Field Reports

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

Try new nordic trails

Cross country skiers can visit a different nordic ski trail system almost every weekend in a group trip series sponsored by Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.

The series continues Jan. 9 with a trip to Priest Lake Nordic Center.

The cost, which includes parks staff, van transportation and ski area fees where applicable, is $20 or $27 if ski rentals are needed. Participants must pre-register by the Monday before each weekend trip by calling 625-6200.

Other scheduled tours include Frater Lake on Jan. 16 and Boulder-Deer Creek on Jan. 23.

Rich Landers

FISHERIES

Bull trout program

Spokane Parks and Recreation has teamed up with Idaho Fish and Game Department biologist Tom Whalen to present a one-day class, “Bull Trout on the Run,” Jan. 15 at Manito Gardens.

Whalen will discuss the identification and life history of the bull trout in the Lake Pend Oreille Basin. He will explore social and natural impacts that affect the fish and what can be done to help stop the native species’ decline.

Cost for the class is $15. Registration deadline is Monday. Sign-up: 625-6200.

Rich Landers

NATIONAL FORESTS

Rangers enlist troopers

Federal and state officials are allowing Oregon State Police to help enforce road closures in two national forest areas in Eastern Oregon to help protect wildlife and the Metolius watershed from illegal motorized vehicle use.

In most cases, only U.S. Forest Service officials were responsible for enforcing the rules.

State troopers, which enforce fish and wildlife laws in Oregon, can hand out tickets where motor vehicles aren’t allowed in the Crooked River National Grassland and the Ochoco National Forest .

In 1992, the Forest Service banned motorized vehicles from parts of the Metolius Basin to protect wintering mule deer. But the ban was generally ignored and areavehicle use has increased.

“I’ve talked to a large number of hunters that hunt in the area that are frustrated … because they see other people utilizing motor vehicles,” said Brian Ferry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist. “They go to the trouble of doing the legal thing, and then they see others breaking the law.”

Associated Press

NATIONAL PARKS

Glacier chalets contract

Granite Park and Sperry Chalets, the two remaining historic backcountry lodging chalets located in Glacier National Park, once again will be operated by Belton Chalets, Inc., under a 10-year contract awarded last month.

Granite Park Chalet will continue to be operated as a hike-in shelter that provides lodging accommodations and kitchen facilities for guests to prepare their own meals. Sperry Chalet will continue as a full-service backcountry hotel with lodging accommodations and meals provided by the operator.

Info and reservations, starting Jan. 10: (888) 345-2649 or www.sperrychalet.com.

Rich Landers

SELKIRK CLASSIC

Free-heel festival

Pro racers and novices alike are signing up for the 24th annual Selkirk Classic Telemark Championships, Jan. 8-9 at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Saturday’s Sprint Classic combines giant slalom, touring and Nordic jumping. The event wraps up next Sunday with a giant slalom. If you’re nerves are shot and wax is bad, you still can take a shot at the best costume prize.

Pre-register at Outdoor Experience, 314 N First St. in Sandpoint, (208)263-6028. Race day registration begins at 9 a.m. with racing at 11.Info: www.ustsa.org.

Rich Landers