Outdoors in brief: Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting today

A report on how to keep domestic dogs from being caught in traps set for wolves will be presented among other agenda items during the Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting today, at the Salmon Region Office, 99 Highway 93 North in Salmon, Idaho.

Several cases of dogs being caught in traps were reported last year, including some close to Coeur d’Alene.

Agenda items include season setting for mourning dove, sandhill crane and fall chinook salmon. The commission will hear from staff regarding the recommendations from regional working groups on:

• Reducing conflicts between trapping and domestic dogs;

• Possible discounting of nonresident deer and elk tags;

• Nonresident deer and elk tag outfitter set-aside tags;

• Acquisition of land for a potential Wildlife Management Area;

• Release of bighorn sheep tags for auction and lottery;

• A wolverine management plan.

The meeting will include updates on the 2016 preliminary budget, legislative proposals, and status reports concerning migratory game birds and sage-grouse.

Wilderness Act celebration

Hikes and other free activities are being organized by the Colville National Forest this summer to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 70th birthday and the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

The first NatureWatch Program is Saturday. Hike the three-mile round-trip route to Round Top Mountain in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness with Forest Service wildlife biologist Mike Borysewicz.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the Sullivan Lake Ranger Station. The group will drive about 12 miles to the trailhead at Pass Creek Pass.

This trail, rated moderately difficult, passes through a regenerating old burn, subalpine forests and a picturesque alpine meadow.

Borysewicz has a keen eye for birds and wildlife. Bring sturdy shoes, a hat, water, and a lunch.

Group size is limited to 12 in the wilderness. Preregister with the Sullivan Lake Ranger Station, (509) 446-7500.

Butterfly Count Saturday

The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge has been marking its 75th anniversary with public events this summer.

Next on the schedule is a Butterfly Count, on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m. at refuge headquarters southeast of Colville.

Refuge staff says it will be great for the family. Bring lunch.

Info:  (509) 684-8384, fws.gov/littlependoreille.