Buckrun Outdoors » Forest

Archaeologists discover biggest rat that ever lived: Weight of about 6 kilograms (over 13 lb)

ScienceDaily: Rodent News — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Archaeological research in East Timor has unearthed the bones of the biggest rat that ever lived, with a body weight around six kilograms. Today’s biggest rats weigh around two kilograms and live in rainforests in the Philippines and New Guinea.

My Tags: Forest, Rat, Rats

GRAND MESA CELEBRATES "MOOSE DAY", JULY 31

Blog Master — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:54:21 +0000

GRAND MESA CELEBRATES "MOOSE DAY", JULY 31

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Western Colorado’s Grand Mesa is home to one of Colorado’s newest moose populations and locals are taking the time to celebrate and learn more about moose on Saturday, July 31. Grand Mesa Moose Day events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the US Forest Service Visitor Center atop Grand Mesa on Highway 65.

Activities will include moose viewing information, presentations about moose biology and moose history, presentations on how biologists transplant and track moose, and a puppet show. Family and kid-friendly events and giveaways are planned throughout the day. All activities are free.

"Moose sightings are always fun for people and they’re becoming more common on the Grand Mesa as the population grows," said Trina Romero, Colorado Division of Wildlife Watchable Wildlife Coordinator. "This event will teach people safe ways to see the moose and some great facts about moose in Colorado."

Grand Mesa Moose Day sponsors include the Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, The Moose 100.7 and the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway.

The Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flattop mountain and is located east of Grand Junction. Visitors can access the Grand Mesa from Highway 65, which links Interstate 70 in De Beque Canyon with Highway 50 near Delta. The visitor center is located on top of Grand Mesa.

Moose have historically been found on the Grand Mesa in small numbers but a re-introduction effort started in 2005 by the Colorado Division of Wildlife has transplanted dozens of moose to the area. Today, biologists with the agency estimate that the now self-sustaining population numbers approximately 150 moose. The moose population is expected to grow to around 450 animals. The moose transplant and educational efforts about the moose have been funded by Colorado sportsmen through hunting license fees and by the Colorado Chapter of Safari Club International through member funding and through the organization’s annual raffle of a moose hunting license.

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

My Tags: Colorado, Forest, Hunting, Kid, Pup, Rat, Wildlife

BLM TRAILHEAD PROVIDES ACCESS TO COLORADO’S LARGEST BAT COLONY

Blog Master — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:52:40 +0000

BLM TRAILHEAD PROVIDES ACCESS TO COLORADO’S LARGEST BAT COLONY

MONTE VISTA, Colo. — Easy trail access to one of Colorado’s most fascinating natural wonders – the bat roost at the Orient Mine in the San Luis Valley – has been provided through a team effort of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Orient Land Trust and the Saguache Field Office of the BLM-U.S. Forest Service.

During July and August, about 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats make their summer roost in the former iron-ore mine. Just before dusk each evening, the bats – mostly males – make an out-flight to begin their daily search for food. The column of bats during the out-flight continues for nearly an hour.

A viewing area near the mine allows wildlife watchers to witness this daily event at Colorado’s largest bat colony. Entering the mine is prohibited.

"This is a safe place for people to observe bats," said Kirk Navo, a DOW conservation biologist and bat expert. "Entering old mines is dangerous for people. But also, disturbing bats in their sensitive habitat environments can cause problems for these animals."

In other areas of the U.S., "white-nose syndrome" is killing bat colonies. The disease is caused by a fungus and appears as a white dusting around the muzzle and elsewhere on the bats. It was first found in bats in a cave in New York in 2006 and has been spreading south and west. It has been found in bats as close to Colorado as northwestern Oklahoma.

There is concern nationally that humans who explore caves and mines used by bats can inadvertently spread the spores that cause the disease. Navo said that’s not a concern at the Orient site because people are not allowed to enter the mine.

"The spores cannot be spread by viewing the out-flight. The fencing keeps people at a safe distance from the mine opening and there is no direct contact with bats," Navo said.

Navo recommends that people stay out of mines and caves to prevent any inadvertent spreading of the fungus.

