: Remington (14.1% of all purchases)
• Top shotgun brand: Mossberg (27.5% of all purchases)
• Top muzzleloader brand: Thompson Center (29.7% of all purchases)
• Top handgun brand: Smith & Wesson (17.6% of all purchases)
• Top scope for firearms: Bushnell (23.7% of all purchases)
• Top rifle ammunition brand: Remington (32.7% of all purchases)
• Top shotgun ammunition brand: Winchester (33% of all purchases)
• Top handgun ammunition brand: Winchester (26.2% of all
  purchases)
• Top blackpowder brand: Pyrodex (40.3% of all purchases)
• Top balls, bullets, or shot brand: Powerbelt (32.1% of all
  purchases)
• Top bow brand: Matthews (16.7% of all purchases)
• Top arrow brand: Easton (45.1% of all purchases)
• Top fletching brand: Bohning (29.6% of all purchases)
• Top broadhead brand: Muzzy (29.6% of all purchases)
• Top archery targets brand: The Block (26.6% of all purchases)
• Top decoy brand: Flambeau (23.4% of all purchases)
• Top game call brand: Knight & Hale (18.3% of all purchases)
• Top reloading bullet brand: Hornady (24.5% of all purchases)
• Top reloading powder brand: Hodgdon (42.6% of all purchases)
• Top binocular brand: Bushnell (24.5% of all purchases)
• Top tree stand brand: Gorilla (12.8% of all purchases)
• Top knife brand: Buck (24.3% of all purchases)
• Top scent brand: Scent-A-Way (19.5% of all purchases)
• Top shooting target brand: Shoot-N-C (36.8% of all purchases)
• Top clay brand: White Flyer (36.6% of all purchases)

Top Fishing Tackle Brands for 2007 Announced

Southwick Associates has announced the brands and products that anglers preferred most in 2007. This list has been compiled from the 16,258 angler surveys returned from AnglerSurvey.com last year.

In 2007, the top brands and activities included:

• Top rod brand: Shakespeare Ugly Stik (16.7% of all purchases)
• Top reel brand: Shimano (18.1% of all purchases)
• Top rod and reel combo brand: Shakespeare (20.9% of all
  purchases)
• Top fly rod brand: Orvis (17.5% of all purchases)
• Top fishing line brand: Berkley (Trilene, Fireline, Big Game and
  Vanish (38.5% of all purchases)
• Top hardbait brand: Rapala (25.6% of all purchases)
• Top softbait brand: Zoom (15.9% of all purchases)
• Top spinnerbait brand: Strike King (21.3% of all purchases)
• Top hook brand: Gamakatsu (30% of all purchases)
• Top sinker brand: Bullet Weights (20.1% of all purchases)
• Top fly line brand: Scientific Anglers (25.7% of all purchases)
• Top fly brand: Orvis (12.6% of all purchases)
• Top electronics: Lowrance (55.5% of all radio or GPS and 35% of all fish finder purchases)
• Top tackle box brand: Plano (50.3% of all purchases)
• Top fishing knife brand: Rapala (46.4% of all purchases)

MD Bass Angler Wins Toyota Tundra Weekend Bass Tournament

Pro bass angler, Jesse Moore, competed in two of five non-boater division events in the Toyota Tundra Weekend Bass Tournament series at Lake Anna, VA. Moore won the events and also won for the largest bass of the event with a fish hitting the scale at 6.51 pounds.

Trips for Kids Brings its Bicycle Thrift Shop to Sea Otter Marketplace Expo

TFK’s Bicycle Thrift Shop booth to sell donated bicycle parts, clothing and accessories to Sea Otter attendees and participants.

San Rafael, Calif. – April 17, 2008 – Trips for Kids (TFK) proudly announces its attendance at this year’s Sea Otter Marketplace Expo selling new and used donated merchandise from its Re-Cyclery Bike
Thrift Shop. Its affordable bike parts, clothing, and accessories will be available at booth #138 on Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20 at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.

