More Government Intrusion into Outdoor Recreation

The governator is anti-sunscreen in california.

The california Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court ruling that allows the state to ban nudity at state beaches.

The governator revoked a policy that had been in place since 1979 that prohibited ticketing nude bathers until after someone had filed a complaint. No reason is given as to why the old actor decided that nudity was now a problem on state beaches after 30 years.

The decision is Naturist Action Committee vs. Department of Parks and Recreation, S174821 2009 Cal. LEXIS 10988 decided October 14, 2009. The decision the Supreme Court left unchanged was Naturist Action Committee et al., v. Department Of Parks And Recreation et al., 175 Cal. App. 4th 1244; 96 Cal. Rptr. 3d 620; 2009 Cal. App. LEXIS 1169. See State lets parks crack down on nude beach goers beachgoers for more information.

Nudists are a threat to government. They carry concealed…….Ok, well they are obviously plotting a revolt just laying there in the sand…….Ok, well then, damn most of them are just plain ugly, and if you are that ugly you should have to wear clothes…….darn that means I have to wear clothes. What reason is there to ban nudity besides melanoma issues?

There is no federal law banning nudity on federal land but don’t tell anyone.

UIAA has issued a warning for Anchors in Tropical and/or Marine Environments

The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) has issued a warning to be vigilant in checking for corrosion on anchors in tropical and/or marine environments. See Extreme caution advised for anchors in tropical, marine areas.

The UIAA study shows that 10 to 20 percent of fixed anchors will fail in marine/tropical environments. The study also showed the force to break some of the anchors was as low as 1 to 5 KN. Those loads are so small in some cases that is the weight of a climber.

The anchors were stainless steel and the corrosion appears to be accelerated by the closeness to the sea and a year round warm wet climate. The UIAA is recommending:

• Before climbing, talk to local climbers and with local people who equipped the routes about the quality of the anchors in place.
  
• Find out if a climbing area is regularly re-equipped. Experience to date shows that if anchors are less than three years old, they are less likely to be weakened.
  
• Look for tracks of rust on anchors. If you see such marks, do not load the anchor and stop the climb, as it is just these sorts of anchors that have been dangerous in the study. Alert locals so they can deal with the situation. You can also change the weakened anchor.
  
• As a precautionary principle, the UIAA highly advises climbers to not climb on routes in tropical, marine environments that show rust, or for which you don’t know who maintains the routes or when the equipment was put in place.
  
• Even with positive knowledge about the climbing routes, know that you ultimately must verify for yourself the quality of the anchors in place.
  

To see the full report see: Safety Commission report

UIAA Mountain Ethics Officially Published

This is an update of an earlier post UIAA adopting new ethics code and best practices for mountaineering.

The Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) has officially published its new mountain ethics. I have posted the new ethics at UIAA adopting new ethics code and best practices for mountaineering. To see the press release announcing the publication see. Officially published – Mountain Ethics Declaration. To download a copy of the ethics go to Mountain Ethics Declaration.

The new ethics cover areas such as the ethics of sportsmanship, respect for cultures and care for the environment as well as issues with first ascents and oxygen. The ethics are 12 maxims that provide an easy way to organize and remember the issues.

AFFTA and Outdoor Retailer/Fly Fishing Trade Show Split

Nielsen/Fly Fishing Retailer had been running the Fly Fishing Retailer Trade Show in Denver Colorado for many years. After the show had dwindled, Nielsen announced they would merge/move the show to the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Utah in August. This obviously not what American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) had planned.

AFFTA announced they were going to create their own trade show in Denver in the fall. See Independent Fly Fishing Show to Debut in Colorado

Along with the announcement of the show AFFTA announced a new marketing director who will run the show and a long list of exhibitors who have committed to the show. The show is expected to be held in the third quarter of 2010.

UIAA has a New Website to check on product Recalls

If you are worried about your climbing equipment being the subject of a “recall”, you now have a place to check. The UIAA has a new website where you can check on your climbing gear. The site is Certified Equipment and Recalls. On the same page, you can check and see if your equipment has received the UIAA label.

An article about the new site can be found at Recalls function one-stop shop for climbing community.

A note: A “recall” as defined by the UIAA is not the same as a recall here in the US. The UIAA is a European Organization and operates under EU laws.

