Is there any Giardia? Recent review of history suggests No!

But without Giardia how do we sell water filters?

Erik Schlimmer in an article titled Giardia Myth-Buster: How Hearsay and Anecdotal Evidence has Created a False Industry Standard written for the Wilderness Education Association
Journal of the Wilderness Education Association
says Giardia is more hype and marketing than reality.

I thought this was interesting, even thought the research does not meet hard scientific standards, for two reasons. I still work as a whitewater raft guide and consequently swallow a lot of river water unfiltered. Not intentionally, but it happens. I’ve talked to other river guides about this and we all agree we don’t get sick. Now there is an exception in the Grand Canyon for norovirus, however the statistics show that guides don’t get norovirus either.

I was recently told by a friend, a physician, that he had attended a conference where one speaker said there was no giardia in the US and it all stemmed from one misdiagnosis many years ago.

Finally several studies have shown that nobody filters water correctly. In fact most studies show that either the way the equipment is stored or handled there is almost 100% cross contamination. One study showed that most people would be better off leaving the filter at home, washing their hands more and doing a better job of preparing and cleaning up after cooking.

But you say we see signs all the time that require us or tell us to filter our water. Most NPS and USFS information requires it and filtering is mandatory for commercial outfitters. But as the article states, liability and/or marketing are driving those signs and warnings more than hard science.

Why do I love this article? Because it is another story about us running around in the wilderness spouting what we think we know when we obviously don’t know.

I urge you to read this article. It is well written, humorous and tackles 99% of the giardia myths. More importantly it shows what we need to do to understand what is going on in our world. We need to quit guessing at what will make us safe and keep us out of court and look at what really works and does not work. Exam what we do based on science rather than guessing or beer. (Seriously I’ve seen enough risk management ideas that I swear were conceived over more beer than intelligence!)

Thanks Erik!

Civic Tourism III Conference – To Be Held August 11 – 14, 2010 – in Fort Collins, Colorado

(Based on the Civic Tourism Conferences held in Prescott AZ in March 2006, and the Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island, 2008)

Civic Tourism’s mission is to “reframe” tourism’s purpose from an economic goal to a tool that can help the public enhance what they love about their place. It provides a forum for citizens to decide if, how, and for what purpose the ingredients of place (cultural, built, &

natural) can be integrated to create a dynamic, distinctive, and prosperous community. Ideally, Civic Tourism involves all stakeholders to build strong partnerships between corporations, family-owned businesses, natural and cultural heritage resource sites and events, parks and recreation, and tourism attractions-everyone should have a voice and a place at the table. And at the Civic Tourism III conference, everyone will.

Full agenda available at: http://www.interpnet.com/civic/schedule.shtml

Civic Tourism III Conference

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Civic Tourism Conference is aimed at fostering dialogue among important stakeholders and practitioners of Civic Tourism Development.

This includes academics, government officials and other public sector employees at the national, state and local level, tourism industry leaders in the private sector and non-government organizations. Toward this goal we are inviting the participants of the conference to present relevant academic papers as a 20 minute presentation.

Academic areas of interest are:

1.    Sustainable tourism development and civic tourism

2.    Economics of civic tourism

3.    Program and project management in civic tourism

4.    Marketing and media in tourism

5.    Sociology of civic tourism

6.    Heritage development and civic tourism

7.    The Experience Industry and civic tourism

8.    Civic tourism in practice

9.    Educational opportunities afforded via civic tourism

10.    Geotourism and civic tourism

Submission of Abstracts

Abstracts of 200 to 350 words should be sent through the “Call for Papers” link listed above and below. All abstracts must be received by January 15, 2010. The peer review committee will review all abstracts by February 15, 2010, and authors of accepted abstracts will be notified thereafter. At least one author of each paper must attend the conference to present it. Please forward to interested academic institutions you may associate with.

In Fort Collins, where renewal is a way of life, you’ll find award-winning schools, a globally focused university, thriving arts scene, eclectic shops and restaurants, hundreds of miles of walking and biking paths, and a plethora of outdoor activities. The Civic Tourism III conference gives you the opportunity to experience Fort Collins, northern Colorado, and Wyoming like never before.

http://www.interpnet.com/civic/schedule.shtml

Diane B. Gaede, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Recreation and Tourism University of Northern Colorado Gunter Hall 1250 Greeley, CO 80639

(970) 351-2688

Safety Program Coordinator: The School for Field Studies

Job Description: Safety Program Coordinator: The School for Field Studies

The School for Field Studies is a third party provider of education abroad experiences for undergraduate college students. We conduct education and research focusing on issues of sustainable development at our Centers and programs in Australia, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mexico, Tanzania and Turks & Caicos.

