Proposed winter closure
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is soliciting input on a proposal to close two-thirds of the Methow Wildlife Area in the winter to protect mule deer. Some of the wildlife units, from the Rendezvous to Carlton, would be closed from Dec. 15 through April 15.
WDFW has an online survey to help guide decision-making, and is holding a workshop on Wednesday (Sept. 13) to provide more details about the proposal. The workshop is from 6-8 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn. The online survey is at https://publicinput.com/j8587.
People can also provide input to WDFW by emailing methowWA@dfw.wa.gov. Comments and the survey are due by Oct. 15.
Pasayten reopens for high hunt
With greatly reduced fire activity from the Crater Creek Fire in the eastern Pasayten Wilderness, forest officials have reopened the area to the public, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said. The fire had forced closure of the area around Horseshoe Basin.
Fire officials flew over the area last week and didn’t see any smoke. Still, while cooler temperatures and precipitation have led to greatly reduced fire activity, those who use the forest need to be aware of residual hazards. The fire has not been declared “out,” so while the risk of additional fire spread is not likely, it is still a possibility, WDFW said.
The high hunt runs from Sept. 15 through 25.
Trails Collaborative meets
The Methow Valley Trails Collaborative is holding its bi-monthly public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 9-11 a.m. at the Winthrop library community room. This event is a forum between trail users, land managers and advocacy groups to discuss trail-related issues and build consensus. All are welcome.
Rodeo results
Here are results from the Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo.
• Saturday ranch saddle bronc, Kody Lovgren 80; Steve Maupin 76; Jesse Ginter 73; Brad Hanson 68. Sunday, Ryan Anderson 84; Kody Lovgren 78; Brad Hanson 76; Jesse Ginter 71. Lovgren was high point winner of the buckle with 158 points. Hanson had 146 points and Ginter 144 points.
• Bull riding, Dalton Davis, 79 on Sunday so he was the buckle winner. Anthony Bonifer scored 30 on Saturday.
• Barrel racing, Saturday, Laney Purcell 20.22; Camri Peterson 20.97; Melissa Stevie 21.31; Cheyenne Hammer 20.32. Sunday, Jess Sulgrove 19.75; Laney Purcell 20.06; Lindsey Smyth 20.69; Camri Peterson 20.75; Cheyenne Hammer 21.13. Purcell was the winner of the belt buckle with a combined time of 40.28. Peterson finished at 41.72; Hammer at 42.45; and Stevie at 42.81.
