The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Field reports: Crop damage on agenda

WILDLIFE –Rules for addressing wildlife damage to private property are on the agenda Friday at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Olympia.

The meeting, originally set to be held in Spokane, will be telecast in a video conference at the Fish and Wildlife agency regional office in Spokane Valley.

“This will be the third time they have canceled on our town,” said Wanda Clifford of the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council after learning of the venue change on May 21.

“I understand the need to conserve the budget and that their travel has a large cost. Still, it’s frustrating to see them make it to other areas, such as Colville twice last year, and give us the boot.”

The nine-member citizen commission, also will consider several land transactions and other topics, mostly related to the West Side.

Rich Landers

Group deals with lead-tackle issue

WILDLIFE – Up to 10 volunteers are being sought for an advisory panel to help the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department review the impacts of lead fishing tackle on common loons.

The group will help development of management alternatives, including possible lead tackle restrictions for recreational fisheries on 13 lakes in Washington where common loons nest.

Info: John Whalen, WDFW regional fisheries manager, (509) 892-7861.

Rich Landers

ATVing incidents gash public land

FORESTS – Idaho Panhandle National Forests officers report a recent rash of environmental damage caused by illegal off-trail riding by ATVs and four-wheel drives.

Similar reports came from Clearwater National Forest and BLM officers.

A group of juveniles from Eastern Washington recently paid $2,000 in restitution to repair damage it inflicted on Lindley Meadows in the Palouse District.

Rich Landers

McDowell Lake marsh trail done

REFUGES – After three years of volunteer effort, the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail and boardwalk will be dedicated Friday east of Colville. The trail begins at Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge campsite and leads to McDowell Lake.

Info: (509) 684-8384.