The UIAA is the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme or known here in the US as the International Mountaineering and
Climbing Federation.

Happy Holidays

Mountain Media Takes Nasty Spill after Confrontation with Vail Resorts

Mountain Media Takes Nasty Spill After Confrontation with Vail Resorts

When the New York Times writes about a reporter for a small (both figuratively and literally) newspaper in Summit County, Colorado, something is up.

Other headlines about this story include:

Reporter: I was fired for taking on the ski industry

Greene: Advertising flap snowballs for Vail Resorts

Journalist Fired After Critical Report Published

Vail resorts, the evil empire of the Rockies?

What is confusing is everyone seems to be giving Vail Resorts a hard time. Sure there are some ethical issues with Vail’s complaint/defense but let us get real. Sure Vail yanked its advertising from the newspaper because they did not like the article. Big corporations do this every day.

Besides there is only one newspaper in Summit County, if Vail does not advertise in the Summit Daily News the only other option is posting flyers on telephone poles.

The party to this story that should be castigated is the Summit Daily News. They forgot what a newspaper is supposed to do. They forgot they are the fourth estate, the non-governmental entities charged with keeping out freedom by remaining vigilant. Those freedoms specifically include the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Amendment I

The fundamental basis for all we stand for here in the US is the right to free speech. However, the Summit Daily News put a price on it. The price is the advertising dollars of Vail Resorts.

Big and little corporations are going to flex their muscle every day. Consumers do it every time they go to the Better Business Bureau website and file a complaint. Lawyers do it when they represent a client. That is life in the US.

However, life will change if every time we flex that muscle, some newspaper caves. Well, I am not going to take it anymore. I am canceling my subscription to the Summit Daily News effective immediately because of what they did.

Oh, wait, I do not live in Summit County, and I do not subscribe to that newspaper. No wonder newspapers are dying; it is hard to evolve when you don’t have any backbone.

International Mountain Guides is part of the new Everest Series this year

Air Dates Announced for the 2009 season of climbs

Now in its third season, the Discovery Channel’s Everest: Beyond The Limit is taking a new approach to filming this year and will feature both International Mountain Guides and Himalayan Experience in a five-part series.

The dates and times are below. Be sure to check your local listings for any last minute changes.

Sunday, December 27

8:00pm Episode 1

9:00pm Episode 2

10:00pm Episode 3

Wednesday, December 30

9:00pm Episode 4

10:00pm Episode 5

2009 IMG Everest Dispatches
International Mountain Guides, LLC | PO Box 246 | 31111 State Route 706 East | Ashford | WA | 98304

I am not sure why we have this fascination with “dangerous” sports and lists

There is another top 10 dangerous sports list out. The list was published by Top-10-list.org and supposedly lists the top 10 dangerous sports. See Top 10 Dangerous Sports. The list is pretty much a joke and seems to be based on the most injuries total rather than the most injuries per participant or hour spent in the sport.

The list is:

Check out the website to see their justification for their list. However, I have a few issues. If bullfighting is a sport then we should include prostitution. It is a job, not a sport. Those watching may consider it a sport but those engaging in it are at work.

The North Face is Suing the South Butt

Sometimes you only need a headline…..but I will explain.

A teenager in Missouri started a company called the South Butt as a parody of the clicks in his school that wore TNF clothing. He sold t-shirts and other stuff, (great quality I might say!).

The North Face did not like it,  (I laughed my south butt off! when I read about it) and now they have sued the South Butt.

See: The North Face files lawsuit, claims ‘The South Butt’ parody brand is trademark infringement.

The South Butt can be found at http://www.thesouthbutt.com/. You are on your own to find TNF. Lawsuits cost a lot of money to defend and you never know when you might need another t-shirt.  I also think that I have a lot of relatives that might look good in a South Butt T-shirt, shorts or jackets.  :)

Hurry Christmas is coming and judges may rule also….

UIAA Offering refresher and intensive Ice Climbing Courses for route Setters and Judges

The Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) is offering a serious of courses for ice climbing route setters and judges this winter. One of the courses will be in English. The courses will review the UIAA and the issues in course setting and judging for Lead, Boulder and Speed Climbing. For more information on the courses, see Ice Climbing refresher and intensive courses offered. If you wish specific information on courses or a list of the specific courses and their location go to the course list.