“We invite all of our friends and supporters to come and shop with us at the Expo. You’ll find a wide selection of new and used clothing, parts and accessories that have been donated from manufacturers and cyclists,” said Marilyn Price, founder and director of Trips for Kids. “Prices will be low, including $5 bins and 2 for1 deals. Be ready to stock up for yourself and don’t forget gifts for friends. By shopping with us, you not only get a bargain for yourself but you help the kids too!”

This year marks the fourth year of attendance for Trips for Kid at Sea Otter Marketplace Expo. Every year, this venue typically generates over $4,000 in proceeds to support TFK programs. All proceeds from the sale go to benefit Trips for Kids programs which include daylong mountain biking adventures, Earn-a-Bike programs and support for its 60 chapters across North America.

This sale and others like it are made possible through generous product and monetary donations from bicycle manufacturers and organization supporters.

In addition to buying cycling parts and products at the Sea Otter Marketing Place Expo, interested individuals are invited to visit the Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop, located at 610 Fourth Street, San Rafael, Calif. The shop is open every Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about Trips for Kids, please visit www.tripsforkids.org or call Marilyn Price at (415) 458-2986.

Georgia Parks

AMERICA’S LEADING MOUNTAINEER RELYING ON DELORME HANDHELD GPS FOR ARCTIC EXPEDITION

YARMOUTH, Maine Ed Viesturs, America’s leading high-altitude mountaineer, will be relying on the DeLorme Earthmate® GPS PN-20 when he sets out this week on the 2008 Canadian Arctic Trek for Earth Health. The PN-20 is a WAAS-enabled, bright-color-screen handheld receiver capable of displaying multiple map and imagery types.

Using data import and registration capabilities available in DeLorme’s XMap® GIS software, the company’s development team has customized the expedition’s PN-20 receivers with high capacity SD Cards (SDHC) containing topographic detail maps and Landsat satellite imagery for the area the journey will cover.

This will be the second Arctic expedition in which Viesturs has used the PN-20. In 2007, he participated in polar explorer Will Steger’s Global Warming 101 trek, a dog sled journey on Baffin Island to document how climate change is affecting the native Inuit population.

Viesturs said he was impressed with the PN-20’s performance and simplicity of use, and was happy to be similarly outfitted for this year’s expedition. Joining him will be John Stetson, a renowned arctic explorer and pre-eminent dog sled musher who will also be equipped with a PN-20. They will embark on a 150-mile ski journey across
Baffin Island. The expedition’s theme is Healthy Planet = Healthy People.

ABOUT THE EARTHMATE GPS PN-20

Consumers purchasing the PN-20 at storefront or online retailers will receive Topo USA 7.0 software included plus an SD card and reader, and access to USGS 7.5-min. quads, aerial imagery, and NOAA nautical charts. The PN-20 is also available from DeLorme at 800-561-5105 or www.delorme.com. The PN-20 with XMap can found at www.xmap.com.

ABOUT THE 2008 CANADIAN ARCTIC TREK FOR EARTH HEALTH

On April 25, 2008 Ed Viesturs and John Stetson will travel to the Canadian Arctic to mount a sledge hauling ski journey through one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of Northern Baffin Island. The theme for this expedition is Healthy Planet= Healthy People. Their objective is twofold. First, to utilize and familiarize themselves with the equipment, systems, and strategy necessary for a possible future ski journey to the South Pole. Second, to showcase the effects of climate change already occurring in the Arctic regions. The expedition should last for approximately 20 days and Viesturs and Stetson plan to make daily progress reports via satellite telephone. Check www.edviesturs.com for the dispatches.

