Cisco’s Sonar

Snow and Animals
By Bryce Nielson

Winter is at our doorstep.  Actually, it started the last of October with a good snowstorm, that was not unheard of but surprising none the less.  We had a nice spell through November, the snow melted but it is back with a vengeance now.  Over the last forty-six years here at the lake, I have always been fascinated with the different winter weather conditions.  What really interests me, however, is how the animals react to it.

You can tell what animals are doing by looking at their tracks in the snow.  You can see everything from moose to mice tracks scattered across the landscape.  They are typically gone by the time you see the tracks since most of their movement is at night.  Big game usually like to lay in the sun during the cold winter days.  So, what have I observed from the tracks in the snow?  The deer, elk and moose are staying put for now.   There are lots of deer tracks in some locations, but it is hard to say how many individuals there are.  One deer foraging on bitterbrush leaves many tracks.  In past years, moose would move from Sagebrush Flat passing my house to Hodges Canyon where they would stay for the winter.   I haven’t seen any this fall.  The same goes for elk that previously migrated from Idaho to the raspberry fields.  The fields are gone and so are, the elk.  Deer are typically easy to see this time of year, but I haven’t seen many.  I drove around the Lake the other day and didn’t see one. 

The birds are different also.  I don’t see many coots on the lake near the BLSP marina.  Few ducks around the shoreline and an occasional swan.  At my feeder, the black capped and mountain chickadees taken over which is unusual.   The turkeys are bunched up and scattered.

Is this a result of development, more people, overhunting, or worse yet, climate change?  No, I think it is the natural populations adapting to their environment.  That is why watching wildlife is so fun.  It is a great family activity to have your kids watch with you and listen to what they say.   Watch the animals and birds in this beautiful valley for the rest of the winter.  Come to your own conclusions.  I am only one set of old eyes.  I am sure things will change.

Snow Devil

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer, In Dyer Need of Outdoors

Garden City Town Council Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2019.  The City Council asked Jordan Parry if he would be willing to serve on the Council for an additional two years beginning on January 1, 2020.  He said he would be happy to.  The motion was made and passed that Jordan Parry will serve for two additional years until the next election is held.

Alan Arthur requested to have two lots 19 and 20 in the Buttercup Mobile Home Estates Subdivision be encumbered.  He would like to build an accessory building on lot 19.  His home is on lot 20.  The motion was made and passed to encumber these two lots.

A preliminary plat discussion was held concerning an approval for WaterDance Planned Unit Development Phase 2.  The motion was made and passed to approve the preliminary plat.  The comment was made that if there are any problems, they can be taken care of when the final plat is brought before the Council. 

The Garden City Youth Council Charter has been written.  After a short discussion, the motion to approve the ordinances for the youth Council was made.  The motion passed.

A preliminary plat discussion was held concerning the Long Ridge Subdivision, Phase 2.  This subdivision is located West of Cherimoya along Hodges Canyon Road.  Jeff Jorgenson is representing this Subdivision.

He had a list of items that have been completed, such as making sure all taxes are paid for Phase 2.  That the preliminary title has been obtained.  There were also a few items that had been changed on the plat.  A power pole was dedicated to the City.  There is a curve that will be made around the pole.  There is a road that appears to be part of Phase 2 but will be included in Phase 3.  The current roads will be gravel because it is much easier to asphalt all the roads at one time instead of in small increments.

The motion was made to approve the revised preliminary plat for Phase 2.  The motion was passed.

A request was made that some signs be made so that people are aware of where Buttercup is located.  It was suggested that Buttercup representatives get the signs.

Jordan Parry reported that the chemical feed system for the hot tub is broken.  However, the pool is currently working.  The Mayor asked that Jordan Perry and Glen Gilles monitor the water in the pool every day for the next 30 days and make sure the pool is operating as required.

Councilman Howard Pope reported that he hadn’t been able to check on the trails, especially where Bryan Hershi was working on areas on the trail.  He had a backhoe at work.  Hopefully, some work was done.  It was suggested that Howard Pope make arrangements to meet with Ted Wilson to determine where the trails go on and around his property.

Councilwoman Pat Argyle noted that she needs some more work done on the stage.  The Mayor asked that she get some drawings and get them approved.  She noted that no one had volunteered to work with her for Raspberry Days for next year.  She again asked for some help from members in the community for next year’s Raspberry Days.  If you are willing to help, please contact her.

Councilman Ken Hansen reported that the library is doing wonderful things.  The Library has equipment and programs that are fantastic.  The abilities and opportunities to do school online, take classes on how to do all kinds of handwork or any other types of hobbies, etc. can easily be set up, and they are free.  Also, there are ways to get access to the State Library as well as any of the other libraries in the state.  The list of what is possible to do or obtain from the library are tremendous.  Members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of all of the items that are available at the library.

Hansen also noted that several libraries use new media equipment.  There are creative apps.  These apps are educational.  The name of one is Creative Bug.  There are short classes with all types and kinds of hand work etc.  Others have Little Bookshelves in the parks.  If there is someone at the park who would like to read a book they can pick it up from the little book shelf.

There is a food pantry at the library.  Many individuals in the community are not aware of the many products in the food pantry.

Dawn Brady has been asked to serve on the Library Board.  A motion was made and passed to put her on the Board. 

Mayor  Mike Leonhardt reported that the water is now back on for the community.  Two big tanks had been drained but are now filled again.

The Mayor also reported that the breezeway between the City Office and the convention room on the north will be filled in.  The bid will be out to build between these two buildings.

UDOT is contacting property owners at the junction where Logan Road intersects with Bear Lake Blvd.  They are getting ready to put in the traffic lights in that area.  Some power poles in that area needed to be taller or changed out.  Hopefully, these items can be taken care of and the lights installed soon.

 

Greeting the Morning

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer