SALT LAKE CITY - According to Bob Walters, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Watchable Wildlife Program Coordinator, Salt Lake City's famous Peregrine Falcons have returned to nest on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It appears that two, three-week-old falcons have hatched judging by brief glimpses and observations of food brought to the nest box on the northeast corner of the old Hotel Utah. An elated Walters commented that "it was bound to happen and I'm just thrilled that they've returned to the big city to once again dazzle downtown spectators." The peregrine falcon, which was removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 1999, is recovering nicely statewide and continues to enjoy protection under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Salt Lake City's Peregrines nested on the old Hotel Utah from 1986–90 and 1994–95 (and in 1996, the First Security building just to the south) where the famous pair of birds produced 14 young, 11 of which successfully departed from their urban eyrie to unknown wilder haunts. From 1991 through 1993, the pair nested in a nearby canyon where five (of six) young successfully mastered flight and dispersed from that nest area.

As in past years, Walters' volunteers plan to periodically share glimpses and gawks at the falcon family. During upcoming Watchable Wildlife Program field trips and impromptu noon hour and evening gatherings binoculars and spotting scopes will be shared with all interested passers by on the sidewalks along South Temple, Main and State streets in proximity to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Walters added that volunteers will soon be enlisted to watch over the young falcons in those harrowing first flights to earn their wings, keeping them from harms way. Look for those people holding binoculars, or standing near scopes in the area of South Temple, Main and State streets in downtown Salt Lake City. Do not hesitate to step forward and inquire about a free look and/or seek answers to any questions you may have about the species and this famous pair of birds.

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Fishing waters throughout Utah should see plenty of anglers Saturday, June 12, as the Division of Wildlife Resources marks Free Fishing Day in Utah.

People will not need a fishing license to fish in the state that day. All other regulations found in the 2004 Utah Fishing Proclamation will be in effect.

"We're trying to attract people to fishing by having a free day," says Tom Pettengill, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

DWR staff treat Free Fishing Day as they would a holiday weekend, stocking additional fish to meet the additional demand. Pettengill says anglers fishing June 12 may want to focus their efforts on lakes and reservoirs. That's where most of the fish stocked for Free Fishing Day will be placed.

Pettengill reminds those fishing June 12 that while no license is required, all other limits and regulations found in the 2004 Utah Fishing Proclamation will be in effect. Anglers, especially those who might be fishing for the first time, are encouraged to pick up a copy of the proclamation and learn the rules.

Proclamations are available from fishing license agents statewide; at Division of Wildlife Resources offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Springville, Vernal, Price and Cedar City; and at the DWR's Internet Web site (wildlife.utah.gov).

Several free fishing events will be held on Free Fishing Day. Among those the DWR will be involved with are the following:

Logan

"Free Fishing Day at First Dam" located on the Logan River at the mouth of Logan Canyon. This event is for adults and kids and will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include fly tying, fish printing, a casting contest, "bugs don't bug me" activity, fish crafts and pontoon boat races (for those age 18 and older). Fishing equipment will be provided, but people who have their own are encouraged to bring it. Free t?shirts and prize bags for young people will be available while supplies last. Sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources' Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area, Cache Anglers, Stokes Nature Center, Project Wet and the Bear River Association of Governments. For more information, call Marni Lee at (435) 753-3678.

Midway

"Kid's Fishing Event," Wasatch Mountain State Park pond, about 2 miles west of Midway. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited and children who want to participate must register in advance by calling Wendy Wilson at (435) 654-1791. Although rainbow trout will not be stocked in the pond before for the event this year, there are fish in the pond to be caught. Prizes will be awarded in a drawing and "Pathways to Fishing" presentations will be given to participants beginning at 9 a.m. After going through the presentation, kids can fish. Volunteers from the Division of Wildlife Resources' Dedicated Hunter program will be available if participants want help fishing and cleaning their fish. Fishing poles, equipment and bait will be available for those who need them.

Strawberry Reservoir

Free Fishing Day activities at the Strawberry Bay Marina, 4 miles south of the U.S. Forest Service Strawberry Visitor Center. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities and attractions include: "hands-on fly tying", fly casting, a fishing simulator, boat rides, a fish stocking barge demonstration, fishing tackle displays, "how-to" fishing information, booth displays, prizes and cutthroat spawning demonstrations. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will also provide free boat safety checks.

Demonstrations will include:

• 9 a.m. — "How to Fish Strawberry" by Paul Phillips (Marina operator)
• 10 a.m. and noon — Fly casting demonstrations by Brandon Anderson and Robert Shamy
• 11 a.m. — Barge stocking demonstration by Alan Ward of the Division of Wildlife Resources. Bill Partridge will also demonstrate catch and release fishing techniques.
• 1 p.m. — Cutthroat trapping and spawning demonstration by Roger Wilson of the Division of Wildlife Resources. This event will be held at the Strawberry River fish trap (located behind the Forest Service Visitor Center).

For more information, contact the Strawberry Bay Marina at (435) 548-2261 or Jim Carter at (801) 269-0619.

Vernal area

Two "Kids Fun - Fishing Events" will be held in and near Vernal as part of the first Utah's Wildlife and Rivers Festival. The fishing events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Moose Pond (HWY 44 near mile marker 9) and the Kid's Canal, 1500 W., between Main and 500 N. in Vernal. Fishing poles and equipment will be provided at the Kid's Canal site. Those visiting the Moose Pond site must bring their own equipment. Prizes will be awarded and lots of information about fishing and wildlife will be presented. For more information about the Moose Pond event, call Brett Thompson with the U.S. Forest Service at (435) 784-3445 or (435) 789-1181. For the Kid's Canal event, call Uintah County Parks and Recreation at (435) 781-0982.

Those with questions about Free Fishing Day may contact their nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

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