Mission Continued…

Rower blessed by Pope prays at Basilica Higuey on Sunday before launching a Global Conservation Movement at the family home of Christopher Columbus in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Earth Day.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (April 22, 2008)- Victor Mooney, 43, of Queens, New York, hopes to jump-start global conservation with his second attempt to row from Senegal to New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, with a re-supply in the Dominican Republic. Mooney’s mission continues on December 1.
Unlike Mooney’s homemade boat that sunk almost immediately after he left the coast of Dakar in May 2006, his new boat will be a world class vessel. Doug Frolich of California, a naval architect, has just completed the plans that will be unveiled today. Composite Yachts in Maryland begins the preparatory phase of boat building. Nearly all of the materials and equipment have been donated. The 24’ rowboat is named “The Spirit of Zayed”, after the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan.
Pope John Paull II blessed Mooney, a devout Catholic, on World AIDS Day in 2004 at the Vatican. Mooney has lost one brother to AIDS and another is living with HIV. “For the faithful, Papal blessings last a life time”, said Mooney from the New York Sports Club.
Time: 2:00 pm

Legislation Introduced to Conserve Rapidly Disappearing Migratory Birds

(Washington, D.C. – April 14, 2008) Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) have introduced legislation to fund efforts to help protect migratory birds. The act, H.R. 5756, reauthorizes the existing Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), but at significantly higher levels, to meet the growing needs of our migrants, many of which are in rapid decline.

“The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies for the broad range of Neotropical birds that populate America and the western hemisphere,” Rep. Kind said. “The public-private partnerships along with the international collaboration it provides are integral to preserving vulnerable bird populations. Expanding this program is vital to achieving conservation goals critical to our environment and economy.”

NMBCA supports partnership programs to conserve birds in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where approximately five billion birds of over 500 species, including some of the most endangered birds in North America, spend their winters. Projects include activities that benefit bird populations such as habitat restoration, research and monitoring, law enforcement, and outreach and education. Between 2002 and 2007, the program supported 225 projects, coordinated by partners in 44 U.S. states/territories and 34 countries. More than $21 million from NMBCA grants has leveraged over $95 million in partner contributions. Projects involving land conservation have affected about 3 million acres of bird habitat.

“By passing this legislation we can help prevent America’s native birds from disappearing,” said Darin Schroeder, American Bird Conservancy’s Executive Director of Conservation Advocacy. “Nearly half of our songbird population is now in decline or facing serious threats; the good news is that it isn’t too late to turn that around.”

NMBCA currently provides a maximum authorization of $6 million per year; last year Congress appropriated $4.5 million, a $500 thousand increase from the previous year. Under the new law, that amount would increase to $20 million by 2015. Grants require matching funds from other non-federal sources, and are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Agency staff report that they currently receive many more requests for high quality conservation projects than they can currently provide grants for. FWS lists 341 bird species as Neotropical migrants: http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/BirdList.shtm.

“The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act is helping ensure that shorebirds and songbirds that migrate through Maryland have healthy and abundant habitat so they can keep returning here each year,” said Rep. Gilchrest. “Just as importantly, this federal program is a good value for taxpayers, leveraging over four dollars in partner contributions for every one that we spend.”

Of the 178 continental bird species included on the American Bird Conservancy/Audubon WatchList of birds of highest conservation concern, over one-third, 69 species, are Neotropical migrants. At least 29 species of these migratory birds are experiencing significant population declines. Several species, the Cerulean Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatcher, have declined as much as 70% since surveys began in the 1960s.

“Over the years I became aware that I was not only seeing fewer species, but also fewer total numbers of birds,” said Barth Schorre, a nature photographer who from 1977 to 2004 observed spring migrants at a single 3.5 acre site in south Texas. “Looking back through my log books I can see that on a typical spring day in the 1980s, a list of migrant species filled a page to overflowing. More recently I am logging the observations of three or four days on a single page.”

Anglers Cite Access and Water Quality as Greatest Problems Facing Fishing

Access and water quality concerns are the biggest problems facing sport fishing today, according to a recent survey. In an April 2008 survey of more than 2,000 anglers, over 42% named access to water or water quality as the greatest threat to their sport.

