PRESCRIBED BURNS PLANNED

A series of small prescribed burns on Antelope Island will occur several times throughout April — weather permitting.

The Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation said residents may see smoke from the fires on the western horizon and shouldn't be alarmed.

The burns will be used to remove dead plant material from the area along the east shoreline. These patches were treated with a herbicide last fall, and burning is necessary to remove the dead material so a follow-up application of herbicide can be applied next fall.

Steve Bates, island biologist, said the burns will make it possible for park managers to re-establish a plan that will allow year-round forage for island wildlife.

RESERVE CAMPS NOW

It's not too early to reserve a Memorial Day campsite at a Utah state park. The following parks have campsites available for the big weekend, but they are filling up quickly: Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Deer Creek, East Canyon, Fremont Indian, Jordanelle, Quail Creek, Red Fleet, Rockport, Scofield, Snow Canyon, Starvation, Steinaker, Utah Lake, Wasatch Mountain, Willard Bay and Yuba.

To make a reservation or for more information call 801-322-3770 from within the Salt Lake calling area and 800-322-3770 from outside the area or visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.

TRAIL GROOMING ENDS

With the onset of spring conditions across much of the state, the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation has announced it ended its 2007 snowmobile trail grooming season on April 1.

The agency operates 11 snowmobile trail groomers on nine distinct snowmobile trail complexes in the state.

Spring conditions limit groomer access on many complexes.

There is still some great riding in some of Utah's high country, but snowmobilers are encouraged to exercise caution. Avalanches are still possible.

For additional information call 538-7220 or 800-OHV-RIDE.

MELTDOWN RACE

The 8th Annual Meltdown Race will be held at Snowbasin Resort on April 12.

Replacing the pole (downhill skiing/snowboarding), peddle (biking) and paddle (kayaking) will be an event with downhill skiing/snowboarding, kombi, which involves gates, rollers and jumps and a 3-mile criterium bike race.

All competitors will be entered in a drawing for a season pass and an overnight stay.

There will also be a kids course set up. Competition will be held in five men's and women's divisions.

The prerace fee is $25. Registration on race day is $35. The first event will begin at 8 a.m.

MOUNTAIN GOAT VIEWING

At this time of year, Rocky Mountain goats can be seen near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

As part of the annual appearance, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will hold a goat-viewing event on April 12

The event will be held at the park-and-ride lot at the mouth of the canyon.

Biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be at the site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help spot the goats and to answer questions.

There will also be a fact card and posters available and a display showing goat horns and fur.

For more information call 801-538-4771.