The Orient Land Trust and the DOW worked in cooperation with the BLM-USFS field office to ensure that the public could park at the Black Canyon Trailhead and hike from there along a marked trail to the Orient Mine and bat roost site. The trail can be accessed from Saguache County Road GG, which is located just north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17. To get to the trail go east on Saguache County Road GG and follow the signs to the BLM Black Canyon trailhead. The trail to the mine is just over a mile from the parking area and is a moderate walk.

Hikers and backpackers can access the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness from the trailhead.

The mine can also be accessed farther up the road through the Valley View Hot Springs. Hikers are cautioned that the hot springs facility is clothing optional.

Through August, guides will be at the Black Canyon trailhead a few hours before dusk or about 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. They’ll then lead wildlife watchers on an interpretive hike to the viewing area. The trail is also open the other days of the week.

"This is a very unique and interesting glimpse of nature," said Amy Trainer, land conservation specialist and former executive director of the Orient Land Trust. "The best viewing opportunities are during July and August. By mid-September the bats have left for the south and warmer weather."

The land trust received a financial grant from the DOW and Great Outdoors Colorado to ensure improved public access to the mine viewing area.

The Orient Land Trust owns 1,800 acres in the area, including a working cattle ranch, the Valley View Hot Springs and the Orient Mine site. The Colorado Division of Wildlife owns 10 acres adjacent to the mine.

For more information, go to www.olt.org.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

My Tags: Colorado, Conservation, DOW, Forest, New York, Oklahoma, Outdoors, Park, Ranch, Rat, Wildlife

Herp Report: Fear rules

Cindy Steinle — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:02:33 +0000

Ophidiophobia is the number one thing that terrorizes people. For those of us that live with snakes, we can’t understand this. I have worked with folks to help get over the fear, however some just never wish to work over this.

A truly sad story from OneIndia today:

Out of both curiosity and panic, several people came to see the snakes and killed them with sticks. The dead snakes were then placed in a bowl and burnt in a field.

“Naza Naza (cobra) is a rear species of snake. According to tradition, snakes should not be killed, but the villagers did so out of fear. We will look into the matter and we will ensure that it is not repeated. We are trying to make some plans to catch the snakes in future,” said Apurba Sen, a divisional forest officer.

From Inventorspot, a pill now helps overcome the fear:

ow, Dr. Yadin Dudai, head of the recent Weizman study, has pinpointed the area of the brain that is vital in overcoming fear. By scanning the brains of volunteers with and without fear of snakes – ophidiophobia, Dr. Dudai observed the exact area in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex responsible for bravery.

The subjects controlled their own exposure to a live snake placed on a conveyor belt running in front of them, through a button that would bring the snake closer or further away. A subject demonstrated bravery by moving the snake physically closer to him. The closer the the subject moved the snake towards him, the more the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex was involved, lighting up when those with fear of snakes showed bravery.

Continue reading “Herp Report: Fear rules”

My Tags: Bow, Forest, Rat, Snake

Young Hunter gets an elk!

Blog Master — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:00:45 +0000

Last October, mentor Rich Ridder had an opportunity to take young Loren on an elk hunt in the Gila National Forest, thanks to a generous donation by Don Terhune and the folks at Big Horn Outfitters.

STEP OUTSIDE TV accompanied Rich and Loren on Loren’s first elk hunt. That episode is airing this week on the Outdoor Channel. The episode airs 07-07 at 8:00AM | 07-09 at 11:00AM | 07-10 at 5:30PM (all times are EDT).

I’ve had the pleasure of hunting with Rich and Loren over the last several years. Loren really enjoys getting outdoors. The time he’s spent with Rich has given him the opportunity to explore the outdoors…an opportunity he wouldn’t have had without a mentor like Rich stepping up to make it happen. On a youth turkey hunt about 3 years ago, Rich and Loren spent the day in freezing cold weather (it was only 18 degrees that morning, with a 20 mph wind out of the north, blowing right in their blind). Loren got his jake just before sundown. Rich was really happy that they wouldn’t have to be going out the next morning and was looking forward to sleeping in. Loren, however, decided he hadn’t had enough and went out with another match…and spent another day in the freezing cold just for the thrill of being outdoors and watching another youngster get his opportunity for that first bird. We’ve got a link to that hunt on the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors website.