Specifically, 24% of anglers surveyed cited access to water as the chief problem facing fishing, while 18% named water quality problems as the greatest threat.”Clearly, access and water quality issues are of considerable concern to today’s anglers,” said Rob Southwick, who designed the survey.

Other threats to their sport cited by surveyed anglers included “too
expensive” (15%); “invasive species” (13%); “not enough fish” (just
under 12%); and “too many anglers” (just over 4%).

Trusted Adventures Alliance Reveals Their Top Guide Picks for 2008

BOULDER, CO-The ballots are in and the “Greatest Guides of 2008” have been chosen from over 100 qualified candidates. The trick now is getting a spot on one of the trips they’ll be leading this year.

In February, each of the seven companies that comprise the Trusted Adventures (www.trustedadventures.com) travel alliance were asked to choose their top guides for the coming season. Prospects were evaluated by years of experience, personality, unique skills, sense of humor, ability to multi-task and popularity among past tour guests. Each company then selected one top guide for the best of the best distinction.

The winners are (along with the trip(s) they’ll be leading this year):

ROW Adventures: Miso Poduje
Born and raised on the island of Vis in the Adriatic, Miso is a fifth-generation vintner and has guided ROW Adventures’ Croatian yacht tours for eight years. Miso has an uncanny knack for anticipating guests’ needs and a deep knowledge of Croatian history and regional wine. His contacts on the islands open many doors to special invitations and local events.

Where Miso is guiding in 2008: Yachting in Croatia; June 27-July7, September 12-22 and September 18-28. Call 800-451-6034 for details.

The Wayfarers: Eric Bonal
“Papa Duck” started as a Wayfarers Walk Leader 12 years ago when he retired as a colonel and helicopter pilot from the French Army corps. A charismatic raconteur, Eric brings witty and lively conversation to the trail – always as inspiring as the scenery! French through and through Eric likes nothing better than to share his enthusiasm for his country every step of the way.

Where Eric is guiding in 2008: The Loire: River of Kings; June 1-7 and August 17-23. Call 800-249-4620 for details.

Euro-Bike and Walking Tours: Tom Litjens
An EBT guide since 1990, Tom is known by all those who travel with him as sincere, caring and calm. He is of Dutch-Indonesian descent and speaks five languages fluently. Tom has called the Netherlands, Germany, India and Costa Rica home over the years. Among other tours, Tom will be leading trips in Germany this year.

Where Tom is guiding in 2008: Enchanted Germany; August 30-September 5. Call 800-321-6060 for details.

Myths and Mountains: Dr. Antonia Neubauer
READ Global Founder, Dr. Neubauer is also President of Myths and Mountains. A former language teacher and educational researcher, she focused on literacy in Philadelphia and served as a consultant to the Lilly Endowment and the U.S. Department of Education. She has traveled to Nepal at least 20 times since 1983. Her numerous awards include the Friend of Nepal award by the Association of Nepalis in the Americas and the 2006 Walk the Talk Global Citizen Award.

Where Dr. Neubauer is guiding in 2008: Nepal READ Expedition: Mountains, Monkeys and Books; October 14-27. Call 800-670-6984 for details.

Austin-Lehman Adventures: Doug Thomson
Doug was born, raised and schooled in Zimbabwe then received a Bachelor’s Degree at Rhodes University in South Africa and a Teachers Diploma at University of Cape Town.

He taught biology for six years and was very involved with both rugby and cricket coaching. His great love for people of different cultures is apparent as he tries to impart to guests a deeper understanding of South Africa and its people while also showing off much of its unique beauty.

Where Doug is guiding in 2008: South Africa – Family Adventure Safari; July 6-15 and August 17-26; and South Africa – Safari & Multisport Adventure; August 24-September 3, September 14-24, October 12-22 and November 2-12. Call 800-575-1540 for details.