This position is for someone who is looking for a new career in international risk management. Role requires extensive travel and flexibility and a willingness to engage deeply in learning.

Duties to include:

• Oversight of all student medical and psychological screening
• Creation of an SFS Student Screening Manual
• Serving as primary liaison to all Student Affairs Managers
• Oversight of Center Safety Audit schedule
• Share in Safety Review Process
• Participate in 24/7 on call duties
• Updating of all Emergency Response Plan contact info
• Oversight of Incident Report system
• Oversight of Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance
• Serving in any of a variety of roles in an emergency
• Gradual involvement in development and delivery of Risk Management Education
• Researching risk management topics and developing curriculum

Requirements

• BA/BS in relevant field
• Significant international experience
• Risk management experience (humanitarian NGOs/Adventure education, etc)
• Technology competent

Preferred Attributes

• MA/MS in relevant field
• Spanish language
• Sea Kayaking instructor certification
• SCUBA experience
• Wilderness Emergency Medicine background

Compensation

• Baseline salary – mid to high 30’s

• Competitive benefits

To Apply

Send resume and cover letter to Bill Frederick – bfrederick@fieldstudies.org

Position to be filled by January 1

Free Review of Your Release or Acknowledgment of Risk forms

1. Take the Survey and answer the questions and provide the necessary contract information.
   
2. Send me a PDF or a Word document of your release or acknowledgement of risk form to me.
   

Let Everyone You Know, Know about this.

Pass this information along on Facebook, Twitter and Email your friends and associates.

Rules:

1. I’m only licensed in the state of Colorado
   
2. This will be a review. I will identify the issues I’ve found in your release or acknowledgement of release form only.
   
3. You must complete all questions on the quiz and provide complete and correct information.
   
4. It can only be a PDF or a Word (doc, docx).
   
5. The release is for use by human powered outdoor recreation programs or adventure travel programs.
   
6. I reserve the right to cancel at any time or reject a program or release
   
7. It may take several weeks to review your document; there is no time limit on my end.
   
8. I reserve the right to change the rules, modify the rules, cancel the idea, or do anything else I want.
   
9. There is no value in doing this.
   
10. I’m not responsible for what you do with the information.
    

The information collected will not be used, distributed or given to anyone else. The contact information will be kept separate and not identified with the survey answers.

By taking the survey you are giving me permission to contact you by email.

I was quoted in Outside Magazine, November 2009 Page 80

I was quoted in the November 2009 issue of Outside Magazine on page 80. I was interviewed over the issues in the new hampshire laws on charging for search and rescue costs.

I came off “sounding” pretty good!



For more information on the issue with new hampshire charging for SAR see: USA Today Updates Issues with New Hampshire Law Billing For SAR’s, Update: Give me a break! Teen charged $25K for a rescue he did not need, and Give me a break! Teen charged $25K for a rescue he did not need.

November Free Review of Your Release

In an opportunity to help generate ideas and interest in this blog and the Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Law Review I am going to make everyone an offer you can’t refuse. During the month of November I am going to review your releases or acknowledgment of risk documents for free. You have to complete two steps to get this offer..

1. Take the Survey and answer the questions and provide the necessary contract information.
2. Send me a PDF or a Word document of your release or acknowledgement of risk form to me.

In return I’ll send you a review of your release. No Charge. I’ll let you know the problems you have or changes you need to make in your release or acknowledgment or risk form.

Why? I need more information about what you are looking for in an attorney, what you want from the blog, what worries you about the legal and risk management aspects of your program and subscribers to the Outdoor Recreation Law Review. I want to learn more about you. The questionnaire is going to help provide some of those answers.

Let Everyone You Know, Know about this.

Pass this information along on Facebook, Twitter and Email your friends and associates.

The Survey will be posted on the blog at here

Rules:

1. I’m only licensed in the state of Colorado
2. This will be a review. I will identify the issues I’ve found in your release or acknowledgement of release form only.
3. You must complete all questions on the quiz and provide complete and correct information.
4. It can only be a PDF or a Word (doc, docx).
5. The release is for use by human powered outdoor recreation programs or adventure travel programs.
6. I reserve the right to cancel at any time or reject a program or release
7. It may take several weeks to review your document; there is no time limit on my end.
8. I reserve the right to change the rules, modify the rules, cancel the idea, or do anything else I want.
9. There is no value in doing this.
10. I’m not responsible for what you do with the information.

