The wet fall and heavy snow has also put more moisture back into the soil, which means this year's crop of food for wildlife will be good, more berries for the bears, grasses for the elk and forbs for the deer.

This also means the likelihood of a better survival rate for the young animals coming into the world this spring.

And, with greener mountains it will mean less chance of fire restrictions in some of the more popular camping areas.

More water will also be a benefit to Utah's fish hatcheries. They need flowing water to raise fish. The more water, the more fish they can raise and release.

Golf courses will be able to return to regular watering schedules, which will translate into greener greens.

And, come May, be sure to take a ride into the backcountry to enjoy what is certain to be one of the more spectacular spring flower shows on record.

---

E-mail: grass@desnews.com