COMPETITOR MAGAZINE REGIONAL EDITOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Competitor Magazine is looking to hire part-time regional editors in several of our 11 magazine markets to include: Texas, Florida, Washington, D.C., Northwest and Northern California. Responsibilities include writing, editing and managing freelancers. The editor will cultivate and maintain local freelance writers and editorial sources, to include bloggers, and local photographers, as well as attend local amateur sports events and races. The ideal candidate should enjoy fitness-oriented sports and expect to participate in athletic events. Applicants should have at least 2 years of journalism experience, preferably with a background in either feature writing or sports writing. They should be able to generate strong story ideas. Competitor is a monthly magazine that covers amateur, participatory sports including running, cycling and triathlon. Knowledge of at least some of these sports is preferred. The free glossy magazine is based in 11 markets across the U.S. and has a circulation of more than 700,000 around the U.S.

Responsibilities per issue include:

• Writing Editor’s Note (500 words approx)
  
• Writing 4-5 items for Starting Lines section (200-300 words each)
  
• Writing 1-2 items for Better Competitor section (200 words each)
  
• Writing up to 5 Event Watches for Calendar section (100 words each)
  
• Writing I’m a Competitor Q&A (500-600 words)
  
• Writing or managing a freelance writer to write 1 local feature (600-800 words each)
  

Additionally, the Regional Editor is expected to:

• Be the face of the brand in that market
  
• Attend key industry events and races
  
• Establish a freelance network of local writers, photographers, bloggers
  
• Take photos/video when necessary
  
• Contribute to website
  

Please send cover letter, resume and 2-3 clips to rheaton@competitorgroup.com.

Research Fellowship available for Denali and other Alaskan Parks

The National Park Service and the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) are seeking applicants for two research fellowships that are available to individuals wishing to conduct research in Denali National Park and Preserve and other national parks in Alaska. The Discover Denali Research Fellowship is for research in or near Denali, and the Murie Science and Learning Center Fellowship is for research taking place in Denali or other arctic or subarctic Alaska national parks.

The Discover Denali and the MSLC Fellowship Programs are designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students, but may be appropriate for college and university faculty, state and federal agency scientists, and private-sector researchers. Proposals for research that will help managers make decisions about critical resource issues are particularly encouraged. A typical fellowship grant is expected to be around $3,000 – $3,500; however, proposals for up to $5,000 will be considered. If an applicant wants to be considered for both funding sources, only one application is needed.

The deadline for both fellowship applications is February 1, 2010 and a decision is expected to be made soon after March 1, 2010. The fieldwork of fellowship recipients must be arranged before September 1, 2010.

This is the third year that the Murie Science and Learning Center research funds will be available to researcher-applicants whose studies help managers in all of the parks that are partners with the MSLC: Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Denali National Park and Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, Noatak National Preserve, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and Yukon – Charley Rivers National Preserve. A total of 3-6 fellowships may be funded in 2010.

This is the fifth year that the Discover Denali Research Fellowship has been available for researchers. It is projected that 2-4 projects may be funded in 2010. Any previous fellow may reapply, but is not assured of additional funding.

An information guide about either of the fellowships, which includes specifics on how to apply and other information helpful to the application process, may be downloaded from www.nps.gov/dena/naturescience/discodena.htm. For more information contact Denali’s Research Administrator Lucy Tyrrell at (907) 683-6352 or lucy_tyrrell@nps.gov.

The Discover Denali Fellowship is made possible through proceeds from Discover Denali, an MSLC program developed in partnership between the Denali Education Center and the National Park Service. The Discover Denali program educates Royal Celebrity Tours participants about Denali’s natural and human history. The Denali Education Center seeks to connect people to Denali through research, education, and communication.

The Murie Science and Learning Center Fellowship is made possible through the proceeds of the Center’s many education programs offered by Alaska Geographic in partnership with the National Park Service. The MSLC was established in the spirit of the Natural Resource Challenge, a National Park Service initiative aimed at increasing research and education efforts in our national parks. As part of its mission to connect people with their public lands, Alaska Geographic provides partial staffing and funding for the MSLC operations.