The information collected will not be used, distributed or given to anyone else. The contact information will be kept separate and not identified with the survey answers.

The Program does not start until November 1, 2009 when the survey will go up. Don’t send me information or your release before then.

C.A.M.P. USA Discount Benefits AAC – Two Days Only

15% OFF and 5% FOR THE AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB

On Tuesday, October 27 or Wednesday, October 28, use coupon code – AAC – to receive a 15% discount on all orders at www.camp-usa.com. Additionally, 5% of all camp-usa.com sales during this week will be donated to the AAC. A true double whammy – you save, the AAC gains. Even closeout items are included to help raise the donation bar as high as possible!

CLICK HERE to access the 2009 CAMP product catalog. Shop using the BUY NOW buttons on individual product pages. You can view your cart any time using the VIEW SHOPPING CART link at the top of the page.

The American Alpine Club provides knowledge and inspiration, conservation and advocacy, and logistical support to the climbing community. Learn more at: www.americanalpineclub.org.

USDA Forest Service has published its new Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook

The Forest Service has published its latest version of its Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook. The Guidebook can be found at: Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook.

All permitees or people wishing to conduct commercial activities on USDA Forest Service land should know and understand this book.

Remember, the US Forest Service considers all college and university programs to be commercial outfitters requiring a permit!

The Chapter Headings are:

• Chapter One, Introduction    3 pages RTF
• Chapter Two, Definitions     1 page RTF
• Chapter Three, The Analysis Process    10 pages RTF
• Chapter Four, Application and Authorization Process    20 pages RTF
• Chapter Five, Permit Administration    12 pages RTF
• Chapter Six, Accountability Procedures    18 pages RTF
• Index    1 page RTF
• Appendix Index    1 page RTF
• Needs Assessments    8 pages RTF
• Approaches for Allocation    6 pages RTF
• Capacity Calculation using Limits of Acceptable Change    2 pages RTF
• State Outfitter Guide Associations    2 pages RTF
• State Regulatory Agencies    2 pages RTF
• Sample Solicitation Letter to Prospective Outfitter    3 pages RTF
• Assurance Clause FS-1700-1    2 pages RTF
• Special Use Applications – FS 2700-3 and FS 2700-3a    8 pages RTF
• Checklist for Issuance of Outfitter Guide Permit – 3 Examples    6 pages RTF
• Sample Format for Recording Required Documents    2 pages RTF
• Assigned Site Sign    4 pages RTF
• Sample Camp Layout    2 pages RTF
• Sample Annual Itinerary    2 pages RTF
• Sample Grazing Use and Fees    2 pages RTF
• Sample Operating Plan Contents    4 pages RTF
• Outfitter Guide Performance Evaluation    4 pages RTF
• Performance Bond    4 pages RTF
• Sample Letters    10 pages RTF
• Actual Use Report    4 pages RTF
• WO Letter of March 11, 1996, Assigns Minimum Fees    2 pages RTF
• Sample Flat Fee Rate Calculation    8 pages RTF
• Estimated Fee Determination Sheet    2 pages RTF
• Fee Calculation Examples    40 pages RTF
• Service Day Fees and Priority Use Review Chart    3 pages RTF
• Sample Pre-Trip Information Letter    2 pages RTF
• Contributors    2 pages RTF

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 2nd Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) (WEA)

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

for the

2^nd Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS)

at the

2010 National Conference on Outdoor Leadership

Estes Park, Colorado

February 17-20, 2010

Submissions to the 2^nd annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) are now being accepted. OLRS is intended to provide a forum for practitioners and scholars to share recent and on-going research related to outdoor leadership. The symposium is being held in conjunction with the National Conference on Outdoor Leadership, sponsored annually by the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). The goal of this symposium is to help promote the development of evidence-based practice in the field of outdoor leadership. Submissions will be blind peer-reviewed and judged according to their relevance to the field of outdoor leadership as well as the basic quality of the research conducted. Presenters will have 15 minutes to present their research, followed by five minutes of questions. Accepted abstracts will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL). (For more information on JOREL please see www.ejorel.com)

Eligibility of proposals:

1. Only studies that have not been previously published or presented should be submitted.
   
2. Only studies that are completed or near completion should be submitted. A full report of findings and conclusions are expected at the presentation and in the published abstract.
   
3. Authors of accepted proposals must register for the conference by the early registration deadline. Any presenter who fails to do so will be dropped from the research symposium. Please do not submit an abstract unless you are committed to attending the symposium.
   
