Field reports: Idaho Forest Group backs Scotchman proposal

PUBLIC LAND — The Idaho Forest Group based in Coeur d’Alene has joined local governments in calling on Congress to designate the Scotchman Peaks area as wilderness.

The roadless area includes 80,000 acres north and east of Lake Pend Oreille straddling the Montana-Idaho border and including the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle national forests.

“It’s time to get it designated,” said Bob Boeh, IFG vice president of government affairs, who met with the Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness on Monday in Sandpoint.

“Idaho Forest Group’s endorsement is a testament to their leadership and balanced approach to working together for the best land management options for our region,” said Phil Hough, friends group executive director.

The Bonner County commissioners adopted a resolution in March calling for the wilderness designation.

Timber company officials say they are sending a letter to Idaho’s federal delegation supporting the wilderness designation.

Mule deer plan

presented to public

HUNTING — A proposed plan for managing mule deer in Washington will be presented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife during a public meeting Thursday, 7 p.m., at Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. in Spokane Valley.

“This plan will serve as the foundation for sustainably managing mule deer throughout their range in Washington,” said Jerry Nelson, the agency’s deer and elk section manager. “We encourage people to give us feedback on the management approaches we’ve identified.”

Comments will be accepted through Oct. 31.

The plan seeks to maintain stable deer populations while reducing damage caused by deer to crops and personal property, he said.

“Having sufficient habitat for mule deer is always a concern – particularly after two tough fire seasons,” Nelson said. “Overall, though, our mule deer populations are generally in good shape.”

Films usher in

wintersports season

SNOWSPORTS - A slate of films from the snowy slopes indicates that winter’s around the corner.

Scheduled showings in Spokane include:

Friday — Inspired Ski Movie Tour by Inspired Media, Bing Crosby Theater.

Oct. 22 — Paradise Waits by Teton Gravity Research, Bing Crosby Theater.

Oct. 30 — Chasing Shadows, the 66th snow sports film by Warren Miller Entertainment, Bing Crosby Theater.

Oct. 30 — Fade to Winter by Matchstick Productions, at Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap, also Nov. 12 at Gonzaga University’s Hemmingson Center.

Nov. 20-22 — World Tour from Banff Mountain Film Festival, Bing Crosby Theater.

Outdoor programs slated

CLUBS — Free programs sponsored by area outdoor clubs this week include:

Tuesday — Vaux’s swift citizen science project, program for the Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society, 7 p..m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey.

Wednesday — Climate change and birds, program for Spokane Audubon Society, 7:30 p.m.,

Riverview Retirement Community, Village Community Building.

Wednesday — Steelhead tricks and conservation issues, by Josh Mills, Wild Steelhead Coalition, for the Spokane Fly Fishers, 7 p.m., St Francis School, 1104 W. Heroy.

Public area expanded

at Newman Lake

TRAILS — Spokane County has closed a deal to expand the McKenzie Conservation Area on the northwest shore of Newman Lake by 44 acres.

The $275,000 acquisition was funded through the voter-supported Conservation Futures Program and preserves tract of forest land for open space, wildlife habitat and nonmotorized recreation.

The deal expands the original McKenzie area purchased in 2005 to 465 acres.

The Spokane County Parks staff will work with local volunteers and residents to design and expand the trail system.

The county manages 14 conservation areas secured in the Conservation Futures Program.

Hunters crop half

of diseased bighorns

HUNTING — In a state-endorsed effort to eliminate disease-prone wild sheep, hunters in Montana have harvested about half of a bighorn herd in the Tendoy Mountains.

The wild sheep in the Tendoys southeast of Dillon have experienced major die-offs because of pneumonia twice in the last 25 years.

Attempts to boost the population by bringing in healthy sheep have been unsuccessful.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks approved a plan calling for total elimination of the herd to end the illnesses. So far hunters have harvested 18 bighorn sheep since hunting began Sept. 5 for bowhunters and Sept. 15 for the general season.

Once the population is removed, officials plan to restock the area with about 50 healthy animals.