Climate change and ski tourism research

An interesting use of Google Maps and research on climate change and ski tourism can be found at

 www.skiklima.com

Check it out.

Volunteers help out at the Westfield Dog Bark

Yes, volunteers are always needed for parks and recreation since competing needs of tax dollars cause governments (that is us) to cut back on "funding for fun."

See the Facebook page for our local dog park at https://www.facebook.com/WestfieldDogBark?ref_type=bookmark

Almost half of the world actually prefers instant coffee

WHAT?

INSTANT COFFEE?

Well, as reported in the Tico Times, Costa Rica and home to the best coffee in the world, the headline read "Almost half of the world actually prefers instant coffee."

And this was the week that delivered by semi annual delivery of the good stuff.

July 11, 2014 16:14 San Jose - Costa Rica Shipment picked up
July 11, 2014 20:05 San Jose - Costa Rica Processed at San Jose - Costa Rica
July 11, 2014 20:28 San Jose - Costa Rica Processed at San Jose - Costa Rica
July 11, 2014 22:12 San Jose - Costa Rica Departed from DHL facility in San Jose - Costa Rica
July 12, 2014 06:02 San Jose - Costa Rica Departed from DHL facility in San Jose - Costa Rica
July 12, 2014 12:42 Miami, FL - USA Arrived at DHL facility in Miami, FL - USA
July 12, 2014 12:58 Miami, FL - USA Clearance processing complete at Miami, FL - USA
July 12, 2014 14:11 Miami, FL - USA Processed at Miami, FL - USA
July 12, 2014 23:10 Miami, FL - USA Processed at Miami, FL - USA
July 13, 2014 06:49 Miami, FL - USA Departed from DHL facility in Miami, FL - USA
July 13, 2014 11:30 Cincinnati, OH - USA Arrived at DHL facility in Cincinnati, OH - USA
July 13, 2014 12:08 Cincinnati, OH - USA Arrived at DHL facility in Cincinnati, OH - USA
July 13, 2014 12:22 Cincinnati, OH - USA Processed at Cincinnati, OH - USA
July 13, 2014 16:51 Cincinnati, OH - USA Processed at Cincinnati, OH - USA
July 13, 2014 20:47 Cincinnati, OH - USA Departed from DHL facility in Cincinnati, OH - USA
July 14, 2014 07:32 West Hartford - USA Scheduled for delivery
July 14, 2014 08:30 West Hartford - USA With delivery courier
July 14, 2014 15:04 West Hartford - USA Shipment delivered

DHL Rocks!

Transportation Survey

You say, what does transportation have to do with Recreation?  Well lots if you include:

"Projects that preserve existing regional assets such as parks, historic areas and farms. These projects include elements to protect open spaces, parks, agricultural land and provide access to historic and cultural resources. An example would be the construction of an off road bicycle path along an abandoned railroad corridor or utility right of way." (PVPC)

to Take the survey, click below.

http://www.pvpc.org/content/survey-transportation-projects-are-important-you

Trying to escape the cold weather

Yep, we be talking about February 2014 travel to overseas locations by Americans.  According to the National Travel and Tourism Office:

February 2014 YTD Market Share

U.S. travel to overseas locations accounted for 45 percent of U.S. outbound international travel.

    Europe, a 12 percent share;
    Caribbean, a 12 percent share;
    Asia, an eight percent share;
    Central America, a five percent share;
    South America, a three percent share;
    Middle East, a three percent share;
    Oceania, a one percent share, and
    Africa, almost a one percent share 

For details, see this link.

Sandford Principle and Britain's Breathing Spaces

UK National Parks go it right with the Sandford Principle:

“Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment, then conservation interest should take priority”

(Source: http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/learningabout/whatisanationalpark/ aimsandpurposesofnationalparks/sandfordprinciple)

UK Parks cite an example:

"A fisherman would like to fish at a lake shore. He has access to the lake and so he can enjoy his day fishing, which fulfills the National Park purpose of understanding and enjoyment.

There are also Ospreys nesting in a tree nearby, which catch fish in the lake. Ospreys are a protected bird species and are easily disturbed by noises and movements during their breeding season. Looking after the breeding Osprey fulfills the National Park purpose of conservation.

In this example the two main purposes of National Parks, conservation and understanding and enjoyment are in conflict. By applying the Sandford Principle the conflict is resolved and conservation, in this case the nesting Ospreys, take priority. The fisherman is encouraged to find another fishing spot during the osprey breeding season. When they Ospreys have migrated away in winter, the fisherman can fish in the lake."

Good Stuff.

Arenal may be quiet but what about Poás ?

Tico Times reports "National Seismological Network to monitor Poás Volcano with four new cameras."

For the future link see http://www.rsn.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/es/.

The site provides some really great educational material on volcanoes.