Field reports: Fertilizing stalled at Dworshak

FISHNG – Work by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Idaho Fish and Game to add nutrients to Dworshak Reservoir has been stalled while the agencies secure permits from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Corps and IFG officials said they hope the experimental fertilization project will boost the growth of phytoplankton in the reservoir so kokanee, a prized sport fish, will grow larger.

But in May, Ron Hanes of Orofino filed notice of intent to sue the agencies, saying they didn’t have the proper permits and that the nutrients were boosting the growth of toxic blue-green algae.

The EPA informed the other two agencies they need a permit to put nitrogen in the reservoir.

“The reason we are stopping now is because EPA recently said, ‘Hey, you do need a permit after all,’ ” said Corps spokesman Bruce Henrickson.

Obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit could take as long as a year, Henrickson said.

Joe DuPont, IFG regional fish manager, said the agencies could be forced to use less data than they’d hoped when they decide whether to continue the four-year-old program long-term.

Lewiston Tribune

Tetons rescue cost $50,000

PARKS – Grand Teton National Park spent about $50,000 rescuing 16 injured climbers and recovering the body of another after a violent late-July thunderstorm on Grand Teton mountain.

Park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said the costs included two helicopters, staff time and other expenses.

Three parties climbing above 13,000 feet called for help when a thunder storm pounded the peak with lightning July 21.

Brandon Oldenkamp, 21, of Iowa, fell to his death during the storm.

Associated Press

Hunters analyze whitetail proposal

HUNTING – Series of stakeholder meetings wound up this week as representatives from eight sportsmen’s groups discussed a proposal for a four-point antler restriction in portions of northeastern Washington.

The Stevens County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee petitioned the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to enact the restriction for hunting whitetail bucks in units 117 ad 121.

The commission turned down the proposal but asked state biologists to look into the merits of the proposal, said Kevin Robinette, Fish and Wildlife Department regional wildlife manager.

The stakeholder groups are likely to make a recommendation, which will be presented along with other deer hunting issues at public meetings to be scheduled in late August or September.

Rich Landers

State offices closed on Friday

OUT OF OFFICE – Washington Fish and Wildlife offices, and those of most other state agencies, will be closed Friday for the second of 10 statewide, unpaid, employee furlough days to ease the state’s budget woes.

Wildlife enforcement will still be on patrol.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will proceed as scheduled Thursday-Saturday in Olympia.

The next layoff dates are Sept. 7 and Oct. 11.

Rich Landers