Out & about: John Wayne Trail planning meeting this week

OUTRAILED – A second round of public planning meetings for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail through Eastern Washington includes one set 6 p.m. Wednesday at Washington Association of Wheat Growers, 109 E. First in Ritzville.

Washington State Parks and Recreation staff will update progress on planning for development of the former Milwaukee Road railway corridor. A 12-member advisory committee has been assisting parks planners develop recommendations for a strategic plan from the first meetings in March.

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail section undergoing public planning is part of the Iron Horse State Park Trail that extends 285 miles from North Bend to the Idaho border.

The planning is for the portion of the corridor that begins on the east side of the Columbia River and extends 175 miles east to the Idaho border.

After a staff presentation, the public will be invited to participate in a session to collect comments on preliminary recommendations for a range of trail-related issues, including noxious weed and vegetation management, trailhead and camping opportunities, fencing and trail-use permits.

Fly Fishing Expo

in Coeur d’Alene

OUTCAST – Free workshops, casting lessons, fly tying and activities for all ages will be featured at the 2016 Coeur d’Alene Fly Fishing Expo Friday and Saturday at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene.

Montana author, guide and fly tier Bob Jacklin will be a featured speakers in the event organized by the Western Rocky Mountain Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers.

Activities will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. A program and banquet, $35, is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The IFFF’s annual International Fly Fishing Fair is set for Aug. 2-6 based in Livingston, Montana.

Also next weekend, a Fly Fishing Gear Swap is set for Saturday and Sunday at Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane Valley. Info: (509) 924-9998.

Horsemen play cards

at Fishtrap Lake

OUTRIDE – The 22nd annual Backcountry Horsemen Poker Ride to raise money for trail maintenance projects is set for Saturday along Fishtrap Lake.

The event attracts about 200 riders to support building trail bridges at Mount Spokane and Liberty Lake County Park, equestrian campground facilities at Riverside State Park and other regional projects.

Info: Mike Bryarly (509) 951-9226, IEBCH.org.