Outdoors briefs
Road gates unlocked as bears denning
ACCESS – Forest road access to wood cutters and hunters will be increasing starting next week as the Idaho Panhandle National Forests begin opening forest roads that have been gated to help provide security for grizzly bears.
Gates will be opened starting Nov 16 in the Selkirk Mountains and starting Dec. 1 in the Purcell and Cabinet Mountains of the forests’ North (Kaniksu) Zone.
“The difference in opening dates between the two areas is based on local research findings and provides additional habitat security for grizzly bears that have not yet denned,” said Jason Kirchner, forest spokesman in Coeur d’Alene. “Gates will be opened as weather conditions and personnel availability allow.”
Some roads will continue to be closed to motorized vehicle traffic as shown on the forest’s latest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The maps are available at forest offices.
Groomers out on region’s nordic ski trails
WINTERSPORTS – Cross-country skiers are waxing up this week an hitting groomed trails in a couple of the region’s most consistent early season destinations.
- The Rendezvous Ski Trails near West Yellowstone is being groomed this week for the first time of the season after a good dump of snow. Info: rendezvousskitrails.com
- The goal was to pack and preserve the snow through the warming temperatures predicted for Tuesday afternoon so the next storm would have a base that would allow the ski trails to be formally opened.
SilverStar Resort near Vernon, British Columbia, and early season favorite for national team nordic skiers, has 13 trails open and groomed this week. Info: skisilverstar.com.
Methow Trails based in Winthrop, Wash., reports the first significant storm of the season dropped enough snow for groomers to begin packing trails Tuesday morning at the Mazama, Rendezvous and Sun Mountain areas.
Park toilets foreign for Asian visitors
PARKS – The influx of Asian tourists has resulted in some cultural problems involving pit toilets around Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
About a dozen of the 42 vault toilets in the park had broken seats this summer, Grand Teton park spokesman Andrew White says.
Park officials discovered that tourists from Asian countries were squatting, with their feet on the lids, while using the facilities. The weight was causing toilets to snap where the hinges connect the lid to the bowl.
White says Asians typically squat on toilets in their home countries.
Visitation from Asia is anticipated to keep climbing.
Grand Teton plans to put up signs that will illustrate proper use of a lidded, elevated toilet.
Panel OKs wildlife land deal
LANDS – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved the $3.7 million purchase of 2,061 acres of riparian and high meadow lands in Asotin County.
When complete, the deal will complete about 90 percent of a state Fish and Wildlife Department multi-year project to acquire 12,000 acres of a ranch near the Grande Ronde River.
The land will expand the department’s Chief Joseph Wildlife Area and preserve habitat for threatened salmon, steelhead and trout, as well as deer, bighorn sheep and elk. The department has secured state and federal funds to purchase the property, which is currently owned by 4-O Land & Livestock, LLC.
Idaho wolf trapping courses set
PREDATORS – Wolf trapper certification classes are being offered by the Idaho Fish and Game Department in the Panhandle Region on Friday and Saturday.
Certification is required before a person can purchase wolf trapping tags. The course includes 6.5 hours of instruction including both classroom and field experience followed by a written exam.
A class has been scheduled for Friday followed by another complete class on Saturday at the IDFG Panhandle Region office in Coeur d’Alene.
Advance registration is required on the IFG website.
Cost is $8 per student.