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Friday, January 18, 2013 — The Weekender
Journey
Plan a day trip for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Alta Sierra Nestled among the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest, Alta Sierra Ski Resort has been a popular destination for snow lovers of all types for nearly four decades. Formerly known as Shirley Meadows, the 80-acre winter playground for skiers and snowboarding was purchased in 2003 by a group who changed the name to reflect numerous renovations that took place at the resort in 2006. Opening and closing dates largely depend on snowfall amounts, but the park typically opens in mid-December and runs through March and typically gets up to 80 inches of Mother Nature and manmade snow annually. The centerpiece of the Alta Sierra is Shirley Peak, towering 7,100 feet high at the summit and providing a vertical drop that runs 400 feet down a mountain, which has eight well-groomed trails, including four natural black-diamond trails to challenge even the most advanced skier. The resort also features a terrain park and a snow tube area that visitors can access easily by using one of the two chairlifts. Besides the great runs, the best thing about Alta
Sierra is that it’s easy on the wallet. Full-day lift tickets for skiers 13 and older cost $40, while kids 4 to 12 are $30. There are also multi-day packages and season passes available at discount rates, while college students and military personnel receive a 20-percent discount. Ski and snowboard equipment costs $30 to $35 per day to rent, and if you’re a first-timer you can purchase a one-hour private lesson from a seasoned pro for around $65, or $35 for children 5 and under. Finally, when it’s time to take a break and unwind from a great day on the slopes, guests can enjoy a hot beverage, or a full range of tasty goodies in the Alta Sierra warming hut. Or if they prefer, can chill out in the outdoor seating around two large wood fire pits. About a two-hour drive north of Tehachapi, Alta Sierra Ski Resort is best reached by driving east through the Kern River canyon on Highway 178 and taking the Wofford Heights exit. Once in Wofford Heights make a left on SR155 and then turn left to 56700 Rancheria Rd. For current conditions call 760-376-4186.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALTA SIERRA SKI RESORT
A snowboarder takes a break from a day of boarding at the Alta Sierra terrain park
Fish & Wildlife
Why so difficult to catch abalone poachers? Q&As from the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife BY CARRIE WILSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Question: As an avid abalone diver, it is disturbing to see all of the poaching going on. It is also disturbing that when the poachers are caught, they have such large numbers of abalone. Why do the wardens observe individuals poaching tens to hundreds of abalone over limit before making an arrest? We have read so many stories about time periods passing with observation before action is taken. Is it something about the law that requires such blatant damage before an arrest is justified? Is there a promotion incentive for taking down an especially large poaching ring? I dislike even asking a question this way, but along with applauding the department's efforts, I am often left with this very question. Please do discuss this. For one person who may ask you this out loud, there must be many thinking it. Thank
you. (Peter A. Wolf) Answer: You ask some good questions. One of the greatest challenges of abalone enforcement is the task of separating poachers from the vast majority of honest abalone divers. According to Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Lt. Patrick Foy, one of the primary ways wardens make a case is to contact divers after they exit the water. Contacting a diver in the water is not generally effective, especially on low tide days where there are hundreds, if not thousands, of abalone divers out. Poachers often try to blend into the mix of honest abalone divers and try to look just like everyone else to avoid unwanted attention. Other times divers use SCUBA to harvest their catch, further reducing the ability of wardens to make contact in the water. Whenever possible, evidence abalone are returned to the water. We use DFW certified divers to accomplish the task, or we work with State
Parks rangers and lifeguards. The question wardens are frequently asked by honest abalone divers is, "What can I do to help?" The best action you can take is to be patient with abalone report cards and fill them out properly. Report cards are an excellent tool to help us differentiate between poachers and divers. Other than that, be aware of divers engaged in suspicious activity such as making multiple trips to their vehicle, stashing bags of abalone or gear along the beach, harvesting abalone for other people and giving it to them, etc. Report suspicious activity and suspect information such as physical descriptions, vehicle descriptions and license plates, etc. to CalTIP at 888334-2258.
Net required for kayak fishing? Question: I do a lot of fishing and diving off my kayak. Someone recently told me that I need to carry a net for landing my fish. I have looked through the regs but I cannot find that provision. Can you help me? (Matt Sullivan)
PHOTO BY DEREK STEIN
Abalone poaching enforcement has proven difficult in separating poachers and honest abalone divers. Pictured is a Red abalone at Santa Cruz Island Answer: Yes, that’s correct. If you are fishing from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters, you must carry a landing net with an opening that is not less than 18 inches in diameter. (CCR Title 14, section 28.65(d)).
Tagged deer antlers Question: Since deer antlers must have the tag on them for only 15
days after the season, why does the tag have to stay on the frozen head afterward? (Geoff V.) Answer: They don't. Tags are required to remain on the antlers for 15 days after the close of the season (Fish and Game Code, section 4336). However, since it is very difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between fresh and frozen meat, you are
much more likely to avoid any questions if you keep documentation showing that any deer in your possession was legally taken. CARRIE WILSON is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@wildlife.ca.gov.