4. Abstracts must be submitted no later than November 1, 2009. Authors will be notified by December 15, 2009 regarding the status of their submissions. Authors must submit revised abstracts by January 15, 2010 for inclusion in a book of abstracts to be distributed at the symposium.
   

Submission guidelines:

1. Abstracts should be no more than two pages in length, using Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides), and single spacing.
   
2. Abstracts should follow standard formatting for journal articles: Background (which includes the introduction, review of literature, and statement of hypotheses/research questions), Methods (which includes a description of site, sample, instrument, procedures, and analysis), Results, Discussion, and References (which may be listed on a third page). Conceptual articles may use alternative headings.
   
3. Abstracts should be written and formatted according to the guidelines of the APA Publication Manual (5^th Edition).
   
4. A cover page should be included providing the following information: abstract title, names and affiliations of all authors, and contact information (including phone, fax, and email) of the principal author.
   
5. Documents should be saved in Microsoft Word format.
   
6. Abstracts that do not adhere to these guidelines may be rejected without further review.
   
7. Abstracts should be submitted to Bruce Martin at martinc2@ohio.edu by November 1, 2009. “2010 OLRS Abstract” should be written in the subject heading.
   

Questions regarding the Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium should be addressed to the symposium co-chairs: Bruce Martin at martinc2@ohio.edu or 740-593-4647; or, Marni Goldenberg at mgoldenb@calpoly.edu or 805-756-7627.

Assistant Acquisition/Development Editor, Outdoor Recreation

Assistant Acquisition/Development Editor, Outdoor Recreation

Oct. 07, 2009 – Dec. 07, 2009
Location: Guilford, CT

Employment Type: Full Time

Department: Editorial

Description: The Assistant Acquisition Editor for Outdoor Recreation helps manage a number of books within several different outdoor recreation series and in various stages of development; supports the Outdoor Recreation Department with a variety of responsibilities related to the book publishing process; and works closely with the Senior Editor in matters pertaining to author management and style of work.

Duties: Assists in acquiring writers for new titles and revisions.
• Manages authors/writers/revisers of assigned titles and works directly with them to ensure company standards are met and that manuscripts and maps conform to series and production guidelines.
• Evaluates manuscripts and maps for comprehensiveness, balance, accuracy, timeliness, and readability.
• Formats and styles manuscripts.
• Line edits and rewrites copy as necessary.
• Resolves book-related queries.
• Assists with managing/updating Falcon.com website as required.
• Conducts photo research and ensures all photo rights are secured.
• Researches outdoor recreation trends, news and developments.
• Reviews page proofs as necessary.
• Enters information into the title management software system.
• Fills out all paperwork as necessary.
• Assists in preparation of marketing and sales material related to assigned titles as necessary
• Attends meetings as necessary to facilitate book process.
• Helps keep books on schedule.

Qualifications: Strong editing, rewriting, and map-proofing skills.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office including Excel and track changes in Word.
• Ability to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Superb organizational skills.
• Strong interest in the outdoors and in outdoor recreation.
• Mac familiar and ability to use InCopy a plus.
• Familiarity with GPS devices and use of and ability to work with a variety of digital mapping applications including TOPO!, Garmin’s MapSource, Google Maps, ExpertGPS a plus.

Here is the original post.

If you have the skills I can personally vouch for a great group of people who work at Globe Pequot Press. They also create great books as evidenced by the number of National Outdoor Book Award winners they’ve had.

November Free Review Your Release Opportunity

In an opportunity to help generate ideas and interest in this blog and the Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Law Review I am going to make everyone an offer you can’t refuse. During the month of November I am going to review your releases or acknowledgment of risk froms for free.

Stay tuned I’ll come up with the requirements and how the program is going to work, but it will be no cost to you (and hopefully no major headaches for me!)

Pass this on, repost for your friends on Facebook and Re-tweet or just email it to your friends.

Jim

MSA Issues Stop Use Notice Redpoint ™ and Auto-Belay Descenders

Boulder, Colorado; October 15, 2009 MSA issued a stop use notice dated 10/14/2009 for certain products described below. MSA very recently became aware of two incidents where climbers using Redpoint Descenders experienced rapid rates of descent resulting in injuries. MSA’s preliminary investigation indicates an issue with the one-way bearings provided by their supplier, which may prevent the brakes from engaging during descent. Due to the nature of this condition, the users were not able to detect the problem before the rapid descents occurred.

