Out & About: Wolf recovery might aid other species
OUTCOME – A new Oregon State University study suggests the repatriation of wolves in the West could help reverse the decline of Canada lynx.
Research published in the Wildlife Society Bulletin says a decline of snowshoe hares is a key factor in the Canada lynx being listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The loss of hares, the primary food of the lynx, may be caused by coyote populations that surged in the absence of wolves.
Scientists call this a “trophic cascade” of impacts.
Wolves are death to coyotes. Wolf packs hunt down and kill coyotes that enter their range.
“The increase in (secondary) mesopredators such as coyotes is a serious issue; their populations are now much higher than they used to be when wolves were common,” said William Ripple, a professor in OSU’s Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society.
• Back in court: At least 11 wolves had been killed in Montana and Idaho hunting seasons by Friday as wildlife advocates filed briefs asking a federal appeals panel to restore endangered species protections for wolves.
Long-range hikers plan fall gathering
OUTPACE – Hikers with the legs and the time to consider great distances, such as the Pacific Crest Trail and lesser known endurance adventures, are gathering at Lake Wenatchee Sept. 23-25. The programs would interest even armchair travelers.
The 16th annual gathering of the American Long Distance Hiking Association – West is pitched as the go-to for all things long distance hiking in the western U.S.
Programs and workshops will cover gear selection, logistics, planning, food preparation, first aid and personal care, emergency preparedness, snow and rain safety and more.
The information will come from people who have tested their mettle on routes such as the Tahoe Rim, Wonderland, Continental Divide, Mokelumne River, John Muir Trail and more.
Details: aldhawest.org
Fly fisher tells how to bag pinks
OUTCAST – Learn where fly fishers go to hook this year’s big run of pink salmon flooding into Puget Sound streams during a program by Spokane angler Walt Balek, Wednesday, 7 p.m., at St. Francis School, 1104 W. Heroy Ave.
Balek, a globetrotting angler, also will show slides of fly fishing for saltwater prey in Mexico.
The free program is sponsored by the Spokane Fly Fishers.
Commissioners OK Priest Lake project
OUTCRY – Bonner County commissioners approved a 14-lot subdivision at the north end of Priest Lake on Wednesday despite objections from neighboring landowners, attorneys and two environmental groups.
Sandpiper Shores is set to be developed between Mosquito Bay and the channel leading to Upper Priest Lake.
Waterfowl clinics set for Idaho kids
OUTHUNT – Idaho Fish & Game has scheduled three mentored waterfowl hunting clinics Sept. 24 for ages 15 and under.
Info: (208) 769-1414.
Mt. Spokane trail run
OUTDO – The Wild Moose Chase Trail Run debuts Sept. 24 at Mount Spokane with with 5k, 10k, and 25k courses that start from Selkirk Lodge. Check it out online: wildmoosechasetrailrun.com
Rich Landers