Outdoor notes

OHV safety week

This week has been declared Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week in Utah.

"OHV riding is a great sport for the whole family and a good way to see Utah's outdoors," said Eric Stucki, OHV education specialist with Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.

"The purpose of OHV Safety Week is to remind riders to be properly trained and prepared for safe riding. Riders also need to remember to ride responsibly and protect our fragile environment."

Utah law requires all OHV riders, from age 8 until a Utah driver's license is received, to complete the "Know Before You Go!" training course in order to operate an OHV on public land. Children under 8 cannot operate an OHV on public lands.

To register for classes or for information on OHV laws and riding areas, contact the OHV Information Center at 801-538-7433 from within Salt Lake City, or 1-800-OHV-RIDE (648-7433) from outside the area. Trail maps are also available at the Department of Natural Resources Bookstore at 1594 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City.

Trail work under way

Construction is under way on the newest link of the Provo-Jordan River Parkway, the 8-mile, non-motorized trail section from Deer Creek Dam to Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley.

The trail is expected to be completed in July. The 10-foot wide trail surface will be compacted road base with a very mild grade. It will be open to cyclists, walkers, hikers and equestrians.

Because this is protected watershed, no dogs will be allowed on the trail.

This link is the first in a two-phase project. Currently, the Provo-Jordan River Parkway stops at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. The Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam link will be constructed as a component of the Provo Canyon highway widening project, with expected completion by late 2006.

Dutch oven clinic

Women and couples can learn Dutch oven cooking skills at an upcoming clinic offered by the DWR's "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" program.

The Dutch oven cooking clinic will be held May 14 at the Davis County Fairpark, 151 S. 1100 West in Farmington. The clinic begins at 1 p.m.