PARK SHUTTLES RUNNING

The Utah Olympic Park shuttle will meet PC Transit buses at the Newpark shuttle stop every half hour this winter. Service to the Utah Olympic Park from the Newpark shuttle stop will start at 9:15 a.m. with a final drop off at 5:15 p.m. The shuttle will run seven days a week until Saturday, March 31, 2007. The Utah Olympic Park will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day and shuttles will not run on those dates.

YUBA SOLAR PROJECT

A new system for gathering solar energy was recently constructed at Yuba State Park, south of Nephi. This is the 10th park in the state system to utilize photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate power.

The PV solar panel system powers a pump that moves water from a well to a storage tank. The water is fed, by gravity, through a new system to the Painted Rocks Campground.

The Yuba State Park system was completed in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. The PV equipment was purchased by Utah State Parks for about $15,000 and installed by State Parks and BLM crews. The pumping system completes a multiyear partnership that included constructing the campground, drilling a well and constructing the water distribution system.

"The PV systems are in the more remote parks, which tend to be far away from main power grids," says Utah State Parks Project Manager Bill Maughan. "The systems actually save money by eliminating the need for costly power lines." In the case of Painted Rocks, it was an estimated savings of $80,000.

At Goblin Valley State Park, the PV system powers the entire park operation. PV systems in other state parks also power picnic areas, sheds, shade areas and restrooms. More PV projects are planned for other parks in 2007.

TORCHLIGHT PARADE

Deer Valley's annual torchlight parade will be held at dusk (about 6 p.m.) on Saturday, Dec. 30, at Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain. The parade is best viewed from the upper deck of Snow Park Lodge. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served. For more information call 435-649-1000 or 800-424-DEER.

TIGER MUSKIE RESTRICTIONS

A disease that has infected fish in eight states has led the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to stop importing tiger muskie fry from Minnesota.

The tiger muskie is a cross between a muskellunge and a northern pike, and because it is a hybrid it does not reproduce.

The disease — viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS — has been found in states near the Great Lakes and prompted the federal government to limit the shipment of fish from the region, prompting Utah's voluntary action.

"The risk of bringing VHS in from Minnesota waters and infecting fish in Utah is just too high," said Walt Donaldson, aquatic section chief for the DWR. "I know some of our anglers, especially those who fish at Pineview Reservoir, will be disappointed with this decision. But we have no choice."

Other Western states are facing similar restrictions, and Donaldson said the DWR has contacted them to see whether they would be interested in joining Utah in starting a tiger muskie egg and fry program in the West.