Wildland Adventures: Kambona Ole Tirra Mollel
Kambona is a master safari guide and veteran mountaineer in his native Tanzania where he has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro over 100 times. A native Maasai, Kambona was born and raised on the savannahs of East Africa where he developed a deep knowledge of the natural world. He is trilingual, speaking fluent Maa, Swahili and English. On the trail, he’s prone to breaking out into song when things get tough or tedious and his upbeat attitude and quick smile keeps everyone positive.

Where Kambona is guiding in 2008: Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route; June 14-23, July 5-14, August 9-18 and September 6-15; Ngorongoro Walking Safari; January 31-February 8, 2009. Call 800-345-4453 for details.

Western River Expeditions: Craig Lutke
Craig (a.k.a. “Lucky” or “Big Sky”) has been guiding whitewater rafting trips for eleven years. A true Montana cowboy by birth, he now makes his home in a beautiful cabin in the mountains of Utah. Craig guides exclusively in the Grand Canyon. He is known for his attention to detail and making each of his guests feel like they’ve had a personal connection with the Canyon. He is one of the company’s top requested guides.

Where Craig is guiding in 2008: Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure; 4/2; 4/8; 4/15; 4/21; 4/29; 5/5; 5/12; 5/17; 5/26; 5/31; 6/10; 6/15; 6/23; 6/28; 7/7; 7/12; 7/22; 7/27; 8/4; 8/9; 8/19; 8/25; 9/1 and 9/8. Call 800-453-7450 for details.

Check Out our Upcoming Fresco Summer Programs

Summer is just around the corner and now it is time to come out to play or learning something new!

June:

Workshop: Monday, June 2, 7-9PM – A Natural Approach to Reduce Toxins and Cleanse the Body ($35) at First Class DC (register at www.takeaclass.org)

Waterfun: Saturday June 7 – White Water Rafting on the Cheat River with optional weekend cabin lodging ($95/195), reservations due now

Workshop: Tuesday, June 17, 7-8:30PM – Adults Introduction to Money Management and Investing ($10)

Workshop: Thursday, June 19 7-8:30PM – Teens Introduction to Money Management and Investing ($10)

Retreat and Wellness Program: Friday, June 20 through Saturday, June 21- Detoxification and Wellness Retreat program ($125) $Save $25 if you attend the First Class workshop on June 2!

Fresco Spa Club: Fresco Spa Club: Shohreh Day Spa in Washington, DC (20% off on facials, pedicures, and waxings)

July:

Workshop: Tuesday, July 15 – August 12 -Teen Summer Camps Money Management and Investing Workshop ($75)

Canoe/Kayak/Tubing and Camp Weekend: Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, Canoe, Kayak, or Tube and Camping on the Shenandoah River ($69/$79/$169), Reservations due by June 1

August:

Retreat and Fresco Spa Club: Friday, August 1 through Saturday, August 2 at the Lansdowne Resort in Virginia ($269) Reservations due by June 1.

September:

Hike: Saturday, September 13, 9AM to 1PM – Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry in West Virginia – 10 miles ($12)

Waterfun: Sunday, September 14 – Kayak along the River in Maryland – 10 miles ($69)

2008 Excursions:

Excursion: Monday, October 6 through Sunday, October 19- Orient Fall Foliage to Beijing, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Tokyo ($4975, plus air to JFK airport)

Retreat/Excursion and Fresco Spa Club: Friday, August 1 through Saturday, August 2, Spa and Pajama Party at the Lansdowne Resort in Virginia ($269)

Retreat/Excursion and Fresco Spa Club: Friday, November 7 – through Sunday, November 9, Spa and Pajama Party Weekend at the Tide Water Inn in Virginia ($459)

Excursion: Wednesday, November 19 through Sunday, November 23- Belize Sampler
($1269 plus airfare)

Info on the 2009 South Africa program is coming soon. Deposits will be required by July 1.