We also had Ben Romans, a free-lance writer accompany Rich and Loren on their hunt. You can check out his photo essay on the hunt on the Field & Stream website. Ben will also have an article coming out later this year on the hunt in Cabela’s Outfitters Journal.

There are boys and girls all across the country waiting for a mentor like Rich to step up and give them the opportunity to experience the great outdoors we all know and love. Why don’t you give us a call today…you could be making it happen for a youngster this fall!

Thanks for all you do to help us get more kids outdoors!

Mike Christensen

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc.

310 E 2^nd

Wichita, KS 67202

316-290-8883

mchristensen@outdoormentors.org

http://www.outdoormentors.org

My Tags: Donation, DOW, Elk, Forest, Hunting, Kid, Mentor, Outdoors

MIDDLE PARK ELK MANAGEMENT MEETINGS SCHEDULED

Blog Master — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:39:12 +0000

MIDDLE PARK ELK MANAGEMENT MEETINGS SCHEDULED

HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife is interested in hearing from the public about management of two elk herds in and around Middle Park. Public input is critical in helping revise herd management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish herd population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend DAU planning meetings for the elk in Division of Wildlife Game Management Units 18, 181, 28, 37 and 371. In order to maximize the public’s opportunity to comment, these meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

Kremmling – Tuesday, July 6, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the CSU Extension Hall

Frisco – Thursday, July 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the County Commons – Mount Royal Room

Granby – Friday, July 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Granby Library

Elk DAU E-8 and E-13 encompass the Middle Park herds, which occupy the area west of the Continental Divide including all of Summit County and most of Grand County surrounding the communities of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Silverthorne, and Winter Park. The Arapahoe National Forest, White River National Forest, and the Kremmling Field Office of the BLM are also within these DAUs. The DAU plans will guide elk management in the area, which currently produces tremendous hunter opportunity by being open to over-the-counter bull elk hunting during archery season and the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. Large numbers of limited licenses are also available for muzzleloader and other rifle seasons.

"Herd size is a function of biology, but it is also a function of what the public desires for a population," added Ron Velarde, regional manager for northwest Colorado. "While the DOW is well-suited to make biological decisions, we need public input to determine if larger or smaller herds would be acceptable."

Sportsmen, outfitters, business owners and landowners all have a vested interest in the big game populations in an area. Sportsmen may want larger herds for increased hunting opportunity. Outfitters and hunting-tourism dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity that brings more hunters to an area. Landowners may want decreased herd sizes to limit damage to crops and fences.

"The E-8 and E-13 DAU plans were last updated in the 1990s," said Kirk Oldham, DOW Terrestrial Biologist for the area. "Reviewing herd objectives will need to address changes in the area including habitat changes because of mountain pine beetle, increasing development on winter range and changes in recreational use of these lands in the last 20 years."

Anyone interested in elk management in these areas is welcome to provide comments to the Division of Wildlife. Draft plans and alternatives will be explained at the public meeting and can be found on the Division’s webpage at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/HerdManagementDAUPlans/.
A short survey about the elk herds is also available. Comments and completed surveys must be submitted by July 16 to the Division of Wildlife’s Hot Sulphur Springs office at P.O. Box 216, Hot Sulphur Springs CO 80451.

DAU plans are based on wildlife management principles and public input and are revised approximately every 10 years. To aid the public in discussion, several management alternatives will be presented at the public meetings. The alternatives cover increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios or leaving the population and gender objectives at their current levels. The benefits and drawbacks to each alternative will be presented at the meetings.

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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

My Tags: Colorado, DOW, Elk, Elk Hunting, Forest, Game, Hunting, Park, Rat, Wildlife

First Lady Michelle Obama Asks Junior Rangers to Take It Outside at Our National Parks

Blog Master — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:34:17 +0000

National Park Service

For Immediate Release – June 17, 2010

Contact: David Barna, (202) 208-6843, David_Barna@nps.gov

Jennifer Mummart, (202) 208-4986, Jennifer_Mummart@nps.gov

First Lady Michelle Obama Asks Junior Rangers to Take It Outside at Our

National Parks

WASHINGTON – “Let’s Move Outside, Junior Rangers!” is First Lady Michelle

Obama’s call to kids across the country this summer. Today, the National

Park Service kicks off Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger in 20 parks.

