Open house starts Heyburn planning
STATE PARKS – The public can comment on plans for Heyburn State Park on Monday during an open house at the park visitor center from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
The park’s master plan will analyze resources, establish management direction for the next 20 years and identify potential development.
Heyburn was Idaho’s first state park, created in 1908 by Congress. The park encompasses 5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water. Chatcolet, Benewah and Hidden lakes – all separate landmarks before construction of the Post Falls Dam – are now largely merged into Lake Coeur d’Alene, providing easy boat access.
The St. Joe River meanders along the eastern boundary of the park, which has three campgrounds and 130 campsites.
The park also has three rental cottages and two rental camper cabins.
The 72-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs through the park.
Rich Landers
Botulism outbreak kills 16,000 birds
WILDLIFE – Botulism has caused the deaths of more than 16,000 waterfowl and shorebirds recovered from the American Falls area since Sept. 17, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials confirmed this week.
While the loss is substantial for a single incident, the bird populations are not in jeopardy, said Jeff Gould, head of the agency’s wildlife bureau.
“We have been through this before, and undoubtedly will see this again in the future when similar natural conditions arise,” he said.
At least six river otters also have perished.
Staff and wire reports
Wounded bison injures hunter
HUNTING – A hunter near Jackson, Wyo., was airlifted to a hospital after he was charged by a wounded bison last week.
Teton County Sheriff Jim Whalen said the hunter apparently shot the bison, but as he approached the animal got up and charged him. The hunter’s partner shot and killed the bison after it charged.
Whalen said the man apparently suffered a fractured hip and other injuries.
Associated Press
Feast on salmon to save salmon
Save Our Wild Salmon is holding its annual Wheat, Wine & Wild Salmon fundraising dinner Wednesday, 6 p.m., at Hill’s Restaurant, 401 W. Main.
Info: 747-2030; www.brownpapertickets.com
Rich Landers
Outdoor businesses back roadless areas
CONSERVATION –Hundreds of hunting- and fishing-related businesses endorsed a letter last week voicing their support of roadless areas to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The coalition and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is urging the government to keep roads out of 58.5 million acres of public roadless areas to conserve fish and wildlife habitat that support hunting and fishing economies.
“Unlike the boom and bust of many industries, America’s outdoors-related economy provides long-term, stable sources of income,” said Joel Webster, TRCP spokesman.
Rich Landers