In brief: Controlled fires cease in Upper Coeur d’Alene River area

Controlled burning that started earlier this week should be finishing today, relieving any impacts to hikers and anglers in the Upper Coeur d’Alene River area.

Firefighters from the Idaho Panhandle National forest are conducting a series of prescribed fires totaling 500 to 1,000 acres, with activities timed to weather.

The fires, ignited from helicopters, are in the upper reaches of the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River near Tee Pee Creek, the Coeur d’Alene River Trail, Spion Kop and Pond Peak.

Depending on weather conditions, ignitions are expected to be completed and smoke should be mostly cleared by today.

Signs have been posted along local roads. Forest Service firefighters will continue to monitor the burned areas until the fires are completely out.

The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the risk of significant wildfire and to improve the quality, quantity and distribution of big game browse. Specific locations for the burn units include West Elk, Spion Kop, Cinnamon, Taft, Wilson and Gold Creeks.

See more info at Idaho Panhandle National Forest Website.

INWC distributes pheasant chicks

The  Inland Northwest Wildlife Council is distributing pheasant chicks to people who have facilities to raise 25 or more birds for around six weeks before releasing them into the wild. 

The council provides the day-old birds in lots of 25 and charges a fee to cover costs. 

The first shipment of chicks from Little Canyon Shooting Preserve in Peck, Idaho, is being distributed today and will continue every Tuesday until the available chicks are gone, said program coordinator Larry Carey.

Chicks must be reserved in advance: (509) 328-6429. They will be available for pickup at the council office, 6116 N. Market.