Colville planning taps public
A new phase of public participation is under way as the Colville National Forest moves to revise its forest management plans by the summer of 2007.
With only a few days of notice, the first in a series of public meetings was held Saturday at Deer Park to orient citizens in their role for hammering out land-use policy ranging from fire management to regulating off-road vehicles. Additional meetings are set for Tuesday at the Colville College Campus, Wednesday in the Republic Ranger District office and Thursday in the Metaline Falls Cutter Theater.
A forest planning summit is tentatively scheduled for March 31-April 2 in Colville.
Info: Debbie Wilkins, (509) 446-7322.
Rich Landers
FISHING
Milfoil, tench infest McDowell
The Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge is proposing measures to control infestations of milfoil and tench in the once-productive Stevens County trout fishery.
Eurasian water milfoil is a non-native plant that forms dense mats on the water surface, reducing water quality and limiting fish and wildlife foraging ability, said Lisa Langelier, refuge manager.
Tench are a non-native fish that compete with trout.
Milfoil has infested 100 percent of the 48-acre lake since it was discovered there in 2001, Langelier said.
A variety of control methods are being proposed for use this summer.
Native redband rainbow trout would be re-stocked in the lake after the rehabilitation.
Info: E-mail the refuge at lpo@fws.gov or call (509) 684-8384. Comments must be received by March 24.
Rich Landers
ENVIRONMENT
Enviro film fest in Leavenworth
Films on topics such tapping wind energy and recovering Yellowstone grizzlies will be featured March 23-26 at the eighth annual Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival at Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat in Leavenworth.
The event features filmmaker workshops, expert panel discussions film screenings and entertainment.
Info: www.hazelfilm.org or (206) 624-9725.
Rich Landers
SNOW SPORTS
Spring hazards for snowmobilers
Spring weather is beginning to harden the snowpack, giving snowmobilers easier access to off-trail backcountry areas and the hazards that lurk there, according to Lolo National Forest officials.
Avalanche is a concern as snowmobileres are lured from the safer groomed trails.
Officials also dread the spring conditions that lure snowmobilers into areas off-limits to motorized travel.
“There are lots of opportunities for legal riding on groomed and un-groomed trails, yet we’re starting once again to see illegal snowmobile activity in the Great Burn Recommended Wilderness,” said Sam Redfern, the Lolo’s recreation program manager in Missoula.
The Selkirk Mountains Crest in North Idaho also is a non-motorized zone.
“We recommend that winter sports enthusiasts routinely check avalanche conditions before they leave home,” Redfern said.
Avalanche updates: In the region and beyond, www.csac.org/bulletins.
Rich Landers