Ski trail will shift a bit Nordic skiers using the Methow Trails system next winter will find a slight alteration in the area near Kelly’s restaurant on Highway 20. A homeowner who had granted a 350-foot easement for the trail has requested a release from that agreement, Methow Trails Executive Director James DeSalvo said this […]
Washington Department of Fish & WIldlife
Community volunteers sought for WDFW noxious weed survey
By Laurelle Walsh The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites community members to participate in a survey of noxious weeds on WDFW wildlife areas affected by the Carlton Complex Fire. Members of the Mule Deer Foundation and other interested volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday (Aug. 1) for an orientation which […]
Warm waters may lead to fishing restrictions in local streams, rivers
With water temperatures in Methow Valley streams and rivers warming to levels that are harmful for fish, local biologists are monitoring conditions to determine if restrictions on fishing may be needed.
“We’ve narrowly avoided implementing a hoot-owl fishery,” said Ryan Fortier, district fisheries biologist for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in Okanogan County.
State grants a big boost to Methow Valley recreation and conservation projects
Twisp, ranger district are big benefitors of the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board grants Several Okanogan County projects and programs, including two in Twisp and several in the Methow Valley Ranger District, have been awarded grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, it was announced this week. The Town of Twisp […]
Cinder getting comfortable in the wild after her release
Famous bear takes a tour of her new habitat By Ann McCreary Cinder the bear has been exploring her new home in the wild, and biologists are able to follow her travels via the GPS radio collar placed on her before she was released in early June. The bear’s paws, which were badly burned in […]
Lots of public support for return of grizzly bears to N. Cascades ecosystem
Public comments favoring restoration of grizzly bears in the North Cascades ecosystem outnumbered those opposing the idea by more than five to one, according to a report released Friday (June 12).
The report analyzes public comments received during the first phase of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for grizzly bear restoration being conducted by the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Fish …
Sports briefs: June 17, 2015
Help needed at rink Volunteer workers of all skill levels are needed to help out with the construction project at the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink that will add refrigeration equipment and other amenities. Donated materials are also needed. For information, call 996-4199 or visit www.winthropicerink.com. Big trout for Dad Fish hatchery crews with the […]
Run to freedom
As specially trained dogs barked ferociously, Cinder the bear peered for a moment around the edge of the open cage door. Then she bounded down a ramp and raced away from the dogs and a crowd of people who watched the bear’s release into the wild. After spending the last 10 months recovering from severe burns to her paws, Cinder was able to run hard and …
A wild ride
Retiring wildlife officer Cal Treser reflects on his 36-year career By Ann McCreary Driving up a mountain road on his way to release a problem black bear on a recent Sunday afternoon, Cal Treser said his 36-year career as a state fish and wildlife police officer was coming to a close on a good note. […]
An un-bearable situation
A young black bear was trapped in a cage, darted with an immobilizing drug, fitted with a yellow plastic ear tag, transported up a rough mountain road, and shot at with loud cracker shells and paint balls after …
