Jackson Hole News & Guide | by Paul Bruun
Think you know a lot about the Snake River, its surrounding natural, cultural and biological history and even its intimate boating and fishing secrets?
Want to learn even more? Then treat yourself to all things Snake River during the two-and-a-half-day Summit on the Snake weekend May 29-31. Celebrate the Snake River, newly included in the national wild and scenic rivers system, with films, presenters, demonstrations, panel discussions and meals. The traditional River Clean-Up Day and Treasure Hunt will be Sunday, concluding that evening at Cutty’s bar with special-priced beer, 25-cent wings and live music.
Begun 11 years ago by the Snake River Fund as a vehicle to provide summer resource workers and incoming river guides with generous doses of environmental, biological and physical background to share with visitors, the summit continues to expand.
Friday night films
The Friday evening River Film Festival will highlight a National Geographic special hosted by Charlie Craighead featuring his family – well-known biologists/professors Frank and John Craighead, who were early proponents of the wild and scenic rivers movement. Pizza and desserts, along with a cash bar, will be served from 6:30 to9:30 p.m. at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Additional films include exceptional whitewater kayak descents of rivers near communities dealing with proposed large-scale hydroelectric projects; a humorous and touching film about a kayak pair on a wild Russian journey to a remote corner of the vast country; and kayakers-turned-activists and nonprofits who all defend the embattled Los Angeles River and change the course of history. There is no charge for Friday evening activities, but donations will be accepted.
Experts share Saturday
Breezing through the biographies of the 15 presenters that fund Program Director Margaret Creel has assembled for Saturday is an education in itself. Speaker topics range in subject size from noted fishing guide/fly-tier Jay Buchner’s explanation of tiny Jackson Hole aquatic insects to Grand Teton National Park senior biologist Steve Cain’s “Carnivores of the Greater Teton Area.” Two programs will cover bird life, from bald eagles and other raptors to regular and seasonal inhabitants of the Snake River. Susan Patla, veteran non-game biologist with Wyoming Game and Fish Department will join 3 Creek Ranch resident naturalist Roger Smith to describe local eagles and other raptors of this region. Roger is often accompanied by popular owls or hawks that enjoy summit guest appearances. A second bird study by Katy Duffy, West District interpretive ranger for Yellowstone National Park and former Grand Teton naturalist, elaborates on her favorite spotting subjects and their primary river hangouts. Jack Turner – brilliant local author, Exum Mountain Guides president, explorer, lecturer and steelheader – will explain “local warming” and its consequences, while University of Utah geophysics professor Dr. Robert Smith will take warming to another level with a talk on the Teton Fault and Yellowstone hotspot. Cathy Shill, innovative operator of the Hole Hiking Experience, will present “Explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Connect and Grow With Nature. ”Medicine man” and direct descendant of great Shoshone Chief Washakie James Trosper of the Chief Washakie Foundation will explain Shoshone History of the Snake River and Yellowstone country.
The summit has increased fishing-related programs this year beginning with local Game and Fish aquatic biologist Tracy Stephens’ discussion of cutthroat trout spawning redds in Jackson Hole and world-traveling angler and bronze-medal-winning international fly-fishing competitor Jeff Currier sharing “Fish Tales and Tactics from the Snake, Yellowstone and Far Away.” The always-entertaining and creative angler,author and innovator Scott Sanchez will demonstrate his zany brand of fly-tying.
I’ve saved mentioning a pair of special treats for last. Kiwi riverman Mick Hopkinson of Murchison on the South Island of New Zealand will present a short segment of his well-thought-out, several-day river rescue program for summit attendees. Verne Huser, a naturalist and river icon who has guided, taught, written and explored more than 100 river environments, will be the featured after-lunch speaker. Verne’sprogram: “A Half Century on the Snake” is not to be missed.
Contact Marley Vaughn (734-6773, info@snakeriverfund.org) for $20 advance and group registration. Registration on Saturday at Teton Science Schools’ Jackson Campus begins at 8 a.m. Programs begin at 8:50. Check the Events listing at www.snakeriverfund.org for a complete weekend summit schedule.
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