Snow Peak cabin booking changed

NATIONAL FORESTS – Backcountry travelers will be required to use a national reservation system for booking dates at the popular Snow Peak Cabin on the Collville National Forest south of Sherman Pass.

The Republic Ranger District will turn over the reservations to a first-come, first-served system maintained by Reserve America starting on or about Wednesday.

Under the Reserve America system, reservations can be made up to six months in advance of arrival and must be made at least one day prior to arrival.

Rental fees and occupancy limits will remain at $30 and six people per night. However, a $10 reservation transaction fee will apply.

Other changes include a reduction in the maximum stay from seven nights down to five nights, and a limit of one five-night stay per reserving party within a 15-day period.

•Info: Eric McQuay, Republic Ranger District, (509) 775-7435.

•For reservations, call (877) 444-6777 or go online, www.recreation.gov.

Rich Landers

Commission hears sport-fishing rules

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept final public input on sport-fishing rules proposed for 2010-12 during its Dec. 4-5 meeting in Olympia.

The commission is set to adopt new fishing rules Feb. 4-6 in Olympia.

The citizen panel also will hear a progress report on a white-tailed deer management plan, which includes issues related to northeastern Washington.

Rich Landers

Cool deal offered to fifth-graders

SKIING-BOARDING – Once again, fifth-grade students are being treated like royalty at Inland Northwest ski resorts, with up to 15 days of free skiing and other discounts.

The Fifth Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport entitles students to three free lift tickets at each of the participating mountains, including 49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and 11 other resorts in the Northwest Rockies.

Some resorts also offer free or discounted ski rentals and lessons. Parents and siblings accompanying the fifth- graders sometimes can get discounts.

Get passport applications by mail from Inland Northwest Ski Association, P.O. Box 3184, Post Falls, ID, 83877-3184 or download from the Internet at www.ski-inland northwest.com.

Rich Landers

Wyoming limits antler gathering

WILDLIFE – Wyoming has set a April 30-Jan. 1 antler and horn gathering season for public land west of the Continental Divide in an effort to protect big game on winter range.

Competition to collect valuable antlers is prompting people to go earlier and bother animals while they area still weak from winter.

Staff and wire reports