Lee Adams Tour coming
The Lee Adams Tour of the Methow, a non-timed, non-competitive Nordic ski through some of the major parts of the Methow Trails system, is scheduled for Feb. 19. The tour includes lunch in Mazama and shuttle buses to help with logistics.
The full tour course goes from the Cub Creek trailhead over Rendezvous Pass and down to Mazama (30 kilometers), then around the Early Winters part of the system and back to Mazama (20K), and finally from Mazama to Winthrop (30K). Most participants choose to do only a portion of the full 80K, and you can do whichever portions you like, starting at Cub Creek, Mazama, Winthrop or trailheads in between. Buses will take skiers from Mazama to Winthrop and from Winthrop to Cub Creek. Another bus will take skiers from Winthrop to Mazama.
Registration deadline is Feb. 15. Cost is $20 for members of Methow Valley Nordic or Methow Trails; $30 for non-members. Kids 17 and under ski for free. All skiers must have valid trail passes. For information, email info@mvnsef.org, or visit www.skireg.com/lee-adams-tour-of-the-methow or https://methowvalleynordic.com/events/tour-of-the-methow.
Get ready for Doggie Dash
Yes, some skiing and running are involved, but it’s all about the costumes at the annual Methow Trails Doggie Dash, scheduled for Feb. 20. Human-dog teams compete in short heats to go for the glory of the coveted Golden Poodle award. As the Methow Trails website notes: “Humans must ski. Dogs must run. Dogs must be on a leash. Both must be in costume. It’s that simple.”
Participation is by donation. Go to https://methowvalleynews.com/2020/02/19/doggie-dash for information about pre-registration; you may also register on the morning of the event between 9 and 9:30 a.m. The costume parade is at 10 a.m.; heats begin at 10:10 a.m. The race location is likely to be at the Spring Creek Ranch trailhead, but may possibly be at the new Methow Trails headquarters. Check the Methow Trails website for updates. Email events@methowtrails.org for information.
Comment on black bear permitting
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to submit written comments through March 12 on a proposed spring black bear special permit rule change.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted a petition last month to initiate rule-making for a spring black bear special permit season in 2022. The proposed rule would establish spring black bear special hunting permits for a shortened 2022 season, beginning May 1 and ending June 15. The amendment also proposes modifications to the harvest and inspection procedures and makes it unlawful to kill a cub or a female with cubs.
To review the proposal online and comment, go to https://publicinput.com/SpringBearPetition102. Submit written comments to WDFW Wildlife Program, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will also host a public hearing for the proposed rule at its March 11 meeting, with a decision scheduled for March 18.
Snowshoe with Eric
Methow At Home hosts a free snowshoe tour of the Mazama area with Eric Burr on Feb. 17 starting at 9 a.m. from the Mazama Store. Register at methowathome.org.
