Lone bighorn tag

A single bighorn sheep hunting permit was issued to the winner of Washington’s raffle for the Blackbutte, Wenaha and Tucannon areas this year, marking the second hunting season for wild sheep in that region since disease decimated the herds in 1995-1996.

The agency netted $101,250 from selling 5,625 raffle tickets. That’s up from $61,434 last year when the bighorn raffle debuted.

Rich Landers

TURNBULL REFUGE

Volunteers dig in

The annual work party to help restore native riparian habitat to benefit wildlife is set for 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 21, at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

The plan is to plant saplings, weed areas to promote survival of previous plantings and build an enclosure to prevent deer, elk and moose from undoing all the effort.

Info: To preregister and get details, call 235-4723.

Rich Landers

STATE PARKS

Fees hike approved

Camping and boating fees at Washington State Parks will increase starting Jan. 1.

A standard campsite will cost $17 a night or $24 with utilities. Boat launching will cost $7. Some parks will have an additional popular destination fee of $2 instead of the $1 charged previously.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the fee increase. The last increase was in 2003.

Rich Landers

CONSERVATION

Big Rock deal still pending

Conservationists are still dealing with contract details before they can close the purchase of Big Rock as an addition to the Dishman Hills Natural Area.

Money has been raised to pay the loan. New donations will be used for trails and other enhancements. Info: Mike Hamilton, 587-0584.

Rich Landers