CONSERVATION -- The Spokane-based Inland Northwest Land Trust has named a new executive director to oversee its private-land conservation efforts in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Garry Schalla has assumed the post held by Christopher DeForest, who has moved to a field-related position. Schalla previously…
FISHING -- Fall chinook have finally livened up the Yakima River, according to this report posted today by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist Paul Hoffarth: This past week WDFW staff interviewed 136 anglers fishing for salmon in the lower Yakima River with…
PUBLIC LANDS -- A task force appointed by the governor has recommended bringing back two unpopular taxes to help fund Washington state parks and boost the outdoor recreation industry. The report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation recommends a sales…
ENVIRONMENT -- Helping assure critters have some room to roam ... Conservation easement in Alberta largest in Canada's history The $37.5-million deal between the Nature Conservancy of Canada and a ranching cooperative in Alberta will ensure the 30,000-acre Waldron Ranch along the East Range of…
SALMON FISHING -- Harvest and effort continues to increase in the Hanford Reach fall Chinook fishery on the Columbia River below Priest Rapids Dam. Washington Fish and Wildlife Columbia River fisheries biologists report an estimated 3,407 boats fished for salmon in the Hanford Reach this…
WILDLIFE — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved purchasing 4,200 acres of a Douglas County ranch to protect shrub-steppe habitat for wildlife, especially for threatened sharp-tailed grouse, and provide public access for outdoor recreation. It's the first phase of the state's plan to…
ENDANGERED SPECIES — Two recent wolf attacks have killed eight sheep and two livestock-protection dogs in Umatilla County, Oregon officials have confirmed. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife says the attacks took place Sept. 15 and 16 on public grazing land near Ruckle Junction…
Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.