Outdoors notebook: New chairlift among Mission Ridge upgrades
Mission Ridge Ski Area near Wenatchee will spend this summer making upgrades, including eliminating an archaic chairlift.
A detachable quad lift purchased from Winter Park Resort in Colorado will replace Mission Ridge's Chair 2, a fixed-grip double that was installed in 1966.
"We're installing a high-speed quad earlier than expected," said Mission Ridge owner Larry Scrivanich. "After such a tough season, we committed to expanding our snowmaking and moved the lift replacement back a couple of years.
"But this lift became available, and its length and vertical rise were a perfect fit to replace Chair 2."
Installing the high-speed quad at Mission Ridge will nearly double the capacity and cut in half the ride time of the old chairlift.
Chair 2 serves a huge portion of terrain, including the main groomed cruiser trails, terrain park and many backcountry bowls and chutes.
Mission will also start the first phase of its snowmaking expansion, supplying man-made snow to 36 new acres of ground between the resort's summit and its base, and building an 18 million-gallon reservoir.
The snowmaking expansion and the replacement of Chair 2 were part of the resort's 2003 Master Development Plan and will entail investments of more than $2.5 million.
"We're planning to have the lift operational for the coming winter, but the timeline is tight and we'll need some luck to have all the pieces fall in place," Scrivanich said.
Perfect gifts for fishing dads
Two books with connections to fathers and fishing are ideal Father's Day gifts.
"Fishing With My Father," edited by Peter Kaminsky, is a collection of stories, poems and memoirs that explores fatherhood and fishing, and how fishing bonds loved ones.
The book, which costs $9.95, features pieces from famous outdoor writers such as Norman Maclean ("A River Runs Through It"), William G. Tapply, Thomas McGuane, Jack Hemingway and Howell Raines.
One story with local ties is a piece titled "My Old Man and the Puget Sound," by Loren Webster. Webster writes about his most vivid memories of his father, which are directly linked to salmon fishing in Puget Sound.
"Fishing With Dad: Lessons of Love and Lure from Father to Son," by Michael Rosen, is a must-have for all fathers with young children. The book explores the bond of father and son, which is then passed down to the grandson.
The book, which costs $9.95, recalls emotional moments and memories, including relaxing Sundays spent in the great outdoors with a father. Young readers can relate to the awe and excitement of the boy narrator waiting for a fish to bite.
Notes
• The Snake River from the Texas Rapids boat launch to the Corps of Engineers boat launch, about a mile upstream of Little Goose Dam, has opened for chinook fishing through June 30. Daily limit is on hatchery-marked chinook with a minimum size of 12 inches. All steelhead and wild chinook must be released. Only single-point barbless hooks no larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank) are allowed.
• The Puget Sound Anglers Eastside Chapter meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E. Chapter members will discuss fishing for summer in local rivers and coho in Central Puget Sound and Elliott Bay. Details: 425-883-6405.
• The Ruffed Grouse Society State Chapter banquet is 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the College Club of Seattle, 505 Madison St. Cost is $55 per person, $85 for two, and $25 for youth. Details: 206-232-0603 or 206-667-8211.
• The Northshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting a free kids fishing pond event 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday at Biringer Farm in Marysville. It's open to all kids under age 15 accompanied by an adult.
• A nature writing class is being offered 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Cedar River Watershed near North Bend. Participants will write their observations into a short essay and learn where to send it for possible publication. The class is being hosted by Nicholas O'Connell, founder of The Writer's Workshop. Cost is $85. Details: 206-233-1515 or www.cedarriver.org.
• The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Services are studying a new state law that would allow some use of forest roads by recreational riders of unlicensed "quad-runner" off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and trail bikes to see where such vehicles might be appropriate.
Use of unlicensed motor vehicles will only be allowed on roads that are signed as open for that use. Local ranger district offices will have information on local opportunities after the new law takes effect July 1. The law will require helmets to be worn by users and sets age limits for operators. Details: 509-664-9319, 509-997-9738, www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee or www.fs.fed.us/r6/okanogan.
