Field reports: National parks having banner year
PARKS – As they scaled down operations for the winter, many of the northwest national parks have set records or near records for visitation this season.
Yellowstone National Park logged the busiest summer season on record with 3.4 million visitors so far this year, up from a year-end total of 3.3 million last year. Virtually all of the park’s facilities will be closed by Nov. 7 for a break until minimal facilities are opened for the winter season.
Glacier National Park, in its centennial year, recorded 2.13 million visitors through September, up 9.3 percent from last year. The number of visitors so far is outpacing record year of 1983, park officials said.
Mount Rainier’s recreational visitation is up 3.6 percent from last year at 1.07 million, but off the record mark of 1.9 million set in 1962.
Rich Landers
Hoover Dam’s lake hits new low
OUTFIELD – Lake Mead sank to its lowest level in nearly 75 years last weekend, a stark reminder of how drought and growing water demands have sapped the Colorado River and its huge reservoirs.
Not since it was first filling in 1937 has Lake Mead held so little water. The previous record was set in the drought-stricken 1950s.
The lake is just 8 feet above the level that would trigger the first drought restrictions, which would reduce water supplies for Arizona and Nevada.
Associated Press
A swap devoted to nordic skiers
WINTER SPORTS – The annual Ski Sale and Swap specializing in cross-country gear is set for Saturday through next Sunday at Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent Ave.
Bring skis and related gear to swap anytime before Friday at 5 p.m. Buying starts Saturday at 9 a.m.
If you score a good pair of waxable skis, the shop has set a waxing clinic for Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
Rich Landers
Backpacking expert says ‘lighten up’
WINTER SPORTS – A program on lightweight gear for winter outings is being presented by Mike Martin, senior editor for Backpacking Light Magazine, sponsored by Panhandle Nordic Club.
The program is set for Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Forest Service Fernan Ranger Station. Take the Fernan exit off I-90 just east of Coeur d’Alene, then turn left and go under the highway. The meeting room is in basement from the back entrance.
Rich Landers
Conservation pondered by Tempest Williams
OUTHEAR –Terry Tempest Williams, author if “Finding Beauty in a Broken World,” will speak on the value of land conservation in noon luncheon fundraiser for the Inland Northwest Land Trust on Monday at the Lincoln Center at the corner of Lincoln and Sharp in Spokane.
Info: 328-2939.
Rich Landers
Ski instructors buying Bluewood resort
WINTER SPORTS – A Kennewick couple plan to take over the Bluewood ski resort.
Mike and Kelly Stephenson are working out a deal with Stan and Nancy Goodell, who are retiring.
The Forest Service owns the land, 21 miles south of Dayton.
Mike Stephenson has worked as a ski instructor at Bluewood for 15 years. Kelly Stephenson is a Level 1 instructor.
Kelly Stephenson said they want to keep skiing affordable for the community. They also plan to add mountain biking and archery to keep the Bluewood accessible year-around.
Tri-City Herald