PADDLING -- Top paddlers are zeroing in on Montana's Clark Fork River this weekend for the Best in the West kayak competition, one of the longest standing kayak events in the U.S. Every year in the middle of May, kayakers converge in Missoula to surf…
FISHING -- The Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program in the Columbia and Snake Rivers is underway for 2011, offering cash to anglers who catch the predatory fish. Some anglers take this seriously, earning thousands of dollars by the season's end in September. The top…
STATE PARKS - Although Riverside State Park is a stunning gem of recreational opportunity along the Spokane River on the west side of Spokane, most people don't know half of what if offers. That's why the Riverside State Park Foundation and park staff are inviting…
RIVERS/LAKES -- This year's glut of precipitation -- 180-192 percent of normal through out the region -- is going a long way to recharge lakes, and the heavy snowpack -- averaging more than 125 percent of normal throughout the region -- has barely even started…
FISHERIES -- U.S. District Judge James A. Redden is hearing from parties today on how restoration efforts along the Columbia River have bolstered survival rates of seven threatened runs of wild salmon and steelhead. See the Oregonian story.
HUNTING -- When Idaho offered tags in August 2009 for the state's first-ever wolf hunt, about 1,200 were sold the first half hour, a pace not repeated last week, when tags went on sale for the state's second-ever wolf hunt. About 275 Idaho wolf tags…
PADDLING -- Kayak 101: An Introduction to Kayaks and Kayaking will be presented tonight, 7 p.m., by The Spokane Mountaineers paddling group. The program will over types, styles and materials for kayaks, difference between flatwater (sea and lake kayaking) and river kayaking. Learn what to…
ENDANGERED SPECIES -- Up to 100 pygmy rabbits—from captive-breeding facilities and from the wild in Oregon—will be released in Washington's Douglas county in the continued effort to reestablish the rare species in Washington. State Fish and Wildlife Department biologists say the releases will be done…
CONSERVATION GROUPS -- Tim Coleman of Republic, who's been leading conservation efforts for the Columbia Highlands area for more than two decades, has been laid off by Conservation Northwest. "I've resumed my old role as executive director at Kettle Range Conservation Group," he said. The…
WATERFOWL -- Happy Mother's Day from the nearest pond or water hazard! After 25-30 days of tending their nests, Canada geese have been hatching broods all over the Spokane area this past week. The little yellow goslings stand out especially vividly on the green grass…
INVASIVE SPECIES -- You've probably heard about the dangerous investations of "flying" silver carp in the Midwest. Trust me: we don't want them. Check out this video and consider whether it would be any fun to take a kid fishing and boating in Indiana's Wabash…
CAMPING/BOATING – A second season of maintenance at Boundary Dam has forced the closure of the dam’s forebay campground, possibly through August. But the work also brings the prospect of another major draw down of the Pend Oreille River reservoir that could once again expose…
CAMPING – Renovation work at Outlet Campground on Priest Lake likely keep the facility closed throughout the 2011 camping season, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests announced today. “Renovations will give the entire campground a facelift and will include new rest rooms, water and sewer lines,…
NATIONAL PARKS -- Record or near record snowpack in the Glacier Park region is delaying the opening of some facilities, although the conditions keep the crowd away for people who like to have choice natural real estate to themselves. Click here for photos, video clips…
ENDANGERED SPECIES -- All the recent headlines about delisting gray wolves and Idaho's planning for a fall hunting season and even aerial hunting in the Lolo zone have prompted the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department to issue a press release with a warning that wolves…
NATIVE PLANTS -- The wild asparagus has been popping up, and morel mushroom gatherers have been striking gold for weeks. Next up: Fern fiddleheads. Tip: Do your homework before eating any wild plant or mushroom.
PUBLIC LANDS -- The Colville National Forest’s Newport and Sullivan Lake ranger districts have received an Elk Country Habitat Enhancement Award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The two districts have pursued partnerships with RMEF and other groups for 20 years to fund projects that…
PADDLING -- The Spokane Mountaineers paddling group will present a free program, "Kayak 101 - An Introduction to Kayaks and Kayaking," on May 9 starting at 7 p.m. at REI. This seminar is designed for people new to the sport. Learn about the different types,…
WILDLIFE IN THE COURTS -- Environmental groups are challenging as unconstitutional Congressional legislation that took gray wolves off the endangered species list, according to the Associated Press. Two lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court on Thursday, as control over more than 1,300 wolves was…
FISHING/BOATING -- The water level in Lake Roosevelt (behind Grand Coulee Dam) today is elevation 1,218 feet. That's 72 feet below full pool. Anglers say fishing is spotty. Boaters say launching is difficult to impossible because the water level is below all of the reservoir's…
HUNTING -- Idaho Fish and Game has started selling wolf tags – $11.50 for resident hunters and $186 for nonresidents, vendor fees included. Tags are available at license vendors and Fish and Game offices. A valid 2011 Idaho hunting license is required to buy a…
HUNTING -- After much scouting and several disappointing close calls, my spring wild turkey hunting season ended this morning at 6:10 a.m. A head shot. No photos will be posted. I don't want to take the chance of offending anyone or inciting violence against hunters.…
Motoneige 0 - Montagne 1 SNOWMOBILING -- I always wondered about the fascination with high marking. Now I get it.
PUBLIC LANDS – The Washington Trails Association once again is organizing projects to build or maintain popular non-motorized trails in northeastern Washington, from Spokane Valley to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. The group projects range from one-day stints to week-long volunteer vacation projects that culminate in great…
FISHERIES -- The rush of chinook salmon and steelhead running up the Columbia and Snake rivers this season is a product of a rush of water flowing down the river systems a few years ago. A groupof federal agencies is pointing out that wild young…
Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.
