In a unique, new partnership, users of 10th Mountain Division Hut Association huts can now help the Colorado Division of Wildlife identify and record lynx tracks in snow.

For the 2007-2008 winter season, each of the 30 backcountry huts in the 10th Mountain System has a new lynx kit, including a five-page laminated guide to help hut users learn to identify lynx tracks. There are also special forms for recording lynx track sightings and instructions for mailing the completed forms to DOW. Nearly 40,000 visitors use the 10th Mountain huts each winter.

Since 1999, 218 Canada lynx have been released in Colorado in a DOW lynx reintroduction program. DOW also has documented 116 Colorado-born lynx kittens since 1999.

Lynx are most often found above an elevation of 9,000 feet, as are 10th Mountain huts. All released lynx have small radio collars to allow DOW researches to monitor their locations. But some of these collars have been lost or damaged. Also, newly-born lynx kittens do not have collars.

"10th Mountain and its hut users will be making a great contribution," said Tanya Shenk, a DOW lynx biologist. "This is an excellent way for us to get a more complete picture of lynx distribution in Colorado. The more people we have looking for lynx tracks the better picture we will have."

Ben Dodge, 10th Mountain executive director, explained that the lynx track project exemplifies 10th Mountain's commitment to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Colorado's natural environment.

"I think this collaborative effort demonstrates the important and valuable connection between quality backcountry recreation and good stewardship of the forest," Dodge said.

10th Mountain Division Hut Association (www.huts.org), a publically-funded, non-profit organization headquartered in Aspen, Colorado, manages a system of 30 back-country huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, providing a unique opportunity for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking.