Conservation Reserve Bid Deadline Nears

Friday is the deadline to file bids for the latest round of federal Conservation Reserve Program signups, the Department of Agriculture has announced.

Applicants will have to meet higher environmental and conservation criteria than they have in the past to halt soil erosion, improve water quality, encourage tree planting and benefit to wildlife, the agency reports.

About 651,000 acres will be accepted to fill the acreage in the program withdrawn under the “early out” opportunity offered this spring. Info: 353-2354.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed by Washington State Parks and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) to help restore the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Mount Spokane State Park on Sept. 30.

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. to prune trees and shrubs, remove small tree roots, reclaim and repair rockwork and clear overgrowth from around several historical buildings.

A cabin on the site will be restored by Washington State Parks in the near future, making the landmark a unique picnic and camping area.

Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes and sturdy boots and to bring water, gloves, rakes, bow saws or long-handled pruners if possible.

, DataTimes