Welcome
The majestic peaks and rugged backcountry of the Wasatch-Cache
lie within easy reach of one of the west's fastest growing
metropolitan areas. Encompassing nearly 1.3 million ecologically-diverse
acres, including seven Wilderness areas, the Forest is one
of the most frequently visited in the nation. And, no wonder.
From skiing in world-renown powder to cruising the scenic
highways or picnicking on a lazy afternoon, Wasatch-Cache
has just about something for everyone
News
National Park Service - 32nd Annual Railroader's Festival |
Golden Spike National Historic Site will celebrate the 32nd Annual Railroader’s Festival on Saturday, August 09, 2007. The visitor center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with activities and games scheduled throughout the day. |
Investigating
Potential Effects of Heli-Skiing on Golden Eagles in the Wasatch-Mountains,
Utah |
Implementing further research was beyond the
scope of the U.S. Forest Service's 2004 Final Environmental Impact
Statement(FEIS)and 2005 Wasatch Powderbird Guides(WPG)Special
Use Permit Renewal process for heli-skiing in the Tri-Canyon
Area in the Wasatch Mountains, just east of Salt Lake City, Utah.
However, in their Record of Decision the Wasatch-Cache(WCNF)and
Uinta National Forests expressed full support for undertaking
a comprehensive study to more intensively examine helicopter-golden
eagle interactions. Click here to
learn more about the study. |
Bears in Utah? |
The black bear, Ursus americanus, is fairly common in Utah, where it can be found primarily in large forested areas. Contrary to its name, the black bear is not always black; the species varies in color from reddish to light brown to black.
Black bears are omnivores with diets consisting of fruits, insects, grubs, some small vertebrates, and carrion. They breed in June or July, and young are born in January or February; average litter size is two. Young stay with their mother until the fall of their second year. Black bears are nocturnal and are dormant during the winter.
The black bear is currently the only species of bear that occurs naturally in Utah. The grizzly bear, Ursus arctos , was exterminated in Utah during the 1920's.
Black bears usually retreat before people are aware of them. Their hearing is more sensitive than a human's, and their broad, soft foot pads allow them to move quietly downwind where they can best identify their dangers. The may stand upright to see farther. If need be, they can run faster than 25 mph or climb trees as fast a squirrels. They generally prefer to forage for wild foods away from people but are almost as quick as chipmunks to seek food in campsites and garbage cans when wild nut and berry crops fails. They rarely attack people. Campground bears and roadside panhandlers may nip or cuff people that crowd around them, try to pet them, or tease them with food. But the injuries, if any, are usually slight, only occasionally requiring stitches.
For much more information about Black Bears, read a copy of the Forest Service publication Watchable Wildlife: The Black Bear
Bear Safety Tips - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
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A
Forest for Everyone
Tremendous recreation opportunities abound across the varied
landscapes of the Wasatch-Cache. Albion Basin boasts
a magnificent display of rare and color wildflowers, spring,
summer, and fall. Pineview Reservoir hosts an astounding
750,000 water-loving visitors annually. The High Uintas
Wilderness Area offers a remote and refreshing escape from
the congestion of urban & suburban
life. Even though it's vast, the Forest's widespread appeal
is not without consequence. Frequent visitation increasingly
exerts pressure on wildlife habitat, watershed, and wilderness
areas. Now, more than ever, public participation is crucial
if we are to leave a healthy Forest for future generations.
Recreation & Healthy Forests
Recreation is by no means incompatible with a healthy forest.
However, a thoughtful, proactive approach is essential.
Several conservation education and restoration programs
are already in place across the Wasatch-Cache. As the Forest
Service carefully balances diverse recreation opportunities
with conservation efforts, visitors are encouraged to learn
more about forest ecosystems and tread lightly while recreating
on land. Working together, we can safeguard the land and
beauty of the Forest for many generations to come.
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Safety Alerts, Fires, Advisories,
Closures, and Restrictions
Buy
Maps On-line
Some
of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest
maps are available to purchase on-line.
Purchase your maps now!
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OPPORTUNITIES
Show
you care - become
a friend of the Forest
Service by Joining Friends
of the Forest , a
free program that helps
the National Forest Foundation
and the Forest Service
communicate with citizens
who are concerned about
the health of our National
Forests, who are interested
in recreational opportunities
and who enjoy learning
about the natural resources
within the National Forest.
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