Easement protects Sandpoint backdrop

A woman who owns land that forms a backdrop for Sandpoint has found a way to double her contribution to the community.

Nicky Pleass donated a conservation easement to Inland Northwest Land Trust to protect 188 acres north of Sandpoint and south of the road to Schweitzer.

The easement ensures the entire property will remain intact and unspoiled by unsightly development and preserves wildlife habitat.

In 1997, Pleass and her late husband, Mick, donated an adjacent 160 acres to join two pieces of Forest Service land. This made way for the development of the 3.5-mile Mickinnick Trail.

“The land protected by the conservation easement is not open to the public; however, the public benefits from this easement because it protects the outstanding scenic views from the Sandpoint area,” said Vicki Sola, INLT spokeswoman in Spokane.

“One of the main benefits of a conservation easement is the peace of mind that comes from knowing your land is permanently protected for future generations,” Sola said. “Giving away development rights to a qualified land trust can also result in significant income tax and estate tax benefits.”

Congress recently passed a bill that increases the tax benefits for average people, including farmers and ranchers, for donating a conservation easement.

“These extra tax incentives are only for easements donated in 2006 and 2007,” Sola said.

Inland Northwest Land Trust works with willing private landowners to preserve and protect the natural lands, waters, and working farms and forests of the Inland Northwest. INLT works with partners – people, business, government, and other conservation allies – to protect natural open spaces that enhance the region’s quality of life. INLT has helped protect nearly 6,500 acres of the natural lands, waters, and working farms and forests, including nearly 20 miles of stream and lake shoreline. INLT works in Bonner and Kootenai counties in Idaho and Spokane, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Stevens and Adams counties in Washington.

Rich Landers

SEMINARS

Pick a program on outdoor topics

A wide range of outdoor-related programs is being offered in the Inland Northwest this month. Among them:

•MOUNTAINEERING – Expedition to McKinley, program by Roland Lamarche and Dean Braunbeck for Spokane Mountaineers, Monday, 7 p.m., Corbin Community Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave.

•SEA KAYAKING – Paddling around Vancouver Island, free program by Roy Massena for the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club, 7 p.m. Feb 26, Corbin Community Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave.

•HUNTING – Do-It-Yourself Big-Game Hunting Seminar by Mike Eastman of Eastman’s Hunting Journal and TV show, Feb. 26 from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. at Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Get insight on where to bag trophies in the Rocky Mountain States. Cost: $8 at the door.

•BIRDING – Common loons in the Inland Northwest, class taught by photographers and loon experts Ginger Gumm and Daniel Poleschook, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Create Place in Newport. Register: $5 through WSU Pend Oreille County Extension (509) 447-2401 or e-mail cmack@wsu.edu.

Rich Landers

HUNTING

Idaho surveys mule deer hunters

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the University of Idaho are conducting an Internet survey of mule deer hunters that could shape future hunting seasons for the most pursued big-game species in Idaho.

“We are in the beginning stages of creating a new mule deer management plan for the state,” said Brad Compton, the department’s state big game manager. “What we need to know is what sportsmen want when it comes to hunting opportunities.”

About 120,000 deer tags are sold a year, generating about $10.6 million – about 15 percent of the department’s revenue. The survey will help officials set seasons for 2008 and later. The 50-question survey is being sent to 3,000 randomly selected deer hunters. The survey is also on Fish and Game’s Web site.

Some questions include how ATVs affect hunting, if hunters would like to see elk populations reduced to increase the mule deer population, and if they hunt every year.

“The major goal is to figure out what folks want out of their deer hunting experience, and if they want something different, what they’re willing to give up,” Compton said.

Associated Press

STATE PARKS

Idaho recruiting summer helpers

The Idaho Parks & Recreation Department is accepting applications for seasonal jobs such as park aids, maintenance hosts and visitor center staff at state parks.

Most jobs start at $7.25 an hour. Starting dates vary from park to park, with most jobs beginning in late May and running into September.

Applications are online at www.parksandrecreation. idaho.gov.

Rich Landers

OFF-ROADING

ATVs on parade

When the sand dunes at St. Anthony, Idaho, were voted the No. 1 recreational dunes in the country by an all-terrain vehicle magazine last year, city officials didn’t want the records to stop there.

The Greater St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce is promoting a parade this summer that it hopes could double the 1,138 ATVs that gathered last June in Evarts, Ky. The hoped-for parade of 2,276 bumper-to-bumper machines would be more than three miles long.

Last year 275,000 people visited the dunes, and the number keeps growing, city officials said.

Associated Press