National Park Junior Rangers will not only have fun and get exercise but

also receive an extra reward for working up a sweat.

Young people who complete at least one physical activity in pursuit of

their Junior Ranger badge receive a special sticker that designates them as

a Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger. The activities range from adventures

like hiking with a ranger at Grand Canyon National Park to body surfing at

Canaveral National Seashore and canoeing at Mississippi National River and

Recreation Area.

Let’s Move Outside, led by the Department of the Interior and the

Department of Agriculture, provides tools and information to parents to

make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and be active. It is part of First Lady

Michelle Obama’s nationwide campaign to end childhood obesity within a

generation.

“The Let’s Move Outside program in our national parks provides a wonderful

way for parents to gain a passion for outdoor recreation while teaching

them about our nation’s beautiful lands, our rich cultural heritage, and

our storied past,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

The program engages young people from all backgrounds in a range of

educational programs and self-guided activities on America’s public lands

and waters. From hiking and biking, to swimming, paddling, and horseback

riding, these activities promise to be fun, healthy, and family friendly.

Throughout the summer, Let’s Move Outside! programs and events will be held in conjunction with schools, community groups, and other partners.

“Young people inspire us; we want to help them be vigorous and curious for

life. It starts with family fun. National parks are amazing places where

exercise is disguised as adventure, and we sneak in some learning too,”

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said.

Let’s Move Outside will soon be integrated into other programs, like the

Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Let’s Go Outside” initiative, which seeks to

reconnect kids and families to nature in our country’s 552 national

wildlife refuges, and the Bureau of Land Management’s “Take It Outside”

program.

Primary federal partners in this initiative are the Department of the

Interior’s National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of

Land Management, and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.

“As a department that manages one fifth of our nation’s land, the

Department of the Interior will play a vital role in Let’s Move Outside!”

said Julie Rodriguez, director of the department’s Youth Office. “Our

parks, refuges, and other public lands are waiting to be explored and

enjoyed by our nation’s young people, and we are eager to help them get

outdoors.”

By summer’s end, 50 national parks will offer Let’s Move Outside Junior

Ranger. Before heading out, visit www.letsmove.gov/outside for more

information about activities and participating parks. This website hub will

link families to the great outdoors and give tips and ideas on how to best

plan and enjoy an active visit.

The 20 parks launching today:

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa

Fire Island National Seashore, New York

Fort Dupont Park, Washington, DC

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

Prince William Forest Park, Virginia

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

www.nps.gov

My Tags: Alaska, America, Arizona, Biking, California, Colorado, Community, Florida, Forest, Health, Hiking, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kid, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Outdoors, Park, Public Lands, Rat, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wildlife, Wyoming

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK TO HOST BIOBLITZ 2011

Blog Master — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:42:14 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Andy Fisher

National Park Service

(520) 733-5139

Andy_L_Fisher@nps.gov

Carol Seitz

National Geographic

(202) 775-6186

cseitz@ngs.org

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK TO HOST BIOBLITZ 2011

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 15, 2010)—Saguaro National Park, bordering

Tucson, Ariz., has been named as the host site for the 2011 National Park

Service/National Geographic BioBlitz, scheduled for Oct. 21 and 22, 2011.

Part scientific endeavor, part festival and part outdoor classroom,

BioBlitz is a two-day celebration of biodiversity centered on a 24-hour

race to count species. During the BioBlitz, teams of scientists, school

children and the general public work together to find and identify as many

species as possible.

“We are excited that Saguaro National Park will host the 2011

BioBlitz,” said Saguaro National Park Superintendent Darla Sidles. “This

event will offer a great opportunity for thousands of people in the greater

Tucson area to explore and learn about species across the park’s mountains,

cactus forests and riparian areas like never before.”

This will be the fifth BioBlitz that National Geographic and the

National Park Service are presenting as a lead-up to the Service’s

centennial in 2016. A different national park is being selected each year.