• The International Symposium on the Management and Biology of Dogfish Sharks is June 13-15 at University of Washington School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Building, 1122 N.E. Boat St. in Seattle.
Symposium organizers are Greg Bargmann, state Fish and Wildlife; Vincent Gallucci, University of Washington Fisheries and Aquatics Sciences; and Gordon Sandy McFarlane, Canadian Department of Fish and Oceans.
Cost is $250. Details: www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/dogfish_conference/index.htm.
• The state Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet 9 a.m. June 17 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1507 N. First St., in Yakima.
Topics include drought preparations, cougar management and hunter access programs.
The commission is also scheduled to take action on several land transactions and consider a proposal to raise the maximum buyback price for a commercial sea-cucumber license.
Acquisitions under consideration range from eight acres of prime waterfowl and salmon habitat in Whatcom County to a 1,705-acre addition to the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area in Asotin County.
The commission will also consider a recommendation to raise the maximum buyback price for a commercial sea-cucumber license from $8,000 to $12,000.
With record-low stream flows occurring across the state, members of state Fish and Wildlife's drought response team will brief commissioners on the department's plans to protect fish and wildlife as the drought continues to deepen.
State Fish and Wildlife staff will brief the commission on a pilot cougar hunt in northeast Washington and on the status of efforts to expand general hunting opportunities on private lands.
Other topics include:
The selection of a new service provider for WDFW's electronic licensing system.
Procedures in effect since 2001 for issuing special trapping permits.
The results of "damage hunts" to reduce property damage caused by deer and elk.
Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, created in 1990 to involve citizen volunteers in salmon recovery and enhancement efforts.
Volunteer projects supported by the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account.
• Anglers will now be required to release all white sturgeon caught in the Columbia River between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam.
"Fishing picked up in the past few weeks, particularly in the Bonneville Reservoir," said Dennis Gilliland, a state Fish and Wildlife biologist. "That moved the fishery toward the guideline faster than expected."
Anglers can still fish for white sturgeon between the two dams on a catch-and-release basis, and will be allowed to retain one white sturgeon daily between The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam.
"The area upstream from The Dalles Dam has its own harvest guideline," Gilliland said. "Fishing has been improving there, too, and should remain open to retention through late June."
Under current regulations, the minimum size limit for retaining white sturgeon caught between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam is 42 inches, with a maximum size limit of 60 inches.
Above The Dalles Dam, retention of white sturgeon is limited to fish measuring at least 48 inches but no more than 60 inches in length.
• In honor of the native banana slug, Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Pierce County, is celebrating Slug Fest 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 25-26.
Events include human slug races, games, slug hunts, slug stories and taste tests. Master gardeners will also be on hand to give some tips on how to safely discourage slugs in the garden.
Cost is $9.50 for adults; $9.25 for seniors; $7 for youth age 5-17; $5 for tots age 3-4; and free for those under age 3. Details: 360-832-6117 or www.nwtrek.org.
• The Tacoma Nature Center is offering a free program titled "Nature Story Time" 10:30 a.m.-noon June 27. Cost is $6, open to adults and children. Details: 253-591-6439.
• The Washington Trails Association's TrailsFest is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 16 at Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend.
The event features many outdoor activities, including introductory lessons in canoeing and kayaking, hiking a small mountain, and learn to identify native plants and birds.
Attend a workshop on backpacking or mountain weather, and get advice from a forest ranger on where to go camping or hiking.
Various outdoors organizations, public agencies and outdoor companies will have booths set up during the event.
The event is free, though some programs have a modest fee. Details: 206-625-1367 or www.wta.org.
• The Summer Kite Festival is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25-26 at the D-River Wayside in Lincoln City, Ore. Activities include kite flying demonstrations, kids parade and competitions.
