Outdoor notes

PHRAGMITES WORK BEGINS

There could be smoke on the horizons northwest of Salt Lake City over the next few weeks. It will come from an environmental move to try and control a plant called "phragmites."

Division of Wildlife Resources biologists started burning phragmites at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area west of Farmington this week.

After work is done at Farmington Bay, burning crews will work their way north.

Phragmites is an aggressive plant that has invaded the marshes of the Great Salt Lake. It's outcompeting more desirable plants for space.

With the help and support of the Utah Waterfowler's Association, the DWR received $200,000 to spray 2,000 acres in 2006.

"The downside to spraying phragmites is that the following spring you need to burn the dead vegetation," said Rich Hansen, manager of the Farmington Bay WMA. "Burning opens up the canopy of phragmites so more desirable vegetation can grow and so we can more efficiently re-spray the phragmites that is still alive."

The DWR is working on a 15-year phragmites management plan.

TRACKING CLASS SET

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation is offering a two-day tracking class on March 24-25. Students will learn about animal's feet and how they move, when and where they rest, what they eat and how animals make a living in the wild.

It will involve two full days of indoor and field instruction.

Field session will be done on snowshoes provided by REI at no extra charge.

Tuition is $75 per participant, with proceeds to benefit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation.

To register call REI at 486-2100 and ask to speak to the customer service department or register in person.

LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY

Registrations are now being taken for this semester's 1B/2B of the Start Smart learn to play hockey program. Classes begin the first week of April. Cost is $50 for eight classes. Seminars on developing a road map for young hockey players to be able to play college hockey will be held at the County Ice Center on March 20, 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Drop-in hockey times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 to 7:15 a.m. Cost is $6.