In brief: State Parks consider Trautman agreement

PARKS – A long-term agreement for managing the 280-acre Trautman property adjacent to Riverside State Park near Nine Mile will be considered by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in Spokane today.

Spokane County acquired the property earlier this year using Conservation Futures Program funding.

The meeting is set for 9 a.m. at CenterPlace Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley.

Also on the meeting agenda is discussion about selling wind-blown, downed timber at the Crystal Falls State Park Property near Colville. In July, strong winds in the area toppled or damaged a significant number of trees.

The commission meets seven times a year at various locations around the state. The 280-acre Trautman parcel, also known as Nine Mile Conservation Area, borders State Parks property on three sides.

Parks officials said the property will provide opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other passive recreation activities, as well as protect and conserve wildlife habitat.

CdA drawdown gets head start

WATERSPORTS – The annual drawdown of Lake Coeur d’Alene won’t be necessary this year. The 2015 drought already took care of that task.

Avista usually begins the fall drawdown of the Coeur d’Alene starting the Tuesday after Labor Day. 

The goal is to have the lake about a foot down from the summer elevation of 2,128 feet above sea level by the end of September. 

This year the lake is already approximately 13 inches below full pool, Avista officials said.

“Because of the low snowpack and lack of rain this year, the lake has been gradually lowering over the summer even though Post Falls discharge has been maintained at minimum volumes,” they said in a media release.

Avista does not plan to increase discharge at Post Falls until inflows into the lake increase. After the end of September, Avista will draw the lake down at the normal rate, approximately 1 1/2 feet per month, until the lake reaches its winter level.

At that time, lake levels are determined by natural inflows.

Property owners and boaters should take measures to secure docks and boats for the winter season earlier than normal.

As part of Avista’s FERC license to operate its Spokane River Hydroelectric Project – which includes Post Falls Dam – Avista is required to maintain the level of Lake Coeur d’Alene at or near the summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet from as early as practical in the spring until the Tuesday after Labor Day, while keeping a minimum discharge at Post Falls Dam  With the record-setting dry summer and low snow pack, Coeur d’Alene Lake elevation as of Sept. 8 is 2126.92, which is 1 foot and 1 inch below normal maximum summer level. 

Avista will continue with the required minimum discharge at Post Falls, which may continue to slowly decrease the level of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The river users between Lake Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls Dam should be aware that water levels can fluctuate at any time depending upon weather and dam operations.

For Avista information about level changes at Lake Spokane, the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, call for a recorded message; in Washington at (509) 495-8043, or in Idaho at (208) 769-1357.

Hiawatha Trail schedule altered

TRAILS: The Route of the Hiawatha rail trail near Lookout Pass is still open daily, but hours have changed through September.

Considered a crown jewel of American rail-to-trail mountain bike or hike routes, the 15-mile trail includes nine train tunnels and seven shockingly high trestles.  The 1.66 mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel is a highlight, acquainting visitors with total darkness except for their bike lights. 

The trail opened May 23 and is scheduled to close after riding concludes on Sept. 27.

The trail continues to be open daily, 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m.

However, shuttle bus operations through Sept. 20 have been reduced each day starting with pickups at 11 a.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m.

After Sept. 20, shuttles will operate only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Info: Lookout Pass Ski Area, (208) 744-1301.

Wolf trapping courses set

PREDATORS: Wolf Trapper Certification courses have been scheduled throughout Idaho this month. State rules require prospective wolf trappers to complete the course before they can purchase wolf trapping tags.

For those planning to trap wolves this winter, nine courses are scheduled over the next three months at Fish and Game offices throughout the state.  All courses run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Courses in North Idaho include:

• Lewiston:  Saturday, IDFG Clearwater Regional Office, 3316 16th St.

• Coeur d’Alene: Two courses, Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26, IDFG Panhandle Regional Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Avenue.