Out & About
WILDLIFE – Hikers and conservationists fond of a mountain goat on Idaho’s Scotchman Peak are trying to make a case for his future well-being after a mountain goat gored a hiker to death in Olympic National Park, Washington.
“This tragedy emphasizes something Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have become increasingly concerned about in the past year: the socialization of the goats on Scotchman Peak,” said the friends group officers in a posting on their website.
Scotchman Peak and its resident mountain goats have been trademarks of the group, which is campaigning to preserve the area.
Wildlife that’s fed can later become aggressive to humans. After most incidents, the animal is killed.
“We have had as our ‘spokesgoat’ for several years, ‘Monte,’ a male goat who frequents the peak. He is a big, healthy animal. He is beautiful. He appears quite willing to pose for portraits at close range.
“He has a fondness for salt including snacks, sweat and urine.
“Like many goats, he appears friendly. He even seems to be curious and wants companionship, much like a pet might.
“It is very important to remember that while he may not be timid this does not mean that he is tame.”
Sno-Park permits available on-line
OUTBUY – Last-minute decisions to visit Mount Spokane during winter will be easier with a new online Sno-Park permit service that starts on Monday.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is making a variety of Sno-Park permits available at www.parks.wa.gov/winter
Sno-Park permits allow visitors to park in specially cleared, designated parking lots with access to skiing, skijoring, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing and other winter recreation areas throughout the state.
In addition to a one-day permit, an annual seasonal Sno-Park permit is available.
A special groomed trail permit must be purchased along with a seasonal Sno-Park permit for Mount Spokane, as well as the Sno-Park lots at Hyak, Crystal Springs, Cabin Creek, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee and Chiwawa Loop.
However, no groom-trail permit is required when buying a one-day permit.
OUTGOING – Spread the Shred’s second annual snowboard double-feature video premier and prize night is set for Saturday at the Garland Theatre.
The event is a fundraiser geared to sponsoring and introducing five local underprivileged kids to the sport of snowboarding at an Inland Northwest resort.
Event organizer Martin Beran said there will be lots of freebies.
Cost: $5. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Info: 944-6282.