The Stop Use Notice applies to the following descender units:

• All Redpoint Descenders (part numbers 10024873, 10027646, and 10027798) regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced,
  
• Auto-Belay Descenders (part number 10021806) manufactured or last serviced on or after June 30, 2000.
  

The part number, date of manufacture, and date of last factory service of the unit is located on the white date of manufacture label affixed to the back of the housing.

Based on these findings, MSA is advising affected users to discontinue using the Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders indicated above. Please forward this notice to all appropriate personnel.

MSA regrets this inconvenience; however, the company recognizes that this condition represents a potential safety concern. MSA will issue a follow-up notice shortly, after conducting further investigation into this matter. During the investigation, MSA will not be shipping any Redpoint Descenders currently on order or in for service, and will not be taking any new orders.

If you have any questions, please contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-MSA-2222 or 412-967-3000. If you would like to view the original notice it is here.

Ohio University settles lawsuit brought by injured student

The plaintiff in a lawsuit against Ohio University has issued a press release anoucing a settlement in its suit against Ohio University. See OU to pay $500,000 to settle lawsuit with burned student.

The plaintiff’s attorney announced they settled for $500,000. They had original sought $3.2 million.

For more information on this case see: Lawsuit against university outdoor program and Update on Ohio University Lawsuit

Dr. Charlie Houston is wondering higher mountains

Dr. Charlie Houston is one of the world’s great humans, great mountaineers, great explorers and great humans. Charlie was a great guy.

It took me awhile to write this. It is very hard to describe the effect meeting Charlie had on me and I was not sure I could or should convey that.

If you want to know about him you should listen to this interview by Bill Moyer.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/archives/houston_now_flash.html

You can read his autobiography Brotherhood of the Rope by Bernadette McDonald

You need to read his books, Five Miles High and K2 Savage Mountain. They stand out for what is not in the books, acrimony, arguments and fights. What does standout is the idea that a group of people bound together by a rope were, were going to go together to the summit or back to the world.

The world is short a wonderful person with his passing.

The Fellowship of the Rope, short an anchor.

Large Payout in deaths using Coleman heater indoors

A federal jury awarded $2M in damages over the death of two hunters who died using a Coleman heater indoors. The jury found the hunters 67% liable which will reduce the award to approximately $660,000.

The hunters were using the heater along with two wood burning stoves in a cabin in the Colorado Mountains.

For information on the case see Camp-heater deaths bring jury award.

For information on other large awards and settlements in Outdoor Recreation see Payouts in Outdoor Recreation

For other articles on product liability issues: The legal relationship created between manufactures and US consumers, How not to respond to a product liability claim or How to turn a mess into a legal disaster.

For Outdoor Recreation Law Review articles on Product Liability suits see: Venue and Jurisdiction Question Answered in Snowboard Product Liability Case, Case Brief: New York upholds release for negligence claim with purchase of paraglider, Indiana ski binding case instructive on product liability law, Warning labels found to be inadequate in climbing harness that was improperly clipped in and Challenge course product liability case from injury at Boy Scout camp instructive.

UIAA adopting new ethics code and best practices for mountaineering

The UIAA has put into writing long standing ideas on mountaineering sportsmanship, environmental and culture issues. Announcement of the new code can be found at New code lays out ethics and best practices.

Comments on the code can be emailed to office@uiaa.ch.

A draft of the code is below.

Article 1 – Individual Responsibility

Maxim:

Mountaineers and climbers practice their sport in situations where there is risk of accidents and outside help may not be available. With this in mind, they pursue this activity at their own responsibility and are accountable for their own safety. The individual’s actions should not endanger those around them nor the environment.

Article 2 – Team Spirit

Maxim:

Members of the team should be prepared to make compromises in order to balance the interests and abilities of the entire group.

Article 3 – Climbing & Mountaineering Community

Maxim:

We owe every person we meet in the mountains or on the rocks an equal measure of respect. Even in isolated conditions and stressful situations, we should not forget to treat others as we want to be treated ourselves.

Article 4 – Visiting Foreign Countries

Maxim:

As guests in foreign cultures, we should always conduct ourselves politely and with restraint towards the people there – our hosts. We will respect holy mountains and other sacred places while seeking to benefit and assist local economies and people. Understanding of foreign cultures is part of a complete climbing experience.

Article 5 – Responsibilities of Mountain Guides and other Leaders

Maxim:

Professional mountain guides, other leaders and group members should each understand their respective roles and respect the freedoms and rights of other groups and individuals. In order to be prepared guides, leaders and group members should understand the demands, hazards and risks of the objective, have the necessary skills, experience and correct equipment, and check the weather and conditions.