The 2010 BioBlitz took place in Florida’s Biscayne National Park on April

30 and May 1, when thousands of people, including more than 1,300 school

children and more than 150 scientists, identified over 800 species,

including several not previously documented in the park. The first BioBlitz

was held at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., in 2007, followed by Santa

Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California in 2008 and Indiana

Dunes National Lakeshore in 2009.

BioBlitz is a way for communities to learn about the biological

diversity of local parks and to understand the need to protect them. It is

an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to take part in bona fide field

research and learn from experts about biodiversity in their own

communities.

“BioBlitz is a unique opportunity for top scientists and the general

public to do field work together,” said John Francis, National Geographic’s

vice president for research, conservation and exploration. “Through

BioBlitz, the park gets a biodiversity checkup, but more importantly we all

better understand our unique role in the natural systems where we live.”

Established in 1933, Saguaro National Park protects an incredible

example of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The park features exceptional

stands of saguaro cactus, critical rare riparian areas, unique wildlife

habitat and impressive desert mountain ranges. The park’s landscape is

dotted with archaeological sites, historical remnants and places of

importance for American Indians. Saguaro National Park is located adjacent

to Tucson and consists of two districts that border the city on the east

and west. More than 70,000 of the park’s 91,445 acres are designated

wilderness. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/sagu.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest

nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to

“increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire

people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people

worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and

other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries;

music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school

publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National

Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and

exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic

literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

My Tags: America, California, Conservation, Features, Florida, Forest, Indiana, Park, Rat, Washington, Wildlife

LA PLATA COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF BAITING BIGHORNS

Blog Master — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:09:38 +0000

LA PLATA COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF BAITING BIGHORNS

DURANGO, Colo. — A La Plata County man pleaded guilty in May to putting out bait to attract Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in an area northeast of Vallecito Reservoir that is popular with hunters and wildlife watchers. Baiting big game wildlife in Colorado is illegal and can cause long-term problems for animal herds.

Dave Hall, 52, who lives in the Vallecito area, pleaded guilty to one count of baiting – a misdemeanor – and was fined $156.50. He also was placed on probation for one year and his hunting privileges have been suspended for one year. He was originally charged with two counts of wildlife baiting and two counts as an accomplice in the illegal take of two bighorn rams. The plea was entered in Hinsdale County Court, the county where the violation took place. The district attorney’s office for that area negotiated the plea agreement.

Hall admitted to spreading more than 1,000 pounds of salt during the last two years in at least four areas northeast of Vallecito Reservoir. He told Colorado Division of Wildlife officers that he placed salt blocks and spread granular salt in numerous areas because he believed the bighorns needed extra nutrition.

Animals find natural salt licks and don’t need artificial supplements, DOW officials said.

Unfortunately, the salt is a major attractant for big game animals and has served to concentrate an unusually high number of bighorns in a small area. Concentrating animals causes numerous problems: animals that are bunched up can easily pass diseases and parasites to each other; they become easy prey for mountain lions and easy targets for hunters. There are only three hunting licenses issued for this area and two rams were killed at one of the bait sites during the 2009 season. The hunters did not know the sites were being baited.

"Once animals get on salt they won’t leave, they get addicted to it. Bighorns naturally migrate in and out of areas and this has significantly interrupted their patterns," said District Wildlife Manager Cary Carron, the DOW officer who investigated the case. "The other big problem is that the salt is now imbedded in the soil and will attract bighorns to those areas for the next five years or more. There’s nothing that can be done to get all of it out of the soil."

The Pine River herd numbers about 100 animals.

The investigation started in August 2009 when Carron was participating in a standard bighorn population count. While walking along a ridgeline he noticed signs that showed an unusually high number of bighorn sheep were using the area. Eventually he came upon two 50-pound salt blocks that had been placed there.

In the course of the investigation he talked with a U.S. Forest Service biologist and a hunter who had noticed an unusually high number of sheep staying in the area.

Carron and other DOW investigators started doing surveillance in the area when bighorn hunting season started in late August 2009. Numerous interviews with informants led them to Hall.

During an interview with Hall in early September 2009, he first denied any knowledge of the salt licks. Upon further questioning he admitted that he had placed the salt. Hall did not have a hunting license for that area and said that he did not guide hunters or receive any money for his actions. He accompanied one hunter who harvested a ram in 2009, but the hunter didn’t know about the salt.

