Jan. 19, 2004 In this issue: EPA Gets Results in 2003 Private Stewardship Grants to be Awarded Laser Rangefinder Primer

How to stay on top (of the snow). . . Many outdoor pros (especially those of us here in Wisconsin) can remember when strapping on a pair of snowshoes meant you could make it from one work site to another without sinking, waist deep, into a snow drift. It had little to do with the desire to get together with friends for a good, wintertime cardio workout. Things have changed. Snowshoeing has now been officially incorporated into the fitness craze and more people than ever are discovering what outdoor pros have known for years: snowshoeing is fun. The sport's appeal is easy to understand. The only skill required is the ability to walk. You can do it alone, or in a group. You can travel as fast or as slowly as you are able. Plus you can do it anywhere there's snow. From city parks to your own back yard you'll find people shuffling on top of snow covered places they could never reach without the help of snowshoes. A good example of snowshoes taking people where they couldn't go before can be found in the Ben There. . . portion of our Web site. You can click here to see two brothers tame the Yukon with the help of snowshoes from Ben Meadows. Another aspect adding to the appeal of snowshoeing is you don't need much equipment. A warm, dry pair of boots and an appropriate number of layers of active, winter clothing cover the basics. If you're planning an extended trek don't forget to pack enough food, water and whatever other supplies you need to make yourself comfortable in the elements while maintaining your energy levels. As for the actual snowshoes themselves, there are a number of options. Choosing which one is right for you depends on your weight and the type of snow conditions you're most likely to encounter. Ben Meadows offers three models that range from traditional wood and rawhide construction to lightweight aluminum frame designs. Wood or aluminum. Work or for play. Snowshoes are a great way to explore the winter wonderland in your neck of the woods. So the next time those snowflakes begin to accumulate into piles, moguls, banks or drifts consider strapping on a pair of snowshoes. They're not just for the Iditarod anymore.

EPA Gets Results in 2003

The Environmental Protection Agency has been working hard to reduce pollution in 2003 and they have the numbers to prove it. The estimated pollutants reduced, treated or properly managed totaled approximately 600 million pounds compared to 260 million pounds in 2002.

EPA enforcement teams added to the 2003 list of accomplishments with achievements such as:

For more information about the EPA’s enforcement and compliance programs see:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/planning/results/press/2003eoy/index.html

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Private Stewardship Grants Program The US Fish and Wildlife Service will award more than $7 million in Federal Funding under the Private Stewardship Program this fiscal year. The Program provides grants and other assistance to individuals and groups engaged in conservation efforts benefiting federally listed at-risk species. If you’d like more information about at-risk species and how you can obtain grant money to conserve them, see: http://endangered.fws.gov/grants/private_stewardship/index.html

 

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Laser Rangefinder Primer

A laser rangefinder is a device capable of measuring long distances with incredible accuracy (sometimes +/- 1 yard). Using a laser rangefinder is as simple as taking a picture with a camera. In most cases, you simply look through the monocular, aim at your target, depress the fire button and view the LCD display for the results. As easy as these devices are to use, familiarizing yourself with a few basics can go far in providing you with more consistent, accurate results and in a variety of conditions.

A rangefinder has three key components: the monocular, transmitter and receiver. Use the monocular to view and aim the laser at the target. When the fire button is depressed the transmitter produces very fast pulses of laser light. When the laser pulses come in contact with the target a portion of the laser energy is reflected. The flight time of the reflected laser energy is measured using a high speed clock. Using the speed of light as a constant, the distance is then calculated and displayed.

There are several variables that effect the accuracy and measuring distance of a range finder. Variables like the weather, lighting, target size, target reflectivity, target surface, the angle at which the laser hits the target and hand steadiness, can be minimized if you understand the limitations of a laser rangefinder such as:

Target size – The farther the distance to the target the bigger the target must be.

Target surface – Flat, smooth surfaces are better than rough surfaces.

Angle at which the laser hits the target – Rangefinders are most accurate when the laser hits the target at or close to a 90 degree angle.

Hand steadiness – Use a tripod or other stationary object to stabilize the device when aiming. This is especially true for long distant shots.

When comparing laser rangefinders you need to consider additional features some models offer that you might find useful for your particular application. Some of these features include:

Scan: Provides continuous distance measurements as multiple targets in the field of view are scanned or as the target moves.

Rain: Permits distance measurement in inclement weather such as rain or snow.

Zip-Less Than 150 Yards: Enables distance measurement through foreground clutter (brush and branches). This mode can be used to ignore energy pulses reflecting off objects less than 150-165 yards/meters away.

Reflective: Reflective mode allows you to increase range by aiming off of highly reflective targets, such as stop signs or survey prisms. A disadvantage with this mode is that other targets, such as trees, might not be picked up since it is "looking" for a reflective target.

If you have any questions about which laser rangefinder is the right choice for you give us a call at 1-800-241-6401. Our Product Specialists are eager to answer your questions, free of charge. Or Click here to immediately check out Ben Meadow's selection of laser rangefinders!