In brief: Bureau of Land Management closes Towell Falls to vehicles

BLM closes Towell Falls road to vehicles

PUBLIC LANDS – Towell Falls Road in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Spokane District’s Rock Creek management area has been closed to motorized traffic as a fire precaution, officials announced today.

This route into the Escure Ranch unit is particularly susceptible to wildfire ignition from vehicle use because of tall vegetation on the roadway during the summer season, and is normally only open to vehicle traffic from April to mid-June, says a release from the Spokane office.

The Rock Creek management area is about 20 miles south of Sprague in Whitman and Adams Counties.

Info: (509) 536-1200.

Free event gives kids shot at canoes, kayaks, SUP

PADDLING – Paddling is a good thing for children as it’s applied each year by the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club.

The club’s fifth annual Paddle, Splash & Play, a free kids’ event, is set for Aug. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Nine Mile Recreation Area, 11226 W. Charles Road, Nine Mile Falls, in Riverside State Park.

Participants can try out a variety of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and canoes under club supervision on Lake Spokane.

Bring a life jacket if you have one to get on the water sooner, said Stan Mrzygod, club spokesman.

A Washington Discover Pass, which can be purchased on site, is required for parking in the state park facility.