Hall was served with a court summons in February.

Baiting of big game is a problem throughout Colorado. If you hear about someone baiting or notice salt licks in an area where there is no apparent livestock grazing, contact a local DOW office, or call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

My Tags: Bighorn Sheep, Colorado, DOW, Forest, Game, Hunting, Illegal, Rat, Wildlife

Scott Emmerich Receives 2010 Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award

Blog Master — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:02:21 +0000

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 9, 2010

Contact: Kathy Kupper (202)208-6843 or Kathy_Kupper@nps.gov

Scott Emmerich Receives

2010 Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Could you imagine a job where on any given day you might handle a wild cougar, rescue someone from the top of a mountain, fight a wildland fire, treat a heart attack victim, teach a winter survival class, or hike with an 80-pound pack through some of the most spectacular scenery known to man?

Those tasks are just some of the many duties performed by Glacier National Park Ranger Scott Emmerich. In recognition of a career of extraordinary accomplishments, Emmerich received the Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award for excellence in “rangering” during a Capitol Hill ceremony last night.

The annual award is bestowed on a park ranger whose overall impact and record have promoted a high degree of awareness and appreciation for the ranger profession. The award, made possible by the National Park Foundation through a generous gift from Unilever, is named after the 19th-century outdoorsman considered the first park ranger.

“Much like the majestic scenery and abundant wildlife found in the park, Scott Emmerich is a constant in Glacier,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Mickey Fearn. “Every day for more than 20 years, Scott has performed tasks, big and small, seen and unseen, that protect the park’s resources and visitors.”

Emmerich has worked at Glacier since 1989. He currently serves as the North Fork District Ranger overseeing 9 employees, a quarter million acres of land, 170 miles of trail, 4 campgrounds, an entrance station, 4 lakes, 28 miles of a wild and scenic river, 18 miles of international border, a 20-mile section of the Continental Divide, 39 miles of roadway, 13 backcountry campgrounds, and several historic buildings and cabins.

Emmerich truly embraces every element of ranger life. His duties include visitor and resource protection, backcountry management, wildlife management, maintenance, safety, visitor education, and fee collection. He works and lives in an off-grid, rustic, and remote section of Glacier National Park. His wife Jan also works for the National Park Service as Glacier’s Chief of Concessions Management.

As a wildlife manager, Emmerich works hand-in-hand with researchers capturing, collaring, and tracking cougars, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes, elk, and deer. He recalls his most memorable wildlife experience was holding, as gently as possible, an agitated 110-pound cougar by the tail while biologists administered a tranquilizer.

An accomplished rescue ranger and park medic, Emmerich has assisted people with medical emergencies and those who have gotten lost or injured while hiking, rock climbing, boating, swimming, or skiing. To this day he has vivid memories of arriving first on scene of a remote, mountainous single engine plane crash that killed two people and severely burned four others.

He constantly strives to improve the park’s EMS, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations through training, practice sessions, and partnerships. He has established outstanding working relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Flathead County, local game wardens, and state biologists. He teaches winter survival courses, law enforcement tactics, first aid, and CPR. He is a frequent guest speaker at schools and civic meetings and believes strongly in community involvement with his roles in hunter education, youth soccer, the American Heart Association, the ALERT air ambulance program, and the Columbia Falls School Board.

When asked about his proudest career accomplishments, Emmerich touts the achievements of his staff and volunteers. “They are the most amazing and dedicated team a person could ever hope to assemble,” he said. The opportunities he’s had to work with and train young rangers just starting their careers are especially meaningful.

In accepting the award, Emmerich emphasized that “no one ranger is worthy of such an honor. It’s a team of people who help build and support every ranger who’s graced a National Park Service uniform – it starts with your family and encompasses teachers, peers, friends and leaders in your life.

On behalf of the team of people who supported me and gave me every opportunity to succeed in my life and this profession, I thank you for the honor of accepting the Harry Yount Award 2010.”

My Tags: America, Community, Deer, Elk, Forest, Game, Hiking, Law, News, Outdoors, Park, Rat, Washington, Wildlife

Buckrun Outdoors » Forest

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