Article 6 – Emergencies, Dying and Death

Maxim:

To be prepared for emergencies and situations involving serious accidents and death all participants in mountain sports should clearly understand the risks and hazards and the need to have appropriate skills, knowledge and equipment. All participants need to be ready to help others in the event of an emergency or accident and also be ready to face the consequences of a tragedy.

Article 7 – Access and Conservation

Maxim:

We believe that freedom of access to mountains and cliffs in a responsible manner is a fundamental right. We should always practice our activities in an environmentally sensitive way and be proactive in preserving nature. We respect access restrictions and regulations agreed by climbers with nature conservation organizations and authorities.

Article 8 – Style

Maxim:

The quality of the experience and how we solve a problem is more important than whether we solve it. We strive to leave no trace.

Article 9 – First Ascents

Maxim:

The first ascent of a route or a mountain is a creative act. It should be done in at least as good a style as the traditions of the region and show responsibility toward the local climbing community and the needs of future climbers.

Article 10 – Sponsorship, Advertising and Public Relations

Maxim:

The cooperation between sponsors and athletes must be a professional relationship that serves the best interests of mountain sports. It is the responsibility of the mountain sports community in all its aspects to educate and inform both media and public in a proactive manner.

Article 11 – Use of Supplementary Oxygen in Mountaineering

Maxim:

The use of supplementary oxygen in high altitude mountaineering has been under debate for several years. In this debate, different aspects related to the topic can be distinguished, such as medical and ethical aspects. These medical aspects should be of paramount concern to all mountaineers.

Article 12 – High Altitude Guided Commercial Expeditions

Maxim:

Commercial operators attempting 8000m or other comparable peaks which offer more limited facilities must recognize the limitations of the clients whom they guide. All efforts must be made to ensure the safety of their clients.

Payouts in Outdoor Recreation

The information here has been collected from various sources. The accuracy is not guaranteed.

CAMP, Scarpa, BCA, Teko Yardsale

Grand Canyon River Guides (GCRG) New Site is up. And it is nice!

Press Release

At long last, the new GCRG website is alive and kicking!!! Check it out at www.gcrg.org. You can pay your dues; buy some shirts, sign up for the Fall Rendezvous or the GTS (Guide Training Seminar) in one fell swoop! From the guide resources, to the advocacy section, to all the great links, and guide owned businesses, we hope the website is reflective of GCRG and the unique spirit of the river community.

We hope you like it. It’s been a long haul but hopefully worth all the effort. If you have any questions or comments, let us know. We did this for YOU so we want it to be as useful for the river community as it can possibly be.

Please remember to support GCRG by keeping your dues current. We did this on our own dime and your support in the form of dues or contributions will really help us tremendously.

Lynn Hamilton
Executive Director, GCRG

On a Personal Note if you are not a member of the GCRG and love rivers you should be. The Quarterly Boatman Quarterly Review is in and of itself a work of art. I read it cover to cover the first day it arrives, sometimes before leaving the post office parking lot. It is the only magazine I keep and do not loan out.

If you are interested in joining, supporting the Grand Canyon and the Guides who make their living there join the GCRG Association at http://www.gcrg.org/membership.php

Volunteer Program Coordinator Job Announcement with Grand Canyon Trust

Volunteer Program Coordinator Job Announcement

The Volunteer Program Coordinator (VPC) will work as part of a dynamic team to design and implement volunteer projects for the Grand Canyon Trust (GCT). Responsibilities for this position include the development of science-based volunteer projects across the Colorado Plateau with a variety of partners, volunteer coordination, and field leadership. It also includes recruitment, fundraising, and public outreach. The position requires creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate
Volunteer Projects

The VPC will identify volunteer opportunities in a variety of program areas that satisfy the greater communities’ desire to become more connected with the natural world, while actively moving the GCT towards its mission to protect and restore the Colorado Plateau. The Volunteer Program focuses primarily on the Kane and Two Mile ranches area north of the Grand Canyon, but also has growing representation in Grand Canyon National Park, the forests of southern Utah, and Native American communities. The VPC is responsible for recruiting, coordinating, and training volunteers as well as coordinating trip logistics; leading trips in the field; managing field equipment and data gathered by volunteers; and assisting other program staff in the use of this data. S/he will represent the Volunteer Program and the work of the GCT with the public and our partners on projects.