Discover Denali Research Fellowship Program, 2010 Application Instructions and Guidelines

Update on Carolina Perception sea-kayaks stolen they have been found!

I wrote about a university program having two of their kayaks stolen in Carolina Perception sea-kayaks stolen. I am happy to report they have been found, but you will never guess how. See the story from Russ Crispell that he pasted on Facebook!

Winter 2009 Green Guru Gear Factory Sale

Green Guru Gear Factory Sale; Join us for this clearance event!

We’re having a holiday factory sale at our Boulder facility with great deals on a variety of eco-gear and goods. Save big on everything from messenger bags to accessories. We have new products, seconds, samples and prototypes. Come by and see all of our upcycling magic.

Our sale will run this Saturday 11-5 and 9-6pm Monday – Friday till December 22nd. We are east of Foothills Parkway on 47th Street in the SW corner of the green warehouse. Look for the red SALE flags. See you there!

2500 47th Street, Unit 12, Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303-258-1611
If you are not able to come by, save online with 15% off by using the discount code “GURUNATION” during checkout.

Four Corners School of Outdoor Education Southwest Ed-Ventures Head Guide 2010

General: Four Corners School of Outdoor Education (FCS) is a twenty-five-year old non-profit based in Monticello, Utah. Our mission is to create lifelong learning experiences about the Colorado Plateau bioregion (Southern Utah, Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico and Northern Arizona) for people of all ages and backgrounds through education, service, adventure, and conservation programs. Our vision is to build a diverse community of people who are committed to conserving the natural and cultural treasures of the Colorado Plateau.

FCS achieves its mission/vision through 4 education, service, adventure, and conservation programs that include:

1-Canyon Country Youth Corps (CCYC)-an employment, education, and leadership program for primarily Navajo youth ages 16-23, who complete public lands projects on the Colorado Plateau.

2-Southwest Ed-Ventures (SWED)-adventure education trips for all ages throughout the Colorado Plateau, whose net income supports the other 3 programs of FCS.

3-The Bioregional Outdoor Education Project (BOEP)-a place-based environmental education training program for all K-8 schools and teachers on the Colorado Plateau.

4-The soon-to-be Discovery Institute for Conservation Education-part of the new campus of FCS, the Canyon Country Discovery Center, that provides place-based learning on and about the Colorado Plateau bioregion.

Job-Description: The Southwest Ed-Ventures program seeks a Head Guide for the 2010 season. It is a part-time position, mid-March to mid-November. It may or may not allow you to work for other companies during the season, depending on our schedule of booked trips each year, but SWED trips will need to be your first priority for work. You will work SWED river and land trips, BOEP and CCYC river trips, and as cook where needed. Pay is subject to the FCS guide payscale, as attached. This person will work as head guide on all trips (unless there are overlaps), plus some basecamp office days (10-15) as needed to keep equipment, logistics, and pre-trip paperwork in order. As the number of river and land-based trips vary from year to year, the number of workdays a month will vary. Will report to Janet Ross (Executive Director), unless a SWED Manager is in place. Can live at FCS basecamp at no cost when working. In a typical year you will work fifteen to twenty 3 to 7 days trips.

Overall duties are:

1. Trip leader, whenever you are on a trip (being a good cook is a must)

2. Supervise of trip staff (Janet does the hiring)

3. Create menus, shop for, and pack out all trips with other staff (even if you are not on them) including BOEP/CCYC river trips

4. Repair gear and manage/maintain basecamp

5. With Pam/Kathy send out pre-trip information

6. With Pam/Kathy make sure all logistics are handled for each trip

7. Set up/take down of Safari Camp with other staff, if the trips go

8. For non-field days worked you will be paid your same daily rate

9. Work with Tim on vehicle maintenance and management

Qualifications Needed:

1-Guide 1 or 2 in Utah with WFR and CPR certification

2-Good dutch oven and camp cook for high-end menu

3-Well-organized, multi-tasker, and some computer skills

4-Good people skills (guides and clients and office staff) with high-end clientele

5-Good interpretive skills for Colorado Plateau bioregion

6-Ability to lead river, backpack, hike, basecamp, and service trips

7-Handy with tools for basecamp and gear repairs

Email: Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your availability to Janet Ross, jross@fourcornersschool.org. She will then send you further information and schedule a phone interview with you. Thanks!