In brief: Rockford Fire operations levy passing

ROCKFORD – This week’s election results show the Rockford Fire Department’s annual operations levy is passing with 67.6 percent approval. It will collect $12,500 in 2013 and represents 40 percent of the department’s budget.

The department tried to pass the replacement levy last November and it failed with a 56 percent yes vote, short of the 60 percent supermajority needed.

Recreation sites getting spring facelift

Popular recreation sites around Spokane will be getting a major spring facelift this weekend from volunteer efforts supported by grants totaling $20,000 from Recreational Equipment, Inc.

Projects the Spokane outdoor equipment store is supporting in partnership with local groups include:

• Centennial Trail, 9 a.m. today – The 20th annual Unveil the Trail event, supported by a $5,000 REI grant to the Friends of the Centennial Trail, taps volunteer groups to spruce up sections of the 39-mile paved trail along the Spokane River. Preregister to join a group and get a free lunch, (509) 624-7188.

• Mirabeau Point boat access, 9 a.m. today – A $10,000 REI grant to the Spokane River Forum funded an overhaul of the Spokane River access for rafts, canoes and kayaks last fall. Volunteers plan to finish the work and prepare the area for hydroseeding, which is being funded by the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club.

• Dishman Hills, 1 p.m. Sunday – Hundreds of volunteers already are signed up for the Earth Day work project to pick up litter, restore habitat, improve trails and other projects based out of Camp Caro in Spokane Valley. The project is backed by a $5,000 grant to the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association. Preregister for T-shirt and food at www.rei.com/Spokane.