Wyoming State Parks First Day Hikes Scheduled

In what is becoming an increasingly popular New Year’s Day activity, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails provides “First Day Hikes” – a perfect way for Wyoming residents and out-of-state visitors to celebrate the New Year outdoors.

Sixteen New Year’s Day guided hikes and walks held at state park and historic site venues statewide will be held in conjunction with similar hikes held in all 50 states; a part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

This is the seventh consecutive year Wyoming is offering free First Day Hikes. Last year, more than 500 people participated hiking more than 700 total miles.

“There is nothing more rejuvenating than sharing a brisk hike with Wyoming State Park staff in some of the most amazing parks and historic sites in the country,” State Parks Administrator Domenic Bravo said.

Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park or historic site. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.naspd.org to find a First Day Hike nearest you.

You can also view a list of hikes and events by clicking here.



Jeff
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Becoming An Outdoors Woman Winter Workshop Set For Jan 26-28

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' popular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is hosting a winter skills workshop January 26-28, 2018, in Seeley Lake.

Registration is now open and women are encouraged to sign up with a friend and learn a new activity or improve existing skills. Participants choose three classes from these winter activities: avalanche awareness, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sewing with fur, skinning and hide prep, and snowshoeing. Anyone 18 years of age or older may participate. The fee for the workshop is $115 and includes class instruction and some meals. Participants are responsible for their own lodging. This is a popular workshop and will fill quickly, so register today!

To download a registration form visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov, click "Education," then click "Becoming and Outdoors Woman. "For more information on the BOW Winter workshop, call Sara Smith, 406-444-9948 or email sarsmith@mt.gov.



Jeff
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First Day Hike Events Coming to Montana State Parks - January 1, 2018

Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is inviting the public to welcome in the New Year with First Day Hikes at Montana State Parks on January 1, 2018.

Start your New Year off on the right (or left) foot with a "First Day Hike" at your local state park. Montana State Parks will offer First Day Hikes at five locations across the state. Explore history, view winter landscapes and wildlife, and let the fresh air rejuvenate you. These 1 to 3-mile, easy to moderate hikes are the perfect means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

‘First Day Hikes’ is an annual, nationwide special event sponsored by America’s State Parks. Last year nearly 55,000 people, from all 50 states, rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country on the guided hikes.

For a list of First Day Hike events, please click here.



Jeff
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Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting to Highlight Moose Research

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will present highlights from a multi-year statewide moose research project at a public meeting this week.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Region One Citizen Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6 starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is at FWP’s regional headquarters at 490 N. Meridian in Kalispell.

The meeting agenda includes a presentation by FWP research technician Jesse Newby, who has been studying Montana’s moose population. Newby will provide an update from FWP’s 10-year statewide research project as it finishes its fifth year. The presentation will include updates on efforts to develop a cost-effective statewide monitoring program for moose, as well as updates on field research into moose population dynamics.

Concern has emerged in recent years over widespread declines of North American moose populations along the southern extent of their range. Populations in Montana appear to have declined since the 1990’s, as evidenced by aerial survey trends and hunter harvest statistics

In 2013, FWP began a 10-year study designed to help the department better understand the status and trends of moose populations across Montana and identify the most cost-effective means to monitor those populations and maximize hunter opportunity.

The Region One Citizen Advisory Committee is comprised of local residents who help FWP achieve its goals by serving two main functions: providing the agency with information, ideas, emerging trends and initiatives from the public in a setting that welcomes diverse interests, and providing a vehicle for FWP to inform citizens.

For more information, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r1/cac/.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
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