Field reports: Roosevelt cabins could be removed

PUBLIC LANDS – The National Park Service may require the removal of 25 private cabins that have been built and upgraded within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

That’s one of three options in an environmental assessment released Thursday by the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Two other options would allow the private cabins to remain under five-year leases. The public has until mid-April to comment.

The cabins were authorized in the 1950s to encourage recreational use of the lake. They are at Rickey Point and Sherman Creek.

Staff reports

State confirms wolf poaching

ENDANGERED SPECIES – Washington Wildlife officials this week confirmed that an adult male gray wolf was shot in Eastern Washington more than a year ago and dumped in eastern Skagit County.

Investigators believe the wolf was killed somewhere east of Rainy Pass just west of the Methow Valley.

Officials released information about the incident hoping the public can help solve the case.

Associated Press

BLM reins in horse capture program

PUBLIC LANDS – The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said it will reduce the number of wild horses removed from the range by 25 percent – to 7,600 a year.

The agency also will expand the use of fertility controls and increase the number of animals adopted by individuals or groups.

BLM continues to oppose horse slaughter, which has been advocated as a way to thin herds and reduce their impact on wildlife habitat.

Info: www.blm.gov

Associated Press

REI recalls bikes

CYCLING – REI is recalling about 160 Novara Fusion bikes because of a potentially faulty fork.

The recall is for bikes with serial numbers U95Y07321, U96Y28393, or in the sequential range of the last four digits U96Y28876 through U96Y29128.

Info: (800) 426-4840 or rei.com/help/recall/

Rich Landers

New Republic ranger

FORESTS – Tom Whitford, a 20-year Forest Service employee, has been named the Republic District ranger, the Colville National Forest said this week.

Whitford, a three-time district ranger on other forests, is coming from the wildlife/fisheries program of the Custer National forest based in Billings.

Rich Landers

Fly-fish crash course

ANGLING – Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane Valley is offering a one-day crash course in fly fishing on March 12. Info: 924-9998