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Field reports: UI students design new snowmobile hut

University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture students helped design a warming hut for snowmobilers north of Sandpoint in the Moose Creek area. The hut was completed Oct. 8, 2016, in a partnership with the Forest Service, snowmobile clubs and other groups. (Randy Teal / Photo by Randy Teal)

WINTERSPORTS – Snowmobilers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts have a new place to warm up in the mountains north of Sandpoint.

Two dozen students from the University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture worked with U.S. Forest Service and regional partners over the past year to design and construct a warming hut up the Lightning Creek drainage. The completed hut unveiled on Saturday includes a wood-burning stove and a covered area for parking snowmobiles.

“The hut will be a resource to families recreating on their backyard national forest lands for years to come,” said Karen DiBari, National Forest Foundation director.

Located in the upper Lightning Creek drainage on Moose Creek Road, the hut will provide a safe haven for the public during snowstorms, as well as a gathering place for friends or a base camp for search and rescue parties.

“From the industry partnerships, to the scope of the project, which afforded student involvement from the design phase through completion, it was a great opportunity to provide the outdoor community with a structure that celebrates so much of what Idaho is all about,” said Randy Teal, head of the UI architecture program.

The project was supported by the National Forest Foundation, Idaho Forest Group, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the Winter Riders Snowmobile Club, as well as the Sandpoint Ranger District.

Spokane Mountaineers

to strut their stuff

CLUBS – The Spokane Mountaineers have so many interests, they organize an evening program each year to let the public know what the club offers.

The Meet the Mountaineers event is set for 7 p.m. on Monday at Mountain Gear Corporate, 6021 E. Mansfield Ave. in Spokane Valley.

Leaders of the club’s climbing, hiking, bicycling, paddling, conservation and social committees will offer updates on their outings and plans, including the club’s annual Mountain School and Backpacking School.

Nordic trails tended

at Mount Spokane

WINTERSPORTS – A work party to clear obstructions from the Mount Spokane cross-country skiing trails is being organized for Oct. 23. Meet no later than 9 a.m. at the Selkirk lodge with water, proper clothing and lunch.

Sign up with Brian Hawkins of Spokane Nordic, brianthawkins@hotmail.com or 710-5701.

Paralympian to talk

at Nordic event

WINTERSPORTS –Two-time Paralympian Sean Halsted of Rathdrum will be the featured speaker on Nov. 5 at a gathering, dinner and auction for cross-country skiers and supporters at the Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave.

The event is a fundraiser for Spokane Nordic Ski Association and a new adaptive nordic ski program.

Halsted is a world-ranked U.S. Ski Team Nordic skier, biathlete, and former Washington State rower.

The dinner portion of the evening quickly sold out, but a $5 dessert option opening at 6:30 p.m. is being offered until all seats are filled for Halsted’s presentation.

Event registration is online, spokanenordic.org/champions.