Dogs must be leashed
State Park rangers plan to issue more tickets to people who bring unleashed dogs onto the Spokane River Centennial Trail and Riverside State Park and Little Spokane River this year.
“We are having more and more problems because people come to the park and use the trail to let their pets roam free,” said Gary Vierra, a Riverside state park ranger. “We’re dealing with more and more problems as the result of this, not the least of which is safety to wildlife, people and the pets themselves.”
Although park rules require pets to be on leash and under control, out-of-control pets are becoming common threats to runners and bikers, rangers say.
A citation for pets off-leash in a state park carries a minimum fine of $87.
Increased problems have included dogs chasing and killing wildlife and visitor safety issues such as dogs antagonizing or biting visitors, spooking horses on trails and upsetting cyclists as they ride.
Rich Landers
FISHING
Idaho taps all-around man
A fisheries biologist with ties to North Idaho and a hands-on experience from hatcheries to wild steelhead has been named the Idaho Fish and Game Department’s new fisheries chief.
Ed Schriever, 48, is leaving his post as the regional fisheries manager in Lewiston and moving to Boise to replace Steve Yundt, who left the agency earlier this year to take a job with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Schriever, joined the agency 24 years ago and worked into management positions at hatcheries from southern Idaho to the Snake River and then to Cabinet Gorge Hatchery near Clark Fork.
He moved to Lewiston as the regional fisheries biologist in 1989 and has been the Clearwater Region fisheries manager since 2001.
Rich Landers
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Dining for wildlife
Two local chapters of wildlife conservation groups are holding fundraising dinner auctions in early April at the Mukogawa Fort Wright Commons.
Mule Deer Foundation —
April 12: Auction items include Alaska fishing trips, exotic accommodations on Montana’s Big Hole River, guided steelheading, plus firearms, gear and hunts for species such as turkey and bear.
Tickets: (509) 443-0754 or (509) 922-1268.
Wild Turkey Federation —
April 5: Auction items include firearms and other items, sponsored b the Spokane County Spurs.
Tickets: (509) 238-5150.
Rich Landers