FISHING – Washington sport anglers will have two new money-saving options for licenses starting this fall.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission recently approved an all-inclusive annual fishing license and a discounted license for seniors.

The “Fish Washington” license will allow anglers who do it all to fish in both freshwater and saltwater and harvest shellfish and seaweed. It includes endorsements for fishing with two poles, harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab and Columbia River salmon and steelhead.

The license will cost $79.62, including taxes and fees. That’s a savings of $8.03 over current costs for the same features.

Currently one would pay $87.65 for a $55.35 combo license, $8.75 Columbia River salmon-steelhead endorsement, $14.80 two-pole endorsement and $8.75 Puget Sound crab endorsement.

The commission also approved a combination fishing license for Washington residents age 70 and older. The $19.05 license will allow seniors to fish in freshwater and saltwater and to harvest shellfish and seaweed.

County OKs upgrades

to Heller Bar ramp

FISHING – Asotin County commissioners approved a shorelines conditional-use permit this month for an expansion at the existing Heller Bar boat ramp on the Snake River south of Asotin.

A Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife plan would add an additional 20 feet on the north side of the boat ramp, said Karst Riggers, building official and county planner.

Riggers said the upgrade will allow enough room for both rafters and power boaters.

“They just need to figure out how to get along, I guess,” Riggers said of the combined use.

Riggers said the whole expansion project is being designed to make it more comfortable for users to get in and out of the launch area.

Improvements to the parking area at Heller Bar will also be made, with new striping in parking spaces and signage, as well as a handicap parking spot.

The plans will go to the state for approval.

Mountain bike clinics

offered in September

CYCLING – Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance is offering three courses in September, including kid’s mountain bike skills, introduction to freeride and mountain biking techniques for women.

Certified coaches can help both novices and experienced riders improve their skills, said Penny Schwyn, club spokeswoman.

Sign up online: evergreeneast.org/skillsclasses.

National Parks celebrate

centennial this week

PUBLIC LANDS – The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week with special events across the country and free admission at all 412 national parks from Thursday through next Sunday.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell visit parks from coast to coast to highlight events and issues.

On Thursday morning, she will tour Glacier National Park to spotlight climate change and its effects on the park’s namesake glaciers and other resources.

Jewell will be in Yellowstone National Park Thursday evening to celebrate the creation of the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916.