Assist in Project Design, Management and Implementation

The VPC will identify and develop meaningful volunteer projects that address pressing environmental and social justice issues on the Colorado Plateau. This position demands creative thinking to implement volunteer-driven solutions to environmental issues with scarce resources, and re-connecting individuals with their public lands. Resources for this work include GCT program staff and government agency, non-profit, and community contacts. The VPC will assist in managing relations with contractors, partners, and other organizations. The VPC will be responsible for organization of paperwork, emails and documents and for budgeting food, vehicle, and volunteer expenses.

Assist in Public Affairs/Communications

The VPC will be responsible for building and maintaining good communication with volunteers, GCT colleagues and partners before, during and after project implementation. Additional responsibilities include providing information to the public about the GCT’s work through articles, public outreach at community events, and public presentations. The VPC will assist in writing articles, web text, grant proposals and reports.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Communication ability: Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
  
• Project management: Excellent organizational and project management skills.
  
• Research and analytical ability: Ability to review and understand science and conservation research and convey its importance to the public.
  
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to work constructively with all GCT staff, especially Program Directors, as well as with a wide variety of colleagues, members, volunteers, the general public, board members, and public officials.
  
• Time management skills: Ability to keep a number of activities moving forward simultaneously is necessary.
  
• Knowledge of strategic issues related to conservation and restoration and experience with scientific data collection and field work.
  
• Energy, sense of humor, enthusiasm and willingness to do the work necessary, including on weekends and evenings, to get the job done. This position requires schedule flexibility during the field season (late spring through late fall).
  
• M.A/M.S. degree in an environmental field and 2 years experience or equivalent working in conservation or related field preferred.
  
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or a more advanced medical training preferred.
  
• Experience living, working, and leading groups in primitive outdoor settings is a must. Applicant must be in good physical condition and have the ability to backpack and participate in physical labor for 8 to 10 hours a day.
  

Salary

$35,000-40,000 depending on experience

For More Information

www.grandcanyontrust.org Click on Volunteer

928-774-7488

Send résumé and cover letter by September 25 to Adrianne Sanchez: asanchez@grandcanyontrust.org or mail to: Adrianne Sanchez, Grand Canyon Trust, 2601 N. Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

THE GRAND CANYON TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2010 Scholarly Conference on College Sport April 21-23, 2010: Call for Papers

2010 Scholarly Conference on College Sport April 21-23, 2010 William and Ida Friday Continuing Education Center The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC

CALL FOR PAPERS

The College Sport Research Institute welcomes the submission of abstracts for its 3^rd annual Scholarly Conference on College Sport to be held on the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. The conference’s mission is to: “Provide students, scholars, and college-sport practitioners with a public forum to discuss relevant and timely intercollegiate-athletics issues.”

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

To be considered for acceptance, abstracts must reflect college-sport research on the history of intercollegiate athletics, social-cultural college-sport issues, legal theory or the application of law to college-sport issues, business-related issues in college sport, or special topics related to current college-sport issues. The research should have reached a fairly complete stage of development, and the abstract should provide enough detail about the research, so the reviewers have sufficient information to judge its quality. Abstracts proposing teaching-related sessions on college-sport issues will also be considered, as long as the abstract provides sufficient detail to judge the quality of the proposed session.

Abstracts will undergo a multi-person, blind-review process to determine acceptance.

Abstracts submitted to CSRI should not be concurrently submitted for consideration to another conference.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

Abstracts should NOT be submitted prior to Monday, October 12, 2009 and MUST be received no later than Friday, January 15, 2010 (11:59p.m. EST).

Submissions received after this date and time will not be considered for acceptance.

ABSTRACT FORMAT AND SUBMISSION PROCEDURES:

All abstracts MUST be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word attachment and must contain the following information and conform to the following format requirements:

• Single-spaced
  
• One-inch margins,
  
• Times New Roman 12-point font, and
  
• 400-word maximum for 30-minute presentations and posters, and 800-word maximum for 65-minute presentations.
  

ABSTRACT FORMAT:

Line 1: Type of session desired (choose from the options below):

• 30-minute oral presentation (including questions) * 65-minute teaching symposium, roundtable, or workshop * 65-minute forum (2-3 papers with a discussant, including questions) * Poster presentation
  

Line 2: three to four keywords that will help the program coordinator schedule similar topics in succession

Line 3: author(s) and institution(s) names (centered on page)

Line 4: presentation title (centered on page)

Line 5: blank

Line 6 to end: text of abstract (including demonstration of research conducted)

In the email message accompanying the attached abstract, include the principal author’s name, postal mailing address, email address, and fax and telephone numbers.

