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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Field reports: Nez Perce working to reintroduce condors to Hells Canyon


California condors, such as this one over Vermilion Cliffs near Page, Ariz., are responding to captive breeding and release programs fostered by the Endangered Species Act. Two chicks hatched and took flight this year.
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

BIRDS – Idaho’s Nez Perce Tribe has been awarded a $200,000 federal grant to pursue reintroducing California condors in Hells Canyon.

The Nez Perce grant is a share of nearly $5 million in Tribal Wildlife Grants awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to fund 29 Native American fish and wildlife projects. The federal announcement was made last week.

The assessment of condor habitat and threats to successful reintroduction in Hells Canyon will include field studies of nesting, roosting and foraging habitat within the greater Hells Canyon ecosystem, said FWS Director Dan Ashe in announcing the grants.

The study is the first step in a multilevel process to reintroduce condors to the region, he said.

The use of lead ammunition for hunting was restricted in California because of condor reintroduction efforts. As condors scavenged, some died of lead poisoning by ingesting bullet fragments in gut piles and carcasses of animals shot by hunters.

High court inaction

backs roadless rule

PUBLIC LANDS – A 15-year-old rule that prevents road-building into otherwise unprotected inventoried roadless areas of national forests has essentially been upheld by the nation’s high court.

The lack of a ruling last week from the U.S. Supreme Court means Alaska must follow the U.S. Forest Service Roadless Rule of 2001 in its timber harvest, nearly ending 16 years of legal challenges to management of undeveloped forest.

While the decision applies only to Alaska’s attempts to manage federal timberland, the rule affects all Forest Service land in the United States.

‘Jumbo Wild’ film

challenges resort

CONSERVATION – The 24-year-long controversy over a huge resort planned for a pristine area in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia near Invermere has been crystallized in an advocacy documentary, “Jumbo Wild.”

The film produced by Patagonia will be screened free at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Gonzaga’s Wolff Auditorium.

Cyclists rule Yellowstone

CYCLING – Yellowstone National Park officials are opening a section of the park to bicyclists only for the next two weeks, giving them a chance to ride without competing with tourist traffic.

The 49 miles between West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, will be open to cyclists through April 14.

Bicycling in Yellowstone during spring can be a challenge, as snow and ice are possible along sections of road.

Riders are encouraged to carry bear spray and stay out of closed areas. The first grizzlies were spotted out of their winter dens in February.

No park services are available along the road now as park crews work to plow other roads and open facilities for the summer season. Cellphone coverage is sparse in the park.

Spokane Bike Swap Saturday

CYCLING – The Spokane Bike Swap and Expo is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Cyclists can buy or sell bikes on consignment. Bikes can be donated for sale to benefit the Centennial Trail. Info: spokanebikeswap.com.