The Uintah School Board will hold its regularly scheduled work session and business meeting today, November 11th, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. The meetings will be held in the auditorium at Vernal Middle School to allow for physical distancing and will also be streamed live.
Basin Now
Duchesne Ranger District Conducting Pile Burn on Argyle Ridge
If there was some smoke coming from Argyle Ridge on Tuesday there is no need to be concerned. Ashley National Forest had made plans to burn slash piles yesterday, depending on if the weather was favorable and the fuel condition.
Failed Green River Canoe Trip Turns Into Art Exhibit
What does the Green River in Utah have in common with an art exhibit in England? Nothing thanks to COVID-19. Internationally renowned nature artist Tony Foster has spent a 40-year career painting the world’s wilderness. He was scheduled to take a canoe trip down the Green River in Utah to make paintings for an exhibit in the Whitney West Museum in Wyoming for 2022.
Donations Needed for Local Food Pantries
The call has been issued with hope that our community can help. The local food pantries are in need of donations. Ashley Valley Food Bank recently asked for donations after the food bank was completely empty. In a flier circulating on social media it states that “with a small and regular sacrifice from each community member, we can refill the pantry and ensure it is never empty again.
UBTech Highlights Culinary Arts Certificate Story Of Persistence
Life does not always follow the path we anticipate. Uintah Basin Technical College recently highlighted the journey of one of its members to show us that that is okay. Brady Hales recently earned his Culinary Arts Certificate but it was not a straight path to get there. Brady graduated from high school in 2015 and enrolled in the UBTech Culinary Arts program, the very first year that UBTech offered the program.
Governor Declares New State of Emergency, Mask Mandate
Governor Gary Herbert declared a new ‘State of Emergency’ on Sunday evening stating that the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout Utah requires action. Among the elements put in place are a statewide mask mandate that will “remain in place for the foreseeable future and does not expire when the State of Emergency expires.”
Fire Restrictions Lifted, Fall Burn Window Extended
The State of Utah Department of Natural Resources has lifted fire restrictions in certain areas. A ‘Fire Restriction Partial Rescindment of Order’ was signed by the Utah State Forester and the Fire Management Officer stating that moderated fire danger and improved weather conditions have resulted in reduced wildfire hazard.
Flaming Gorge Holding Its “Pup”ulation Control Contest
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is already known for the great fishing that can be had. Usually the goal is to catch the biggest fish one can but the ‘Pup’ulation Control Contest has a slightly different goal. This contest is hosted by Buckboard Marina to make anglers aware of the abundance of small lake trout in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and encourage harvest of these fish.
Volunteers Help with Little Hole National Recreation Trail
The Little Hole Trail is the most popular and highly used trail in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Even so, dam water discharge since the 80’s has damaged portions of the trail so that they are a safety hazard. Due to high traffic, the Forest Service has the trail as a high priority making improvements over the last few years but still have about a 2,500 feet of boardwalk sections that still need replaced.
BLM Christmas Tree Permits
The Bureau of Land Management reminds the public that individuals can get their permits online to cut down a Christmas/holiday tree or to collect fuelwood on BLM land. The website is https://forestproducts.blm.gov. When visiting the website select the Vernal Field Office and either select fuelwood which is $6 a cord or a Christmas Tree which is $10.00 a tree. There is a link to view stipulations and cutting areas.