Submission of abstract(s) indicates the intent of the presenter(s) to register for the conference at the appropriate registration fee.

Email all abstracts to:

(Graduate Research Coordinator – College Sport Research Institute) at csri@unc.edu

NOTE: All abstracts MUST be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word attachment

For more information regarding the conference:

http://www.csriconference.org

or

919.843-6774 / 919.962-3507

Dr. Richard M. Southall

Assistant Professor – Sport Administration Coordinator – Graduate Sport-Administration Program Director – College Sport Research Institute

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill CB 3182 Smith Building 05 Chapel Hill, NC 27599

919.962-3507 (office)

901.240-7197 (cell)

919.962.6325 (fax)

Email: southall@email.unc.edu

*UNC Sport Administration Program

http://www.unc.edu/depts/exercise/sport_administration/index.htm

*College Sport Research Institute

http://www.unc.edu/csri

*2010 Scholarly Conference on College Sport April 21-23, 2010

http://www.csriconference.org

*Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

http://csri-jiia.org

Rocky Mountain National Park (CO) GS-0025-9 Climbing Rangers

Rocky Mountain National Park is currently recruiting for permanent non-commissioned GS-9 STF climbing ranger positions within its East District. These positions have the following screenout requirements – able to lead traditional alpine rock routes at the Grade IV 5.10 A2 level, able to lead Water Ice III, and possess a current NREMT-Basic.  Candidates with strong winter skills, and leadership experience in technical SAR in the alpine environment are being sought.  These positions are being recruited on USA Jobs under both merit promotion and all sources announcements (vacancy #ROMO275359MR, and #ROMO280339MR).  For more information, please contact supervisory ranger Mark Pita (mark_pita@nps.gov, 970-586-1449). 
[Submitted by Mark Pita, St. Vrain Subdistrict Ranger]

Call for Papers: Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership

Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership

Volume 1(2)

DUE DATE: OCTOBER 15, 2009

The Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL) is currently soliciting general interest articles for inclusion in Volume 1(2) that focus on the areas of outdoor recreation, education, and leadership. The JOREL welcomes manuscripts that contribute to improving outdoor recreation, education, and leadership through the publication and dissemination of peer-reviewed manuscripts centered on professional practice, research, and theoretical discussions.

The journal solicits high quality manuscripts from authors inside and outside of academia. Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that present quantitative and/or qualitative research findings; conceptual or theoretical discussions; or program practices. Published contributions should appeal to a wide audience including practitioners, faculty, students, policy makers, and others involved in outdoor recreation, education, and leadership.

For information on how to submit an article go to: www.ejorel.com and click “Author Instructions.” All manuscripts will be submitted electronically through the Manuscript Submission Portal found on the http://www.ejorel.com website.

Any questions should be directed to:

Dr. Aram Attarian

JOREL Editor in Chief

aram_attarian@ncsu.edu

Sometimes you can’t resist and I can never resist these opportunities

If you ride your bike to the brothel you get a discount. Everyone is getting into the green act!

You can’t help but want to support local business who wants to support environmental issues and work on climate change. What is better is the brothel is reporting that 3-5 people a day are taking advantage of the discount. The discount was in response to the drop in business caused by the recession.

That will just not work in the US were newspaper reports only talk about drive up service. LOL!

See Berlin brothel offers discounts for cyclists.

Federal Appellate Court Upholds Right to Motorized Boats in Grand Canyon

The 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a decision by an Arizona Federal District Court and threw out a suit to stop motorized boats in the Grand Canyon. Four groups had argued that using motorized rafts and allowing passenger exchanges by helicopter (at Whitmore Wash) impaired the wilderness character of the park.

Motorized rafts give participants the opportunity to experience the entire Grand Canyon in one week. With the US continuing drift to less vacations and vacation time, this is the only way that most people will ever see the entire canyon. Helicopter exchanges offer the same opportunity allowing passengers to get out of the canyon before their vacation time runs out.

As a boater in the canyon I sometimes think it would be nice not to have motors going by once every couple of days. At the same time, I know the canyon is what it is today because of the motors. Probably the only reason we have a canyon in the condition that it is, is because of the people the river trips have taken down. Motorized trips are able to take down many more passengers due to the reduced price and time issues. Each of those passengers is someone who understands and subsequently is able to protect this unbelievable resource.

The view from the rim is amazing. A trip down the canyon, no matter how will change your life.

See Appeals Court Rejects Suit Against Motorized Rafts in Grand Canyon