Recreational Activities
The
Uinta and Wasatch-Cache are now being administered under one unit,
the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The web site is also undergoing
some major changes. For now access the individual forest recreation
activities in the navigation bar located on the left or select one
of the following.
Uinta Recreation Activities | Wasatch-Cache Recreation Activities
Most National Forest System lands are open, free
of charge for your use and enjoyment. Entrance and user fees may
be charged at some areas. Some of the areas are operated by private
concessionaires under special use permits issued by the Forest
Service. Please practice Safety and Leave No Trace to
make your visit safe and enjoyable while protecting resources
we all enjoy.
Other things you may need to know:
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 2008 Accomplishment Reports
The Act provides agencies with recreation fee authority for 10 years, which will allow the agencies to make improvements and provide additional services
to forest visitors.
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
|