Lincoln City is also hosting the World Sport Kite Championships on June 21-24. Details: 800-452-2151 or www.oregoncoast.org or www.worldsportkite.com.
• Bats Northwest is offering free night bat walks and talks 8:45 a.m. on June 22; 8:30 p.m. on July 10 and July 22; 8 p.m. on Aug. 10; and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Green Lake Bathouse. Take a short walk to place regularly patrolled by a resident colony of big brown bats. Details: 206-300-8172 or www.batsnorthwest.org.
• The East Lake Washington Audubon Society is hosting a field trip 6 a.m. June 25 to Devil's Gulch near Cashmere. The area host an array of more than 100 bird species. Cost is $12. Children over age 8 are welcome. Details: 425-402-1833 or www.elwas.org.
• The Seattle Audubon Society is hosting a field trip 10 a.m.-noon June 18 to view the Black River Great Blue Heron Colony near the intersection of S.W. 7th and Oaksdale S.W. in Renton. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Reservations aren't required for this field trip. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.
• The Lynnwood Parks Department is offering a whitewater rafting trip 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 26 on the Wenatchee River. Open for ages 10 to adult. Beginners are welcome. Cost is $59 for Lynnwood residents, and $64 for non-residents. Neoprene wetsuit and booties are $15 additional fee paid on day of trip. Details: 425-771-4030.
• As the boating season kicks into high gear, boaters are asked to remember some basic guidelines to follow on maintenance that can help prevent oil spills caused by cracking fuel lines, hull leaks and other mechanical failures.
Here are some preventative measures to follow:
1. Tune up the boat motor, check for oil and fuel leaks, and fix them before launching the boat.
2. If the boat's engine uses coolant, drain the existing fluid, recycle it and replace it — taking care not to spill any in the water or on the ground in the process.
3. Carefully replace the engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. Use the oil recycling center to get rid of used oil and old boat batteries.
4. Inspect all cockpit drain plugs and make sure the holes are clear. If the boat is left in the water, cover it so rain or overspray from other boats can't flood into the bilge area and sink the boat.
5. Put a clean absorbent pad in the bilge-pump area, since many boats have a bilge pump that is activated by an automatic float switch to prevent them from sinking.
6. Check the weather forecast before heading out to make sure you and your boat can handle the anticipated conditions.
Report spills by calling 800-OILS-911 or U.S. Coast Guard at 800-424-8802 or www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/spills.
• Criminals are taking their drug labs outdoors, and campers, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts are asked to keep an eye out for suspicious products left over from meth labs.
Meth cooks often dump their illegal drug making materials in local, state, national parks and campgrounds to avoid criminal prosecution.
Be on the lookout for propane tanks or other pressurized cylinders, strong ammonia odors, starter-fluid spray cans, shredded lithium batteries, Red Devil Lye (drain cleaner), muriatic or hydrochloric acid, empty cold-medicine packages or containers, plastic tubing, glass jars, funnels, coffee filters, hypodermic needles and containers of acetone, toluene and Coleman fuel.
The used propane tanks are usually corroded and have faulty valves and tubing that have potential to emit ammonia or hydrogen-chloride gas that can get into eyes and lungs.
Other materials used in meth labs are fire extinguishers, scuba tanks, soda dispensers and all types of pressurized cylinders.
Already hundreds of drug labs and dumping areas have been reported this year, and they seem to increase during spring and summer time.
The drug materials are toxic and can present a fire risk problem in forested areas.
Those who encounter such activity and materials should contact the local enforcement immediately. Details: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/response/responsetable.htm.
• The Washington Butterfly Association is hosting a trip June 21 to the Tahuya Peninsula near Belfair State Park in Mason County, and June 25 to Entiat Canyon north of Wenatchee. Children are welcome on the field trips. Cost is $5,plus carpooling expenses. Details: www.naba.org/chapters/nabaws/ or 206-633-2313.
• The height of the summer outdoor season is upon us, and state Fish and Wildlife would like to remind folks of guidelines to follow when trekking outdoors.
