Updated backcountry map available for outdoor buffs
OLYMPIA — Three updated public lands maps — including the Hood River quadrangle covering portions of Skamania and Klickitat counties — are available from the state Department of Printing.
Single copies cost $9, plus sales tax.
The maps detail the boundaries, trails, access points and other information about public lands. They are popular with hunters, hikers and others who use public lands for recreation.
The full-color maps are 26 inches by 37 inches with a scale of 1 inch equaling 1.6 miles. They cover about 1,600 square miles.
Outdoor buffs can use the maps to locate public lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, state parks commission, federal and other public agencies.
The maps can be ordered online through the www.dnr.wa.gov website or bought between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Department of Printing 7580 New Market St. S.W., Tumwater.
State wildlife agency seeks photographs of hunting camps
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for photographs of hunting camps for the cover of the 2014 big-game pamphlet.
Submissions are due by March 1. Photos should not include items that could appear to endorse specific companies or problems, such as logos or labels on sporting goods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The link to send the photos is http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/sharephotos/contest.html.
State grants offered for volunteer projects to help fish, wildlife
OLYMPIA — Grant applications for volunteer projects benefitting fish and wildlife are being accepted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The agency expects about $258,000 will be available for the grants, financed through the Aquatic Land Enhancement Account beginning July 1.
Five major types of projects are financed including habitat restoration, scientific research, public education, facility development and artificial fish production.
Eligible applicants are citizens, non-profit organizations such as schools, tribes, and political subdivisions such as conservation districts. State and federal agencies are not eligible.
Funds are provided on a cost-reimbursement basis and may not be used for salaries, wages, stipends or benefits.
For more information, go online to http://wdfw.wa.gov/grants/alea/index.html.
Mount Hood ski areas open, but could use additional snow
Mount Hood Meadows has shifted to daily operations.
Resort officials report 24 inches of snow and are operating Easy Rider, Buttercup, Ballroom Carpet, Cascade, Shooting Star Express and Mount Hood Express chairlifts. Tickets prices are reduced to $59 for adults and $39 for juniors until the upper slopes are available.
Timberline Lodge also is operating daily.
Timberline has a 27-inch base. It is operating Bruno’s and Pucci chairlifts plus Magic Mile with limited trails. Palmer is closed today.
Mount Hood Skibowl has 6 to 8 inches of snow. The chairlifts are not operating yet, but the tubing and adventure park are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