For more information contact Marcia Fairweather at 301-352-5272

Bikes for Kids Utah Recieves $40,000 Donation from The Sorenson Legacy Foundation

Donation will help provide new bicycles for 1,000 underprivileged Utah children during May 31 Bikes for Kids Utah Event-making it possible for the schoolchildren to experience one of the joys of childhood: riding their very own bike.

SALT LAKE CITY - May 13, 2008 – Bikes for Kids Utah, today announced that the Sorenson Legacy Foundation has donated $40,000 to help provide new bicycles for 1,000 underprivileged third graders during Bikes for Kids Utah’s annual bicycle giveaway.

“Bicycles give children the chance to exercise, learn about safety, develop great skills and just have fun,” said Joe Sorenson, trustee of the Sorenson Legacy
Foundation. “We are delighted with this unique opportunity to enrich the lives of kids in our community.”

On Saturday, May 31, Bikes for Kids Utah will give new bicycles and helmets to 1,000 pre-qualified third graders from the Boys & Girls Clubs in Salt Lake, South Valley and Weber Counties. Also receiving bikes will be third graders from Bennion Franklin, Heartland, Lincoln, Majestic, Moss, Plymouth, Riley, Sandy, McMillan, Liberty, Grant, Guadalupe and Washington elementary schools.

“We are very grateful to the Sorenson Legacy Foundation for its generous contribution, which will help bring smiles to a thousand Utah children,” said Debbie Reid, founder and director of Bikes for Kids Utah. “Summer is just around the corner, and with a brand-new bike, these children will have a new reason to spend time outdoors engaged in healthy physical activity.”

Each year, Bikes for Kids Utah relies on contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses to purchase bikes and necessary safety equipment for children. The organization holds fundraising events throughout the year, including fundraising bicycle rides on the day of the bike giveaway. Every contribution goes a long way: a donation of $50 can buy a bicycle, helmet, lock and Bikes for Kids Utah shirt for one child, while a $5 donation can buy one bike helmet for a child.

To donate or volunteer with Bikes for Kids Utah, or for more information about the May 31 bicycle giveaway and associated fundraising bicycle events, visit
www.bikesforkidsutah.org or call (801) 523-3730.

Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Men’s Title and Half of the Women’s Top Ten Finishers Clinch Victories on Ritchey Product

San Carlos, Calif. – May 22, 2008 – During the recent Mt. Hood Cycling Classic (May13-18), Ritchey WCS handlebars, WCS 4-Axis stems, WCS carbon 1 bolt and alloy 2 bolt seat posts, could be seen on all the top contender’s bikes. Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis rider Rory Sutherland clinched the men’s title, while in the women’s race, Team ValueAct Capital’s Leah Goldstein took 3rd overall, and both Team TIBCO and Team Cheerwine each came away with two top ten finishes.

The lightweight and durability of Ritchey’s WCS level components as well as the broad spectrum of cockpit fitting options have been fundamental in serving Health Net Presented by Maxxis with countless titles and podium wins. Health Net Presented by Maxxis has now earned three consecutive Mt. Hood titles – all decked out with Ritchey components.

During a route that required more than 35,000 feet of climbing, ValueAct Capital, Team TIBCO and Cheerwine used WCS Logic II handlebars for the custom reach and drop proportional to bar width. The Logic II bar allows for the optimal rider position on the bike with the greatest ergonomic comfort. Female riders with smaller hands have increased handling capabilities and performance with Logic II, as the bar provides solid power in the drops and ideal accessibility to brakes and shifters.

Health Net Presented by Maxxis will race next at the June 1st CSC Invitation in Arlington, Va., and the next major race on the women’s circuit is the Kelly Cup, May 24th in Baltimore, Md.

To see complete team schedules please visit Health Net Presented by Maxxis
(www.teamhealthnet.com), Team Value Act Capital (www.teamvalueactcapital.com), Team TIBCO (www.teamtibco.com) and Team Cheerwine(www.cheerwinecycling.com).