State Fish and Wildlife manages more than 600 public access sites across Washington, and parking at these wildlife areas and water access sites require a $10 permit available at recreational license dealers or on the Internet at www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/.
Visitors to the forests of Washington should avoid approaching or rescuing animals that may seem to be alone. For tips on wildlife viewing go to wdfw.wa.gov/viewing/ethics.
When boating remember that a personal flotation device (PFD) is required for everyone on board. Children under age 12 must wear a PFD while on a boat under 19 feet in length. Details: www.boatwashington.org/.
• The DevineRIDE mountain-bike camps are two-day weekend camps held during this summer at Red Mountain Resort's Bikepark in Rossland, British Columbia.
There will be women only and co-ed camps for bikers age 13 and older. The camps focus on skills instruction, lift-access rides or ride/shuttle access, and technical seminars. There are trails for all abilities and a skill-development area.
Women only camps are June 24-25, Aug. 5-7 and Sept. 16-18, and the co-ed camp is July 15-17. Cost is $165 (U.S. currency) plus tax without lift tickets, and $293 with lift tickets. Details: 877-969-7669 or www.kirstyexner.com or www.devineride.com.
• Photographers are invited to participate in the Discovery Park photo contest through June 30. All photos for the contest must be taken at Discovery Park, which is Seattle's largest park with more than 535 acres of forest, beach and meadow habitats.
Winning photographs will be published in a limited-run (1,000) full color calendar and will include a biographical statement by each photographer.
Artists may submit up to three photos, and a $10 non-refundable entry fee must accompany each form. Checks may be made out to the Discovery Park Advisory Council. Review will be by slide, digital image or print. Digital images should be approximately 8.5x11 at 300 dpi in TIF format. Images may be mailed or dropped off at the Discovery Park Advisory Council, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle, WA. 98199. Applications and official guidelines can be found at www.discoverypark.org.
The contest will be judged by three professional photographers and teachers in the area, including a Bellevue Community College photography instructor.
Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be used for environmental education programming at the park. Details: 206-733-9434.
• The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is accepting application for their summer adventure salmon day and overnight camps for youth in grades 4-9. Day Camps are June 20-23 and July 5-8, and overnight camps are July 19-22 and Aug. 16-19.
Campers will make discoveries in the nearshore and terrestrial environment through animal tracking, macroinvertebrate investigations, snorkeling, kayaking (not offered in day camp), bat tracking, adaptation detection and role play. Campers will create art projects, visit and learn from tribal neighbors in Hood Canal. Details: 360-275-3575 or www.hcseg.com.
• The Whistler-Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia has opened its Whistler Mountain Bike Park, which offers a wide variety of trails for all skill levels. The park is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
New this year is a another lift-accessed park at the base of Blackcomb "The Magic Park," specifically designed for beginners and families. Also new this year and accessible the Garbanzo chair is the 2,200 vertical foot, 8-kilometer long Freight Train trail, and the Kona Jump Farm will be introduced this summer as the world's first lift-accessed dirt jump facility.
• Friends of Seattle's Olmstead Parks has created a new bicycle map that are geared toward recreational riders, and cover four quadrants of the city.
The maps list mileage, bathrooms, parking and food locations. They also describe historic and modern points of interest. The maps are available on the Web site at www.seattleolmsted.org.
• Olympic Park Institute is offering 30 weekend workshops this summer and fall that include fly-fishing, day field trips, guided family camping and Northwest native art in Olympic National Park.
Expert fly fishing instructor Ron Link will lead an all-inclusive weekend of trout catch-and-release practice and technique in "Fly Fishing on Lake Crescent: It's All About the Fish." Tuition includes weekend gear, meals and lodging on July 29-31 or Aug 19-21.
"Fourth of July Long-Weekend Family Camp" is July 2-5. Families will be offered guided hikes and canoeing on Lake Crescent, arts and crafts, or relaxing lakeside on the lodge porch.
