TRAILS -- Numbers stood out to me in several cases as I researched today's Outdoors column on the Spokane River Centennial Trail, a 37-mile ribbon of park that's the envy of cities across the country. Four years ago, Riverside State Park had two full-time Centennial…
Quote of the day: "If trends continue, baseline tree mortality rates in western forests are projected to double every 17 to 29 years." From the report, "Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity, Ecoystems and Ecosystem Services," released Tuesday that said climate change is already affecting…
GUNS -- The Valley White Elephant Store sold out its inventory of semi-automatic rifles and clips today, according to a clerk who called in the news this afternoon. Personally, I have enough firearms. I'd rather spend more money on fishing tackle, and give teachers a…
WILDLIFE WATCHING — A total of 260 bald eagles were counted today (Dec. 19) in the Wolf Lodge Bay area of Lake Coeur d'Alene -- up from 204 eagles counted on Dec. 13, 121 eagles counted on Dec. 5 and 100 eagles counted on Nov.…
RIVERS -- Plans for replacing Sullivan Road's deteriorating west bridge over the Spokane River apparently include provision for recreational river access, according to canoe, kayaking and rafting groups that have been meeting with Spokane Valley planners. "Had a very good meeting with engineers and City…
WINTER SPORTS -- Following the big storms is a thrill for skiers and boarders, but noting yesterday's close call with an avalanche at Crystal Mountain, please enjoy the powder of today's incoming storm with a measure of caution. This near-tragedy follows the burial of skiers…
WILDLIFE WATCHING -- Shirley Sturts has just posting this detailed wrap-up of the Coeur d'Alene Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. It's one of thousands of Christmas Bird Counts underway this month in the region and throughout North America. Here are the details from CdA,…
FISHING -- The winter portion of sturgeon season in Bonneville pool of the mid-Columbia River will open Jan. 1 and continue through Feb. 10 or until 1,150 fish are retained by anglers, reports Allen Thomas of the Vancouver Columbian. A summer portion of the retention…
PREDATORS -- While the war on wolves continues, mountain lions haven't been fasting. Montana turns its focus to mountain lions in Bitterroot study At midpoint of a three-year study of elk in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists were surprised to learn…
ENDANGERED SPECIES -- "Maybe you got a point there," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seemed to say today as it annouced its response to a petition questioning whether the Southern Selkirk Mountains Population of Woodland Caribou deserves status as an endangered species. The petition…
MARINE MAMMALS -- A U.S. appeals court has ordered American anti-whaling activists to keep 500 yards away from Japanese whaling ships off Antarctica, the Associated Press reports. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an injunction Monday against the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which…
PUBLIC LANDS -- It's well past time to override the emotional argument that wild horses are above proven wildlife management methods that protect the landscape and habitat for that species as well as other wildlife. U.S. is running out of options for wild horse management…
FISHING – Two fly tying courses are coming up at Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane Valley: For steelheaders, Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: learn modern patterns. $50. For beginners, Jan 7-8, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: learn six effective patterns. $50. Pre-register: (509) 924-9998.
WINTER SPORTS -- Schweitzer Mountain Resort reports it's donating $30,570 from a (Dec. 14) fund-raising event with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Community Cancer Services and the Bonner Partners in Care Clinic. It was Schweitzer’s first major event of the winter season. The resort…
Here's a recap of recent Spokesman-Review Outdoors stories: Cross-country getaway for nordic skiers Nordic scene shines at Mount Spokane State Park Northwest nordic skiing destinations Inland Northwest 2012-2013 nordic skiing events listed Outdoor field reports from around the region Spawning education at Spokane Fish Hatchery…
FISHING -- Lake Roosevelt rainbows like those pictured above can be caught November-March from shore as well as from a boat by casting a bait rig. Look for a shoreline shelf under 10-15 feet of water and cast near the drop-off into deeper water. A…
FISHING -- A spring chinook run of 141,400 — the poorest in six years — is forecast to enter the Columbia River destined for upstream of Bonneville Dam, according to figures released by Washington and Oregon fish managers this week. "The forecast is down from…
WINTER SPORTS -- While many skiers were enjoying the new layer of light snow and 25-degree temperatures at Mount Spokane State Park today, a group of volunteers was helping nordic skiers stay on course in the expanded cross-country trail system. Pictured above from left, Drew…
WINTER SPORTS -- Nordic skiers have plenty of options for special events or competition in the Inland Northwest. The 35th annual Langlauf 10-kilmeter classic citizens race, set for Feb. 10 at Mount Spokane, is among the largest and all participants qualify for thousands of dollars…
HUNTING -- Late wild turkey hunting sesaons will close Saturday (Dec. 15) evening in designagted areas of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Washington late fall turkey season has been open since Nov. 20 in Game Management Units 105-142, 149-154 and 162-186. The limit is one…
WILDLIFE WATCHING -- The snowy owl that's been hanging out on or near Mt. Spokane High School for the past month is showing no signs of giving up what must be a great hunting area -- and a certain celebrity status. Here's today's report from…
HUNTING -- Ducks Unlimited officials in Idaho restated their zero-tollerance policy for illegal hunting tactics last week after a former volunteer chapter chairman from Hagerman was convicted of baiting ducks with corn. Ducks Unlimited leaders condemned Steele’s hunting tactics, not only as a violation of…
WINTER SPORTS -- I'm just picking up on in-bounds snow slides that buried at least two skiers last Friday on the Headwall at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Both were rescued by other skiers and no injuries were reported, but apparently the situations could have easily gone…
WINTER SPORTS -- Ortovox has issued a recall notice for Ortovox 3+ avalanche beacons within certain serial number ranges. During search training, avalanche transceivers of the ORTOVOX 3+ model switched to transmission mode unintentionally after 120 seconds in search mode. Internal tests showed that a…
WILDLIFE WATCHING — A total of 204 bald eagles were counted today (Dec. 13) in the Wolf Lodge Bay area of Lake Coeur d'Alene, up from 121 eagles counted on Dec. 5 and 100 eagles counted on Nov. 27 during their annual congregation to feast…
Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.
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