Explore Northwest coastal design elements and technique with the aid of expert craftsman David Franklin during "Native American Formline Drawing and Painting" is Aug. 5-7.
Details: 800-775-3720 or www.OlympicParkInstitute.org.
• Fishers and hunters purchasing their 2005-06 licenses are encouraged to help support youth outdoor education. Individuals can donate any amount of money, which goes directly to the Washington Wildlife Coalition, a consortium of outdoor recreation groups that sponsor youth-focused outdoor recreation events in Washington.
The youth events take place as part of the state Fish and Wildlife's "Go Play Outside" program aimed at bringing youngsters outside to learn how to fish, hunt and enjoy nature. Details: www.wdfw.wa.gov/gpo/index.htm.
• The Hike-A-Thon, a benefit for the Washington Trails Association, is a fun and healthy way to support hiking trails this spring and summer.
Participants collect pledges then log their miles hiked in August. The funds raised support trail maintenance and protection efforts. There is no fee to register. Details: 206-625-1367 or www.wta.org.
• The North Cascades Institute catalog features 40 pages of natural history seminars, summer youth adventures and an all new Family Getaways. The institute is a provider of field-based environmental education, focusing on natural and cultural history. Details: www.ncascades.org or 360-856-5700.
• The Emerald Sea Dive Club offers year-round activities, including the big buddy program, and weekly and monthly dives. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Alfy's Pizza, 4820 196th S.W. in Lynnwood. Details: 425-775-2410 or www.emeraldseadiveclub.org.
• Alki Kayak Tours has begun operating out of the Seacrest Boathouse at 1660 Harbor Ave. SW in West Seattle. The company provides sea kayak tours focusing on the natural and human history of Puget Sound. Owners Greg and Kara Whittaker, both expert kayakers and naturalists, will offer two basic tours for all skill levels: the Alki Lighthouse Paddle, which is $39 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and sunset paddles for $25 that launch two hours before sunset. Overnight trips to Blake Island and two-hour introduction to sea kayaking classes are planned for this summer. The tours will be in a new fleet of Northwest Kayaks. Details: 206-953-0237 or www.kayakalki.com.
• King County Beach Naturalist volunteer tour guides will be on duty now through July on low tide weekends at seven local beaches.
They'll provide fun and useful information about the delicate sea creatures and plant life left unprotected during low tides. Low tides bring marine life to beaches and provide rare opportunities for the curious to learn more about the animals and plants.
Here are some etiquette tips to use when beachcombing:
1. Walk carefully. Watch where you are stepping and avoid eelgrass beds, which are near shore nurseries for many animals.
2. Leave dogs home. Dogs are not allowed on most Seattle beaches.
3. Leave it at the beach. Don't take away rocks, shells, seaweed, logs and other beach items that are food and shelter for many critters.
4. Let it be. Don't pull on animals like anemones and barnacles that are tightly attached to rocks or pilings. Also, if you move rocks to look underneath, gently put them back the way they were. Rocks protect critters that live under and on top of them. Also, fill in any holes you or others dig to protect the critters that live buried in the damp sand and need cover.
5. Remove trash. Remove the trash you bring and the trash you find, especially fishing line and plastic six-pack holders.
Look for Beach Naturalists at Richmond Beach, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, South Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, Seahurst Park in Burien and Des Moines Beach Park on the following weekends:
June 11, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; June 12 and 26, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; June 25, noon- 4 p.m.; July 3, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; July 9, noon-3 p.m.; July 10, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; July 23, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; and July 24, noon-3:30 p.m. Details: 206-296-8359 or 800-325-6165.
• The Seattle Audubon Society offers field trips and classes every month. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.
• Northend Bassmasters is accepting new members who want to learn more about bass fishing. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Creek Cafe, 22620 Bothell-Everett Highway (Canyon Park) in Bothell. Details: 206-789-4259 or e-mail Gary Millard at glmillard@comcast.net.
Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com